Booming Brazilian property market ‘has obvious appeal for celebs’
The Brazilian property market has seen some high-profile investors in recent years, receiving celebrity endorsement from the likes of sports stars, models and singers.
Olympic gold-medallist Chris Hoy is the latest prominent figure to sign his name to a property in Brazil, opting for an off-plan development in the north-east of the country.
The cycling superstar, who won three gold medals in Beijing last year to add to the first Olympic title he won in Athens in 2004, has chosen a coastal property in beautiful Natal in which to relax and train during the off-season.
“Brazil is one of the world’s fastest growing emerging markets and its north-east region is undergoing a massive boom in tourism,” he said.
“For me, the investment potential is incredible,” he added.
Hoy recently revealed to the Daily Mail that he is really excited about his purchase in terms of it being both a financial asset and a holiday retreat.
“Property in Brazil is booming, so I’m keen to get in while prices are still relatively cheap. Most importantly I want to use the new home as a private winter training camp,” he said.
“Outside the competition season, it’s important to go road-riding so I hope to get to Brazil about twice a year and each time spend a week on the road. The climate is perfect for winter cycling. And I’ll get a chance to relax and go on the beach,” he continued.
Chris Hoy follows another British sporting icon in investing in Brazil, as David Beckham has also put his name to a project in the north-east of the country.
The footballer is to open the David Beckham World of Sport complex as part of a wider resort which features academies for tennis, polo and golf as well as Formula One star Rubens Barichello’s Driving Experience.
“I am honoured to be associated with this incredible project which will build world-class sporting facilities in Brazil, hopefully having a major impact at a local level and internationally,” said Beckham of the project, which is forecasted to be completed to coincide with the 2014 World Cup, when Natal will be one of the host cities.
From sports stars to models, Brazilian native Gisele Bundchen has proven that she is more than just a pretty face as owner of the Palladium Executive hotel in the south of Brazil.
British catwalk star Naomi Campbell also boasts ownership of a Brazilian property. She told her boyfriend Vladimir Doronin that she wanted to settle down in the country and he spent a reported $18.5 million (£11.2 million) on a penthouse apartment in Sao Paulo, according to the New York Post.
Singer Ricky Martin is also reported to have bought his own island for approximately $8 million, where he can live la vida loca in total seclusion off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.
Samantha Gore, sales and marketing director at Brazil real estate company uv10.com, says there are obvious attractions to the country, such as year-round sunshine.
The north-eastern region in particular has major appeal for celebrity property investors from Europe, as the flying time is relatively short compared to Miami or the Caribbean, she explains.
“Natal’s quite safe and there’s loads and loads of culture there. People are starting to discover just how fantastic it is, how friendly the people are,” Ms Gore continues.
The area is still in relative infancy in terms of its potential as a major tourist destination and the government is currently promoting Natal as a great vacation spot both for locals and foreign holidaymakers.
“When people come to Brazil they tend to fall in love with it and more and more people will be discovering it, so it’s a really good time to invest,” says Ms Gore.
In terms of its appeal to celebrities, she believes the culture is a major factor.
“Brazil has always been sexy and glamorous, with the amazing beaches and everything.
“The Brazilians simply live outdoors, if you go to a Brazilian beach, there’s not just people sunbathing, it’s like the whole society is out there – eating, drinking, dancing, playing sport – it’s so vibrant.
“It’s always had this very exotic, exciting image which I think people really enjoy. It’s a country where people live life to the full,” she concludes.
