Investor Attention on Goa for India Real Estate Investment

Online, July 23, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Investor Attention on Goa for India Real Estate Investment

There is no doubt that the U.S. real estate and mortgage problems of 2006 into 2010 have disturbed markets around the world. Many countries have suffered, with previously robust real estate markets languishing without international investment due to current conservative attitudes. India is no exception, with residential and commercial real estate development in India slowing during the last three years.

However, international investment may be experiencing renewed interest in the country, and India itself is continuing and expanding government initiatives through housing boards situated throughout this nation of more than one billion population. Being one of the most populated countries in the world, housing is at the top of the government's list of importance for their citizens.

However, when it comes to interest from foreign investors, tourism plays an important part. Goa, India's smallest state, is also the fourth smallest state in population. Situated on India's west coast in the Konkan region, it's the richest state, with a GDP more than double that of the country as a whole. Both domestic and international tourists flock to Goa for its beaches and architecture influenced by the Portuguese. Wildlife sanctuaries, equatorial forests and beautiful beaches draw tourists, and now real estate investors and developers. With the government owning more than 80% of the forest land, greater land demand should bring upward pressure on prices for future development.

Tourists bring money, not only for temporary enjoyment, but for long term real estate purchases. Tourism is Goa's primary industry, handling approximately 12% of all of India's tourist visits. Goa isn't overly dependent on tourism, as the primarily agricultural area is changing to a more mining focus, with growing discovery of locations rich in minerals and ores. But, tourism is very important when considering real estate investment, as those who return to the area will many times look for a purchase that will appreciate while providing an annual vacation retreat.

Builders and developers in Goa frequently also handle property brokerage. One developer, Riviera Constructions, boasts project completions in 12 to 15 months, well ahead of schedules. These include apartments and India vacation villas, as well as planned resort communities built with international investment as a focus. While sale is the primary goal, they also manage these properties as rentals, and buyers can factor short term rental income into their purchase decisions.

For those vacationers who enjoy pristine beaches and access to equatorial forests, wildlife and the civility of beautiful architecture, restaurants and a focus on tourism, Goa is a great destination. It also seems that it could be a great place to invest in real estate.