Internationalization Insights

Chinese real estate developers have always had a dubious reputation in Africa – but that is now changing. After buying a handful of Chinese-built apartment units in Nairobi, Kenya, I was invited by the developer to Zhuhai, China to understand why more reputable Chinese developers are digging their heels into Africa and starting to build durable projects with high quality materials and expertise.

I meet with Untac, my favorite realtor in Cambodia. We talk about market regulations and forms of real estate ownership. Then we discuss the relevant structures foreigners can choose from when they buy real estate (nominee, company creation, property trust). Finally, we mention investment opportunities in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

I have a discussion with my agent Angelina, who specializes in buying and renovating property on the Greek Island of Lesbos. We do a case study along with two clients who used her services to buy and fully renovate an old house and turn it into a charming lifestyle and investment property with robust net yields.

I have a discussion with Chris to follow up on our earlier conversations about investing in an age of conflict. Chris explains how the current conflicts we are seeing across the globe are a predictable result of economic realities rapidly unfolding. We contemplate how we can best position our lives and our money to endure the uncomfortable circumstances and intense global power struggles that lie ahead.

I meet with Andy, who has established a learning center for children of the expat surfer community of El Zonte in El Salvador. We discuss the shifts in expat schooling needs and behavior, and why new education solutions are needed for itinerant families.

I join Luigi, my Riviera Maya real estate agent, to take a look at how expat families can live an affordable and comfortable life in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. We explore the amenities available inside gated communities as well as hospitals and schools for children. We also discuss why many Russians, Central Asians and Canadians are moving to Mexico to take advantage of weather, affordability and interesting residency/citizenship pathways.