What should you look for when purchasing property in Brazil?
Buying a property in Brazil should be the chance to fulfil a lifelong dream of living abroad or making that investment which will allow you to have a comfortable retirement.
This is why it's important to keep the practical issues in mind and make sure that the Brazilian property you're buying meets all your needs.
The good news is that Brazil is already a good location for investment, thanks to its strong economic growth and reasonable prices, and Global Property Guide named the country as one of the top places to invest in 2010.
But there is far more to take into consideration before you take the plunge. Paul Collins, editor at independent advice website BuyAssociation, advised: "Be as careful as you would in the UK and you should be ok."
Location
Location is key when buying any property, whether overseas or at home, and this goes beyond thinking about the town or city you're moving to.
Mr Collins explained: "People may end up moving somewhere that is possibly a little bit isolated, that maybe doesn't have the swift access to things like healthcare or even just local facilities, like shops and leisure facilities that they might want."
If security and safety is your main priority then a gated community could be your best option. These developments often offer new, purpose-built properties, complete with modern amenities and some added extras, like tennis courts and gyms, which will appeal to both people moving abroad and those looking for an investment.
What's more, some of the best gated developments offer a rental service, which will enable you to get the best occupancy rates on your property in Brazil. The security measures in place also mean you have the peace of mind that, while you're thousands of miles away, your property is in good hands.
Investors who like their Brazilian property to be much closer to the action may consider an apartment complex, as these are located closer to the centre of cities and towns. Apartments are also ideal for a quick resale as many locals will live in apartments. For the ultimate in luxury, and good rental returns, a beachfront property in Brazil could be the best choice.
Viewing the property
Once you've decided on a location, looking at the features of the property is the next step.
Remember, when viewing a property it will always be shown in its best light, and you should check if all fixtures and fittings seen are included. If you're looking at renting out your property in Brazil for the best possible price then people will expect the highest quality features.
When you're viewing the property, check both the interior and exterior, including pipes and drainage, and see if there are any signs of damp. Take a tape measure to check the rooms measure up with your expectations or look at the ceiling rather than the floor of the room to better gauge its size if it contains furniture.
You should also ask if there have been any problems with the electricity or heating, or if any recent claims have been made on the insurance if the property is not a new build.
The local area should be a key factor in any buying decision, so take a walk around to check if everything suits your requirements. This is particularly important in terms of noise, as while you may not notice a nearby bar in the afternoon, it could get very noisy at night. If possible, try to visit the property more than once at different times.
