5 Keys to Cross Border Real Estate Investment

Investing in real estate internationally has become a common and safe practice for investors around the world. In this way, thousands of people have found great profitability and have managed to diversify their asset portfolio. This is why international investments, or cross border investments, represent opportunities for growth and strengthening for the economies of emerging countries. Discover below what Cross Border real estate investment is and what you need to know to make the best decisions.

Cross Border real estate: an opportunity to diversify the investment portfolio

The term“Cross Border” has gained traction in recent years due to several reasons, one of which could be the isolation people experienced during the past health crisis that severely affected the local economy of many countries. As a result, thousands of people have explored new investment opportunities in emerging markets such as Latin America and vacation destinations in Europe. Cross Border investments can include the acquisition of bonds, equities, large industry holdings and real estate assets, making them an attractive option for diversifying the investment portfolio and accessing new markets and growth opportunities.

The term Cross Border Real Estate, then, implies the acquisition of real estate in a country other than the investor’s country of origin. This type of investment allows the acquisition of properties for residential, commercial, industrial or other uses. Depending on the type of project and its location, cross border investments can represent significant returns through the rental of real estate or through direct sale due to capital appreciation.

5 keys to cross border real estate investment

1. Exhaustive research of the real estate market in the area.

Before investing in a property outside your country of origin or residence, you should conduct a thorough investigation of the local market and cultural context .

Cultural and social aspects of a country can influence real estate laws and regulations, the way transactions are conducted and the perceived value of properties. This type of knowledge about a country can help investors make informed decisions and better adapt to local practices.

The culture of a country is very important as it sometimes determines the way business is conducted, as the history and tradition of a country directly influences how people communicate and behave in various contexts.

On the other hand, it is also important to investigate aspects such as the time it would take to sell the property you acquired as an investment, and to understand if it is profitable for your financial objectives. For example: if you would like to buy an apartment in a city of high capital gain and tourist attraction such as Madrid or Malaga, in Spain, you should know approximately the average time in which a property is sold. To calculate this you must take into account the condition of the property, how the price is in relation to other similar properties in the area, what the occupancy rate is and what yields you expect to obtain.

According to the latest study conducted by Fotocasa, selling an apartment in Spain during 2022 took, on average, a period between 2 months and 1 year. This period may even take longer if the strategy of selling through traditional real estate operations is carried out.

Today, thanks to the digitalization of processes, this period can be considerably reduced. This is why understanding the economic cycle of an area will help you identify trends and make your investment as safe as possible.

2. Knowledge of local laws and regulations

Understanding the real estate laws in force in the country where you want to invest in real estate is key to avoid setbacks. You need to know what the property taxes are and how regularly they are paid, as well as future government projects in the area that may benefit or affect your investment. In addition, it is also important to be aware of the laws and regulations governing financial transactions and repatriation of funds.

Example: when a foreigner buys a property in Mexico, he/she must comply with the payment of ISR (Income Tax), since the investor is receiving income from sources of wealth located in Mexico.

3. 360° financial planning

Financial planning is a crucial point for any type of real estate investment abroad. This may include detailed cash flow planning, maintenance and repair expenses, property management costs, changes in the currencies of different nationalities and, of course, the taxes mentioned above.

The best way to plan your finances in cross border real estate investment is through a consultant with extensive experience in international transactions, since through that knowledge, you will be able to prioritize expenses and obtain better returns over time.

4. Type of use of the property

According to the type of use that will be given to the property, different investment strategies can be established, since each type of property (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.) has its own characteristics and conditions .

For example, if it is a residential property, it is important to evaluate the location and target market, whether it is a local or foreign market, as well as prices, supply and demand, taxes, regulations and other factors that may influence the success of the investment. In addition, it is important to consider whether you plan to use the property as a personal residence or whether you are looking to make a profit through renting or selling.

On the other hand, if it is a commercial or industrial property, it is important to evaluate the location and the target market to determine if the property is suitable for the type of business you are looking to establish. Competition, taxes, regulations and other factors that may affect the profitability of the business must also be considered.

5. Approach with international and local real estate experts.

The approach with experts in local and foreign real estate investment will provide you with valuable information about the real estate market in each area, including property prices, market trends, local regulations and laws, taxes and other factors that can affect and improve the profitability of your investment.

Having experts on your side can also help you in the negotiation and closing of transactions, as well as in property management, if necessary.

Recommendations for cross border real estate investment

Cross-border real estate investment is an increasingly attractive option for investors seeking to diversify their portfolio and obtain a higher yield. Through it, opportunities can be seized in international real estate markets that offer unique advantages in terms of profitability and diversification.

However, it is important to conduct thorough market research, understand local laws and regulations, plan financially for the long term, evaluate risks and rewards, and reach out to international and local real estate experts to maximize the success of the investment. If carried out properly, cross border real estate investment can generate high returns and be a safe and stable form of investment.

Nolab: an ally for cross border investments in Mexico

At nolab we are reinventing cross-border transactions through a methodology that combines the best of technology, experience in diverse markets and the best catalog of luxury properties. Investing in real estate in emerging markets such as Mexico is possible from anywhere in the world in a fast, secure and hassle-free manner.

Through strategic alliances with real estate experts in Mexico, Spain and the United States, Nolab has developed a comprehensive and frictionless customer experience where buying and selling times are significantly reduced.

Contact us and find out more about how we can make it happen.