The cloud hanging over the head of Thai group Ital-Thai's massive infrastructure development in Dawei Myanmar, which has been pulled, has created a challenge for the overseas investment sector.
While the project was announced to much fanfare, the mega project has been unable to obtain financing.
As Myanmar's economy continues to seek broad market reforms the lack of liquidity and a capital market has muted what had been hoped as a fast track to cash in on positive sentiment.
It's unclear what will become of Ital-Thai's existing concession agreement with the government.
Top Thai real estate developer Supalai is looking to take an international expansion plan to Australia next year.
According to media reports the group is working on a joint venture project in Melbourne.
This will be the second foray for the property firm abroad on the heels of a commercial office building in Manila was acquired earlier in the year.
Supalai remains a strong player in the Phuket midscale domestic housing market.
Supply and demand a the very top end of Hong Kong's real estate sector has continued to push prices skyward.
Two notable properties highlighted in the Wall Street Journal recently is a transaction in which Li Ka-shing sold two homes, with one close to US$95 million and the other close to US$70 million.
While the prices are incredibly high the location at the Peak at the 24 Barker Road development makes these irreplaceable assets.
As in ultra homes and villas everywhere, barriers to entry and strong DNA should always be at the top of every list of basics when building and developing. Location, location, location.
Part of China's economic success story has developed with the country now on the cusp of what developers hope will be a boom in the sport of snow skiing.
The country's largest operation is just 160 kilometers northwest of Beijing in Zhangjiakou. With nearly 90 runs and over 20 lifts the project investor is Genting Bhd. from Malaysia.
Another massive project is near the North Korea border in Changbaishan. Here Chinese group Wanda is betting big on the residential market and tourism as key demand generator.
Expect China's new ski boom to challenge Japan's establish industry. Meanwhile in South East Asia, the northern end of Myanmar is being touted as a possible ski development area.
Recently I picked up a Wall Street Journal which looked at property price appreciation over the past four years in 3 of the most touted real estate markets in the world.
Over the period London was up 53%, Paris 0.8% and New York 25.1% according to Knight Frank's Prime Cities Index.
What's insightful is that as in most real estate investments the adage "location location location" still remains a key driving force for success.
Leading villa and house rental website HomeAway.com has launched a new upscale villa website for top end products.
Each propery listed are signed off by editors at Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report publication.
The site has gained momentuim with over 900 properties in 40 countries already listed.
A 75 point checklist is being used to create a unique USP for listings.
To see the site <link>http://luxury.homeaway.com*CLICK</link>
The HeadStart International School in Kathu will be expanding with a 15 rai land plot purchased on Chao Fa Road West.
A fast tracked completion will set the opening of the new facility in 2015 for the start of the school year.
HeadStart was founded in 2005.
The island already hosts a number of international educational institutions which are a key demand generator for the real estate sector.
In a post GFC (global financial crisis) we have seen a stream of cash strapped countries use real estate investment as a vehicle to lure foreign investors.
The latest initiative comes from the Caribbean islands of Antiqua and Barbuda.
Under the incentive citizenship can be conveyed with a USD400, 000 property investment. Barring this, a USD250,000 donation also does the trick.
Tack onto the cost a government-processing fee of USD50, 000.
Newly minted passport holders do need to spend 35 days in country during the first 5 years of citizenship.
Welcome to the new world of passports and real estate.
Thailand is trying to keep pace with a seemingly insatiable appetite by overseas visitors to the country.
With changing demographics and emerging markets the need for new tourism attractions is viewed as a way to create sustainable growth.
The Thai government is considering tax breaks for investors, which will enhance the existing Board of Investment initiative for tourism attractions and theme parks.
Under the BoI program 100% foreign ownership is available for projects, which meet the guidelines along with fast track employment visas and tax-free importation of capital equipment and machinery
