Thomas Scott, Group Head of Real Estate at Henley & Partners
Real estate serves as a fundamental means of creating and preserving wealth, making it an excellent investment choice. Through real estate-linked investment migration, investors can obtain property along with an alternative residence or citizenship, thereby broadening their global access. Investment migration has become an essential portfolio and domicile diversification strategy for high-net-worth individuals, offering entry to top global wealth centers and allowing for asset diversification to manage risks and capitalize on opportunities.
Property as a passport to the world
The average value of luxury residential property has been rising, and while the likes of Monaco, New York, and London top the World’s Most Expensive Cities list when it comes to prime real estate, emerging markets present enticing prospects for those seeking portfolio optimization and robust returns for luxury property that is more easily accessible. Countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Costa Rica, Greece, Malta, and Spain have residence or citizenship options, offering distinctive property and lifestyle benefits that attract wealthy investors globally as in addition to their real estate asset they and their families acquire the right to live, work, study, and retire in a new country.
Beyond financial rewards, these investment destinations also facilitate expanded visa-free access to international centers of influence while promising capital appreciation, business benefits, and a higher quality of life through distinct lifestyle, education, and healthcare advantages. In an uncertain world, investing in real estate in dynamic markets can provide stability and growth potential as well as a passport to global opportunities.
Enjoy yearlong returns in the Caribbean
With its turquoise waters and lush backdrops blanketed in sunlight throughout the year, the Caribbean is an excellent choice for investing in resort and rental property.
With a tourism-based economy, the dual-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda entices investors with its 365 white-sand beaches, favorable tax policies — with no tax on worldwide income, inheritance, capital gains, or investment returns — and streamlined property acquisition processes. The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program allows investors to attain real estate in approved projects starting at USD 200,000. In exchange, they receive a property that can draw tourists in every season as well as a passport that facilitates travel to over 150 destinations without needing a visa in advance.
Meanwhile, Grenada is known for its pristine beauty and investor-friendly policies. The island has a common law legal system, a stable government, and a strong student rental market, appealing to high-net-worth individuals seeking both financial returns and a relaxed Caribbean lifestyle. For a real estate investment of at least USD 220,000 (and a non-refundable contribution of USD 50,000), the Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program enables foreign buyers to gain citizenship and visa-free travel to over 140 destinations.
The processing time for both Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada’s programs is three to four months and their passport holders enjoy visa-free access to Hong Kong (SAR China), Singapore, the UK, and Europe’s Schengen Area.
Access the Americas
If you’re looking for an investment a little further east of the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica has a business-friendly environment and vibrant cities, making it an attractive destination for second-home buyers. The Central American country is renowned for its biodiversity and commitment to sustainability, which has resulted in its status as a property hub for eco-conscious investors. With easy trade links with neighbouring Nicaragua and Panama, and its geographical proximity to the USA, entrepreneurs who want to capitalize on the Central, South, and North American markets can purchase Costa Rican real estate for USD 150,000 and receive residence rights through the Costa Rica Residence by Investment Program.
Spoiled for choice in Europe
Europe continues to pull international real estate investors with its established markets and global stature.
Ranked 2nd on the 2024 Henley Residence Program Index, Greece offers capital appreciation in an EU country with an enviable lifestyle and a wide range of options, from popular Athens to the spectacular Greek isles. Through the Greece Golden Visa Program, investors can obtain real estate for EUR 250,000 as well as European residence status. (The minimum investment amount is set to rise to EUR 400,000 for investors applying from the end of August 2024.)
In the heart of the Mediterranean, the stunning island of Malta — a vibrant financial hub — offers a thriving real estate market fueled by its high-demand rental and premium home environment. Maltese citizens have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190 destinations from Europe’s Schengen Area and the UK to Canada and the USA, to Hong Kong (SAR China) and Singapore. The Malta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment process allows for the granting of citizenship by a certificate of naturalization to foreign individuals and their families who make a significant contribution to the country’s economic development. This is possible following a 36-month (or, by exception, 12-month) residence period.
Boasting one of the largest economies in Europe, Spain provides its residents with an excellent quality of life, low duties and taxes, and several property options from sunny seaside villas to cosy apartments in lively Madrid, to traditional country houses in the green north region, to hideaways in Pyrenees ski resorts. The Spain Residence by Investment Program permits investors to purchase real estate from EUR 500,000 and receive residence in this EU country after 20 days.
International real estate investment is a well-trusted asset class for global investors, but real estate–linked investment migration programs have the additional advantages of enhancing your global mobility and expanding your personal access rights as a citizen or resident of additional jurisdictions, creating ultimate optionality for your family.
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