The Dominican Republic has long been a favourite golfing destination for the rich and famous, including many US presidents. With 21 golf courses, including stunning oceanfront fairways, it's easy to see why the country is one of the world's most attractive golfing hotspots. Tourism is the biggest earner, and there's an opportunity for the investor around every corner. Plus, with direct flights from the UK and only 4 hours' time difference, it's easy to reach to manage an investment.
In this thriving property market foreign investors are increasing by the day. Many Dominican Republic property values have doubled in just a few years, and Punta Perla investment property looks set to follow. Plus, with an influx of 4 million international visitors to the country each year (and likely to double by 2015), the potential for property rentals is huge. The Dominican Republic also has one of the highest hotel occupancy rates anywhere in the world -- a clear indicator that this Punta Perla investment opportunity is one not to be missed.
The Punta Perla Golf Resort, located at Punta Cana, offers opportunities for the investor and visitor alike. Golfers will enjoy three 18-hole world-class signature courses, designed by Colin Montgomerie, plus the Golf Academy. Guests can also make the most of watersports, scuba, snorkelling, paragliding, horseriding at the equestrian centre, tennis, polo, the best spa in the Caribbean, luxury 5-star hotel, pools, shops, bars and restaurants, cinema and entertainment, business centre, casino and an onsite medical centre. With so much global competition in the golf resort market, Punta Perla is determined to outshine them all.
The golf resort itself links in with a 400-mooring marina, tropical village and Beach Club. Punta Cana International Airport is also just a short drive away. The Punta Perla Golf Resort is set in a stunning 2,700-acre tropical paradise. It promises to be one of the most exclusive and prestigious golf resorts in the world, with something for everyone and for all ages.
Just being there, you could easily believe you've died and gone to heaven -- not just because of the year-round summer temperatures, the crystal waters, oh-so-blue skies and sun-kissed beaches, but also because of the significant financial incentives to investors buying before the end of January 2008, including cashback on completion, a guaranteed buyback schemes with 30 percent bonus, 10-year tax incentives, guaranteed rental income and a shared rental 'pool'. And all of this for prime beach-front real estate in an eco-conscious development.
The 8,000 properties, most with terrace and Jacuzzi, include villas, apartments, penthouse suites, townhouses and millionaires mansions. Punta perla off plan properties range from $245,000-$1.4m and are built with low-density in mind.
The annual CNBC International Property Awards are the benchmark for international property and are watched carefully by major investors and business leaders worldwide. The Punta Perla Golf, Marina and Spa Resort has been nominated and honoured for two years running. It has won Best Development in the Dominican Republic and Best Marina Development in the Dominican Republic
Buying property in the Dominican Republic is relatively straightforward. Property taxes are low at 1 percent p.a., and foreign investors can buy with the same rights local citizens. As always, though, it's prudent to ensure full legal protection and title insurance before releasing any funds for the deposit. A reliable lawyer is a must, and investors should allow around 5 percent of the sale price for taxes and closing costs.
The Dominican Republic has a long international history, being the first permanent European settlement in the Americas with the first European-built road system. The capital, Santo Domingo was also the first colonial capital in the Americas. It's a tropical paradise -- so beautiful that Christopher Columbus almost didn't go home! And now the prospects for capital growth are just as appealing as the landscape itself.