Brazil – Backing a winner

London primary school teacher, Sean Mustoe, was sick of being told by various people he met at investment conventions that he had “just missed the next big thing” in the overseas property market or that he would have “made a fortune if only he’d got in three years earlier”, so the 42 year old from Harrow, concluded that enough was enough and he decided to do his own research.

Sean says, “I was fed up with smarmy sales reps boasting about their portfolios, I wanted to be making the money, I wanted ‘the deal’, so I got in contact with some canny real estate agents and the general consensus was that Brazil was the place to be. They all seemed to agree that the South American country offered exceptional value-for-money and had incredible investment potential. I sniffed a real deal – call it instinct, gut reaction or just plain good old fashioned researching skills.”

Sean became proactive and did some thorough research using the Internet, where he admits that it quickly became apparent to him that the North East of Brazil is where it’s at and where it’s going be. He continues, “I investigated the Brazilian economy and oil revenues, stable political structure, previous foreign investment, security and of course the stunning world class beaches. I then emailed as many agents dealing with Brazil as I could find.”

The phone started to ring with follow-up calls and Sean recalls, “I could smell the sales pitch a mile off but when I spoke to Samantha Gore, Head of Marketing and Sales at Brazil specialists uv10, thankfully she was different. She had the right blend of honesty, integrity, excellent local knowledge and a good business head. She made sense and let me make the decisions and choices. Samantha offered me a variety of options to suit my budget in the Natal area and encouraged me to look at Pipa in particular. I didn’t know too much, but after yet more internet exploring, going on You Tube and blogs for independent views, I just knew that Pipa was going to be a winner. It is an established holiday resort but still small and relatively exclusive offering many attractions and amenities.”

Sean, still determined not to be left behind, finally took the leap and invested in a two-bedroom off-plan apartment in a new boutique development called Morados dos Ventos, located just outside the centre of Pipa for £54,500. Now at still only 66k, Sean has made a sizeable profit and these apartments are still an excellent investment and incredible value- for-money.

“I have the best of both worlds there” enthuses Sean, “I am away from the hustle and bustle, yet close to three stunning beaches. And, the owners of Morados dos Ventos - Archie and Tania Galbraith, are very friendly and personable which really makes a difference. In fact I was out there over Christmas watching the footie with Archie, who hails from Scotland, and we got along like a house on fire. As well as the use of my apartment, I will have a great pool, restaurant and bar all in a secure retreat.”

As far as his investment is concerned, Sean intends to keep his property for five years and watch it grow in value. He says “I can visit Pipa for three months a year and the rest of the time it is let by Archie and Tania. which gives me a tidy little income All my friends and family want to go there now, as they have seen the photos and heard the reality that it is a beautiful place with a little something for everyone, be it a beach lover, gourmet connoisseur or night owl!”

Sean also managed to scratch another entry off his wish list, he beams “I heard and read about being able to swim with dolphins in Pipa and thought this place really is something a bit special. And on Christmas Day 2007 there I was swimming with dolphins... it was a dream come true!”

Prices at Morado dos Ventos start from just £52,000.

For more information on Brazil property investment and to find out about uv10’s latest projects visit uv10.com.