Brazil estate agent sees shift from ‘lifestyle’ to ‘investment’ purchasers
As the build-up to 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Rio Olympics gathers pace, the spotlight rests firmly on Brazil. Once the secret of a select few adventurous holiday home buyers attracted by the year-round sunshine, amazing food, deserted beaches and party atmosphere, Brazil is now topping the list for serious property investors who wish to cash in on the boom.
Samantha Gore, Sales Manager for Brazil real estate specialists uv10.com, comments, “Initially our client base was rather lifestyle-heavy, but we’re now handling more and more pure investors. They can envision the impact of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics, not to mention the burgeoning middle classes and the recent introduction of mortgages for Brazilians. We’re here to advise on the best areas to invest in at any given time and right now land values in parts of Brazil are soaring - our current tip for investment gold would be the freehold plots at Shamballa Resort.”
Some 90 minutes’ north of Natal sits the once undiscovered secret village of São Miguel do Gostoso, the setting for Shamballa Resort. This gated residential community occupying a tranquil spot just a few hundred metres from 30km of untouched sandy coastline, offers a range of amenities alongside 16 turnkey townhouses and 46 blank canvas villa plots ranging between 500m² and 900m² in area.
Samantha Gore, Sales Manager for uv10.com, continues, “With available plots starting from 54,705 Brazilian Reais – around 20,200 GBP – for a little over 500m², they represent excellent value. Buyers can opt to spread payments out until completion at the end of 2012 or receive title deeds upon settling the balance in full, with a 5% discount, and embark upon a build immediately if they wish. A decent 200m² two storey home with solarium would cost around 260,000 Reais - around 96,000 GBP all-in, land included, yet easily be worth 400,000 Reais – around 147,000 GBP – as soon as the key was turned. With several exit strategies to consider, we expect return on investment to be sizeable, particularly as São Miguel do Gostoso is widely tipped as the hottest town for the future of tourism in northeast Brazil.”
Design duo Botswana architect Paul Munnik and Brazilian architect Patrícia Lira have penned four different styles of villa in preparation for the plots or buyers can opt to style their own creation. Build costs through the developer start at 1,000 Brazilian Reais per square metre (approx. 370 GBP/m²). If the whole plot prospect feels a bit too ambitious, the luxury two storey townhouses priced from 245,700 Brazilian Reais (approx. 90,750 GBP) for almost 100m² of living space could hold greater appeal. Pay a few thousand Reais more to enjoy an ocean view solarium with sink, barbecue and rooftop Jacuzzi or ground floor pool with hardwood decking. In order to ease the wallet and give added security, townhouses can be paid for in stage payments between now and 2012 pegged against phases of construction.
Property aside Shamballa, which means ‘place of peace, tranquility and happiness’ in Sanskrit, has sports courts, social and barbecue areas, a yoga studio, children’s playground and swimming pool with swim-up bar. Whilst delivery is scheduled for end of 2012, well in time for lucrative World Cup income, the security entrance, electricity and water will be in place for 2010.
Off-site, the neighbouring 9,600-inhabitant village of São Miguel do Gostoso is within five minute’s walk and brimming with quaint bougainvillea-draped shops, bars and restaurants. Brazil’s young jet-set and international kite-surfers have recently taken the area to heart drawn by its fluffy white sands and near perfect wind conditions on the headland. Since 2009, when both internet and mobile phone access became available, São Miguel do Gostoso has started to attract visitors in their droves and in high season it is impossible to get an overnight stay without booking well in advance. Music to the ears of Shamballa investors who will have a captive rental audience and full rental management.
Prices at Shamballa start from 54,705 Brazilian Reais (approx. 20,200 GBP) for a 521.43m² plot and from 245,700 Reais (approx. 90,750 GBP) for a two bedroom townhouse.
For more information, visit uv10.com.
