Factors to consider when investing in a second home
In previous years, investors preferred pension funds over any other type of investment as the most proper way to secure their retirement plan. Today, an increasing number of investors choose property investing as a means of capital growth and financial stability. Real estate industry offers great opportunities for long-term investment, for the most part, as a result of growing demand for properties, tax benefits, and cut down on interest rates. The benefits are so appealing that many people choose to invest in a second property, although they already own a home. However, to take full advantage of property investing, there are several factors that need to be considered.
Checking affordability
The most important factor when considering investing in a second property is if one can afford it. Some people buy a second home with the aim to rent it and collect additional income. However, although this practice will bring extra money in the household, it will also bring additional taxes as rental income is taxable. Therefore, the first thing to do is to calculate the financial and tax implications on the household budget.
For those who buy a second property as a vacation home, they need to calculate if the cost of buying the property covers the traveling expenses (gas, bus, or air tickets), the maintenance costs, the food expenses and any tax implications involved.
For people who buy a second home purely for investment purposes, the major consideration is the capital appreciation over the years. Investing in a second property located on a prime location is important whether the property will be rent or leased in the future. A real estate professional should provide helpful advice as to whether the location of the property is expected to appreciate on a long-term horizon, thus appreciating the rental value of the property.
In any case, real estate experts suggest that a home is considered affordable if it costs less than five times the buyer’s annual income. Potential buyers should not compromise for low cost homes because typically these properties do not comply with the fundamental rules of property quality and safety.
Making additional income to reduce EMI
Many people choose to invest in a second property when the real estate market is in an uptrend. In doing so, they collect an additional rental income for the second property, which they can use towards their EMI repayments. EMI stands for equated monthly installment and it is the principal amount that a home owner has to pay plus any interests. Therefore, homeowners, who already own a property and pay a home loan for it, may meet a portion of their EMI repayments by investing in a second property. However, they have to be sure that they can cover EMI for both home loans.
Easiness on getting a home loan
In previous years, banks were not giving home loans with the easiness they do today. Today, potential home buyers are given the possibility of getting a home loan in no time with low interest rates, short processing time, and zero or marginal processing fees. The eligibility of the applicant is decided based on income level, credit history, education, age, and repayment track record. Today, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate (as of 10/13/09) is 4.99, while the 15-year fixed (as of 10/13/09) is 4.63. Also, the loan rates are around 12 percent reduced by 29.4 percent from 17 percent that they were a couple of months ago. However, what prospect homeowners should pay attention to is the upfront costs that will be higher because banks currently refinance up to 75 percent of the second property instead of 90 percent of the first property.
Tax benefits
According to income tax rules, first property is considered as the main residence, while the second property is considered for rental or leased purposes even if this is not the case. Besides, under Section 80 C, principal and interest payments made towards the second property are deductible from the taxable income. Besides, 30 percent deduction from rental income is allowed for maintenance expenses. However, because rental income is taxable, prospect homeowners should have clearly calculated the tax implications before investing in a second property.
Written by Christina Pomoni
Investment Advisor – Freelancer Writer
Caribbean Investment Property – what to consider.
If you are considering buying Caribbean investment propertybut are undecided whether this is the best time or the way in which you should approach this process, then this article may help you come up with a clearer picture.
For anybody who is considering buying property in a foreign country, it is essential to research the laws on foreigners buying property. Each nation has it’s own legislation on this matter. It is not advised to buy a property without first visiting the country, looking around at the different areas and then to see the property itself.
In contrast to buying your own house for you to reside in, which is often undertaken using emotive responses more than practical thinking, any property or apartment purchased as part of a portfolio must take into account the financial result.
The very first thing you need to do is to get clear in one’s mind on this issue. This is a situation that is being entered into to keep the money that you have got, and to add to it. This is not so much about what the house looks like or if you like the colour, it is a business arrangement.
This new property would become part of your portfolio and should be run as a business operation. That means setting up accounting straight away to ensure you cover all the commitments such as taxes, banks and loans, and to set something aside for maintenance and service issues as they arise. As you do this, begin to build sound relationships with everyone who will be involved in a professional context such as the real estate agent, the lawyer/attorney etc.
You will need to make certain the locations you are considering are in areas where there’s a consistent requirement for rental property. It’s possible you will not obtain 100 % occupancy continuously therefore you’ll want toconsider that when deciding what your rental price should be. It’s also important to examine what kind of interest properties such asyours have got within the vicinity which you decide on and what price people are paying for them.
Something that will help your rental property have good results in terms of short term rental occupancy is to select a property that is close to tourist attractions, very good beaches or another attraction such as a golf course. Short term rental occupancy usually brings higher returns than long term, and it will give you windows in which you can take a holiday at your property. Long-term rental usually provides greater stability in knowing that you will have a regular income but at a lower rate.
The Caribbean has a wide range of properties available from small apartments to large plantation houses. If you don’t already live in the Caribbean, it is advisable to find a reputable real estate agent to manage it for you.
Caribbean investment property can make a very smart buy that can give you long term return and a regular income, however, it is essential that you organise yourself to look after it in the right way right from the beginning.
Caribbean Land and Property promote and consult on real estate in 28 countries across the Caribbean region including Caribbean Investment Property.
Written by CaribbeanRealEstate
Promoting real estate in 28 different countries across the Caribbean.
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Categories: Investment Properties Tags: Caribbean, Consider, Investment, Property
Property Investment: Key Factors to Consider
Buying an investment property is an important decision and should be made in a very careful way. It is a venture where a large amount of money is involved and a miscalculation can be fatal to the investor. It is surely a promising field to invest in, in today’s economy, but the competition and legal procedures involved in it necessitates lots of research. Trying one’s hand in the market without enough knowledge is just not advisable. This article highlights some key factors that one should seriously consider when they think of property investment.
First, have your investment objectives clearly set out and precisely stated. Many people who buy investment property basically have three objectives. You may want to buy a property that you will quickly sell to make profits without having to wait for so long. Other investors buy property as a long term investment. That means, they are ready and will have to wait for a considerably long period of time before they can start reaping from the investment. The other kind of property investment is where the investor buy’s property for rental.
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Depending on your investment objective, various strategies can then be employed. It is most challenging when you want to buy property that you intend to flip quickly. Here, you need to get yourself a property in a prime location, where many buyers will be willing to buy, and that is the challenge. The fact that the property will be having many willing buyers means that it is definitely going to be expensive. You need to be very timely and in good knowledge of the property value in the area. You should then be able to get yourself the best bargains lest you end up with a property you won’t be able to sell.
Long term property investment is less challenging to buy. What the investor needs to know is the development trends so as to buy the property in a potential area. This is not very difficult to establish as developing areas can easily be identified. In long term investment, one should go for the lowest priced property as they will have to wait long before they can be able to resell the property. However, that will depend on the amount of time you are willing to wait.
Many factors need to be put to consideration when buying residential investment property. First, keep in mind that security is a priority for many people and your tenants will not be an exception. Residential property should also be easily accessible. The infrastructure should be good but not too complex. The area should have social amenities such as schools, medical facilities and shopping malls. When considering residential investment property, always remember that apartment units are easier to rent out compared to whole house units.
Despite the investment objective you may be having, the condition of the property at the time of buying should be seriously considered. You should take time to thoroughly examine the property before buying it. This will save you unnecessary costs that may arise from doing repairs. Some property may also be in such a state that they will need constant maintenance which can be quite costly.
Andrew is the author of this article on Buying Investment Property. Find more information about Residential Property Investment here.
Categories: Property Investment Tags: Consider, Factors, Investment, Property
Things to Consider for profitable Residential Property Investment
Article by Daisey Brown
Properties are one time investment which becomes our valuable fixed asset for the rest of our life. Property can be reused which can easily repay back the amount spend in purchasing it. Certain amount of risk is involved in this process but the number of advantages from residential property investment dominates the negative aspects related to it. It is essential to collect relevant property resources to make wise investment.
Proper knowledge about the different aspects of property with thorough analysis and valuation of personal property is necessary to make minimum investment and to earn better benefits out of it. Individuals can opt from different types of available property investments based on their preferences.
Advantages of Residential Property Investment
1. With certain modifications the value of the property can be increased to earn higher return on investment2. It reduces the amount of tax as the expenses related to depreciation of property and interest on borrowing are tax deductible3. It is the most convenient way to earn money without much labor which can also increase the income and saving amount4. It provides financial security for the future5. It can also control the investment amount
Ascertaining the benefits to make effective residential property investment is essential. It is better to start of with small investments. The credit history as well as the income amount should be considered on which the mortgage amount should be decided. The residential property is generally easy to rent but certain factors should be considered to be on the safe side.Things to consider before going for a residential Investment
1. Current demand of property at that particular time2. Comparing the cost of similar properties in the same location3. Repair charges related to the property has to carried out by the owner4. It is important to care on thorough property inspection before letting the property5. Carefully choose the reliable tenants by verifying their identity6. Clarify all the terms and conditions related to the property to the tenants7. Prepare all the necessary documents and retain the carefully to prove your ownershipOften we fall in the trap of deceptive situation while renting our property . It is better to be aware of the amount of risk involved in his process which are as follows-
Risk Involved in Residential Property Investment
1. It might rise the interest rate related to the property2. The property can get permanently occupied by forceful ownership3. It can yield low income with the economic instability.
Collect relevant information and spend time in taking the right decision related to property for proper financial management.
Daisey Brown is an eminent property adviser who shares her valuable opinion in various property related matters. She provides significant property guide with right property valuation through proper property analysis. She refers to visit http://www.factorproperty.com/ to get correct property guidance.
Categories: Property Investment Tags: Consider, Investment, profitable, Property, Residential, Things
Buying Overseas Property – Why You Should Consider Central Pacific Coast Costa Rica
Article by sacha tarkovsky
The central pacific coast in Costa Rica continues to be a popular choice for both buyers of overseas property, for both investment and pleasure.
Here we will give you an idea of the region and its potential for capital growth, some examples of growth achieved and why it will remain popular.
Playing it safe with overseas property
If you want an established area for buying overseas property, that offers fantastic potential returns on your investment, then this region offers you just that, without the risk of buying an up and coming region or country.
The Region
The Central Pacific is a narrow coastal strip surrounded by the jungle and the mountains of the Cordillera de Tamalmanca and spectacular beaches.
Here are just three destinations in the region that property purchases in or near, can on past performance give you a great lifestyle as well as great investment returns.
Jacó
Jacó sits to the north and has long been a major destination in terms of Costa Rican tourism it is extremely close to the capital San José making is just 30 minutes from San José, and about 7 south of the stunning wildlife reserve, Reserva Biológica Carara.
The town boasts fantastic hotels and an exciting nightlife. The town is a mix of older holiday makers and a young vibrant surfing crowd.
The famous Los Suenos Marriott Beach and Golf Resort, at Playa Herradura, offers ta 250 birth marina an 18-hole championship golf course, and stunning beachfront views.
Capital Growth potential
The Los Suenos Resort for example can show the potential of buying overseas property in the region. The hotel pre sold 50 condos of 2000 square feet for 0,000. The next year another fifty were sold at 0,000.
This years upper end units are being sold between 0,000 to 0,000 and there is a waiting list!
For another example, Investors that purchased ,000 of property in Jaco 15 years ago are now worth up to 0,000. The region remains popular and further capital gains look like being made by investors over the coming years.
Quepos
About 7 kilometers up the coast from Manuel Antonio, is the sport fishing hot-spot, Quepos and is considered one of the best destinations for sport fishing in the world and is also a magnet for surfers.
South of Quepos, the spectacular beaches of Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio present some of the country’s most breathtaking ocean views.
A silvery white sand beach, with an expansive coral reef, backed by a rain forest, the four beaches of Manuel Antonio offer travelers beach, surf and natural beauty.
You can scuba dive, fish, surf, hike, turtle-watch or simply laze around and take in the atmosphere.
Dominical
A small fishing community beside the mouth of the Río Barú is now one of Costa Rica’s major surfing destinations and is a vibrant fun place to be.
Around 5 miles north of Dominical are the Nauyaca Falls, a popular destination for travelers. The falls are composed of two cascades, plunging around 200 feet into a relaxing warm-water pool and are just two hours away.
While the Central Pacific is well known for several of its most popular beaches, this region has a host of small, secluded shores, un spoilt by the area’s buoyant tourist industry.
Capital gains and lifestyle
When buying overseas property many people look at new areas to buy, however established areas that are popular can still be very lucrative and offer high potential rewards with low risk.
Keep in mind!
Many people buying property overseas want natural beauty, but they also want comfort, entertainment and good access.
This region has all of the above, look at it more closely and consider the advantages of buying overseas property here and you may be glad you did.
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