Words: Anna Galbraith
If the January Blues seem to be hitting you harder than ever this year, then we sympathise. The colder weather, untenable resolutions of abstinence and swiftly-fading memories of the Christmas festivities make for a nasty new year cocktail — even for the most upbeat of gentlemen.
With this in mind, what better time could there be to invest in your own slice of sunshine — specifically somewhere that you’ll need to board a flight to reach.
We asked the real estate experts at Sotheby’s, Knight Frank and Savills to give us their insider insight on where on the globe you ought to be staking your own proprietary claim in 2019.
For culture and style: Rome
The Eternal City is famously one of the most interesting cities in the world. And, alongside its ancient archeological heritage sites, devilishly good food and unwaveringly stylish citizens — Rome consistently proves a wise place to stake your own claim.
Hugo Thistlethwayte, Head of International Residential at Savills explains, “Italy continues to attract international investment, with new developments leading the way.
This is particularly the case in Rome, which is starting to hit the radar with international buyers due to new development schemes coming to fruition. Newly built residential stock has not been seen in the Eternal city in the last decade.”
For a stylish slice of the Italian pie, take a look at these exclusive apartments in Porta Dei Leoni, Trastevere…
For an alternative city life: Valencia
After Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia is positioned as the third largest city and most populous metropolitan area in Spain, whilst also promising an average annual temperature of 18°C and 300 sunny days per year.
This makes it the perfect place to relocate if you’re looking to escape London’s weather, without compromising on its buzzing energy.
Hugo tells us, “Spain is continuing its recovery especially in Madrid and Barcelona, where transaction levels in the latter are back to pre-independence referendum levels. Investors are now looking for value and I would tip Valencia as the best alternative city to watch.”
Convinced? Take a look at this incredible penthouse in an exclusive Modernista building, which overlooks the heart of the city…
For picture-perfect landscapes: Barbados
Barbados boasts a range of investor-friendly benefits which make the purchase of real estate for non-nationals a breeze. Alongside this, With year long sunshine, average temperatures of 27 – 29°C, white sandy beaches and turquoise sea — it is the perfect setting for true escapism.
Edward de Mallet Morgan, Partner at Knight Frank within the International Super-Prime Sales Team tells us, “Barbados is the best value for buyers in a decade.
There are more real estate choices for everything from houses to apartments, as well as thriving beachfront and golf communities. There are also two markets, with the established west coast, alongside the up-and-coming, more affordable south coast.”
Looking to escape for some eternal sunshine? You could do a lot worse than this idyllic 8 bedroom villa.
For a taste of the good life: Bahamas
With the world’s largest economy only 50 miles away, and a shared time zone with Miami, New York and Toronto — the Bahamas offer the perfect balance of island life and business advantage.
Head here for the friendly culture, laid-back island lifestyle, and no income tax.
According to Edward, “the Bahamas still provides the quickest access from North America and easy access from Europe. Surrounded by some of the most beautifully coloured waters in the Caribbean, there is good choice for buyers.
Some of the most expensive sales in the Caribbean have taken place in the Bahamas in the last couple of years, but there are also deals to be done and sellers that are more keen than others if a thorough investigation is done.”
“If you are happy to buy in some of the more outlying islands, then there is even better value to be had.”
Heard enough? Now’s your chance to invest in this exquisite apartment overlooking the super-yacht marina at Albany…
For an up-and-coming hotspot: Puerto Rico
Following a devastating hurricane in 2017, Puerto Rico has had an amazing period of recovery, and redevelopment is happening at fever pitch.
According to Michael Valdes, GVP International Servicing for Sotheby’s International Realty, there can also be some serious financial advantages, “there are also tax advantage programs such as Act 20 and Act 22 which have garnered great interest from investors such as John Paulson investing over $500 million on Puerto Rico properties.”
If you’re looking to invest in a sun-soaked haven of your own, this beachfront penthouse is ready to welcome you at the Ritz Carlton Reserve, Dorado Beach…
Photo courtesy of Puerto Rico Sotheby’s International Realty
Photo courtesy of Puerto Rico Sotheby’s International Realty
Photo courtesy of Puerto Rico Sotheby’s International Realty
Photo courtesy of Puerto Rico Sotheby’s International Realty
For living like an A-Lister: Mustique
Everyone from David Bowie to Princess Margaret to Mick Jagger fell for the charms of this unfathomably chic Caribbean island.
The island still plays host to a wealth of high society and Hollywood A Listers, who love its relative privacy, and it’s not hard to see why people seem indefensible against its charm.
According to Edward, there is never really a bad time to visit, and statistics show that this area has proven the most active real estate sales market on record for 2018, with prices staying steady.
Want to make like an A Lister in paradise? This 6 bedroom villa in Saint Vincent could be just the ticket.
Looking for more incredible property? The world’s most slender skyscraper just opened on Billionaire’s Row…
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