Tourism boost and World Cup effect set to attract buyers to north east Brazil
A massive boost to tourism in the north east of Brazil is set to increase international interest in property in the region, according to real estate experts on the ground.
The Secretary of State for Tourism in Rio Grande do Norte, Renato Fernandes, has revealed a major upgrade to Natal’s tourist infrastructure.
The area is already a popular sun and sea destination with Brazilians and with it being seven hours by air from major European airports the aim is to attract more overseas visitors.
Rio Grande do Norte has 400 kilometers of coastline, a year round sea temperature of 26 degrees Celsius and just 400 to 600 mm of rainfall a year. Natal is also a FIFA World Cup host city which will attract even more visitors for the tournament next year. The new Sao Goncalo do Amarante Airport is due to open in March or April 2014.
The plans include marinas, golf courses, five and six star hotels and possibly even a theme park. Fernandes said some 98 hectares of the historical centre of Natal will be restored with the creation of a pedestrianised open air cultural attraction.
The area is also known for ecological tourism and new development will not affect that, Fernandes said. The sea turtle populations around the areas of Sibauma, Tibau do Sul and Pipa are protected.
‘Everyone has something to gain from tourism from the poorest to the richest. I don’t think there is anything quite like tourism that can benefit the whole society. I think tourism is going to transform this State,’ he explained.
He highlighted the small beach town of Sao Miguel do Gostoso as being the centre in Brazil for windsurfing and kite surfing and said that world champions of both sports lived there. He hopes to promote the town on a global scale.
Samantha Gore, sales manager of local real estate firm uv10 believes that more visitors will mean more interest in property, which is likely to mean prices rising, and places like Sao Miguel do Gostoso will become even more popular.
‘Sao Miguel do Gostoso has the perfect formula for water sports with year round wind and warm water temperatures, whilst being safe and quiet for families. The town is thriving with bags of character and boasts pretty bougainvillea draped multicoloured houses, a white sand beach dotted with fishing boats and coconut palms plus facilities such as a medical centre, day Spa, boutique hotels and fresh seafood restaurants,’ she said.
‘The property market shows a strong, healthy rate of growth with local and international demand. Little wonder Sao Miguel do Gostoso is regarded as one of the world’s best places to live,’ she added.
The firm is promoting Monte Alegre, the first beachfront condominium project in the area with a wide range of plots for sale ranging from 200 square meters to 816 square meters. Buyers are free to land bank or build their own home with the developer’s guidance on how to maximise the ever present breeze and the ocean views. It is just a stroll along the beach from Sao Miguel do Gostoso but benefits from the peace and quiet that visitors crave.
The development is divided into three sections, 38 beachfront plots, 16 leisure area plots and 46 sports area plots. Facilities will include adult and children’s pools, a restaurant. bar, gymnasium, children’s playroom and playground, barbecue, hammocks and chill out area. Facilities will be complete for handover in June 2014 in time for the World Cup.
‘Land prices are currently increasing by an incredible 30% per annum in this location which makes Monte Alegre ideal for those simply looking for a healthy return on investment. However, it is also suited to those looking for a relatively cheap plot of land in a unique, sunshine location to either hold on to for building at a later date or as somewhere to build now and then rent out. There is a severe lack of available beds in this holiday destination favoured by many Brazilians,’ added Gore.
Plot prices start at 210 Brazilian Reals per square metre, with 60,000 Brazilian Reals (approx £19,680) the most affordable available plot. Payment can be spread over eight installments between now and delivery and plots can be resold at any time.
Total costs, plot plus build, for a 350 square meter turnkey house on a huge 800 square meter plot are estimated to be 750,000 Brazilian Reals (£245,000), which Gore says is less than many apartments and villas sold on nearby developments.
