It's 'hot' in Brazil

There's an old saying that goes something like this: 'when America sneezes, Europe catches a cold and the rest of the world gets pneumonia'.

There are about a hundred derivatives of this phrase but you get the general idea. Basically, if the number one economy in the world is suffering then the rest of the world suffers more greatly.

And in the past, it was incredibly true that if there was a downturn in the US economy, then Brazil was one nation that bore a significant brunt. However, recent economic statistics suggest that the Brazilian economy is actually holding its own in spite of a US downturn thanks to economic diversification.

Property in Brazil has become a 'must have' commodity for anyone and everyone from anyone who wants a place in the sun to the landlord seeking location diversification for greater yield stability. There are profits to be derived from the Brazilian real estate marketplace and now investors can feel more confident about committing to Brazil for the longer term. The reason being is that its economy is showing signs of remaining healthy.

The northeastern coastal area of Brazil is already enjoying increased investment focus. This area of the country has seen record real estate price gains in the residential and commercial sector as retirees, second homers, tourists and now international businesses flock to this area. The demand for property for sale and rent and investment real estate deals in this region is intensifying and so prices and potential returns are increasing.

As the Brazilian currency has recently stabilised and becomes far more competitive with other international currencies, overseas investors' purchasing power in Brazil has increased. The competitiveness of the currency means that international businesses from the US and UK are able to operate with far lower overhead costs and improve and increase productivity and profits.

Coconut Grove is a beachfront development with 450 private building plots and Coconut Golf's 96 apartments. The project was launched in November 2007 and has so far sold 40 per cent of the plots. The development is situated on one of Brazil's most beautiful white sandy beaches, around an hour's drive from the cosmopolitan city of Fortaleza and a similar distance from its international airport.

Fortaleza - which means fortress - has a thriving, bustling, lively ambiance and is home to some two million people. Boasting a multitude of bars and restaurants, schools, transport connections as well as a hospital, Fortaleza offers all the creature comforts of a modern vibrant city.

Coconut Grove is the only project of its kind in the northeast of Brazil to be awarded an official certificate of recommendation from the Minister of Tourism. The concept of this extravagant development is that it will form a community incorporating a boutique hotel, health spa and water sports facilities.

The villas are designed for tropical living with a total area of the development totalling 610,000 sq m. There are five different villa designs to choose from. The development is made up of breathtaking beaches and a spectacular coral reef. The 96 homes are made up of 62 two-bedroom apartments and 32 three-bedroom duplex penthouses.

All apartments have a view of the golf course and the sea and boast a gym, sauna, equestrian centre, driving range, tennis court and water sports facilities. The apartments also feature large gardens with tropical pools.

Coconut Grove will also have a clubhouse and communal swimming pools, beach bars and restaurants, mini-market, golf academy, gated and secure community, and children's play area. Being close to all local amenities, Coconut Grove not only offers a variety of activities, it also offers plenty of relaxation time on its peaceful beaches.

The apartments are made up of hardwood and ceramic flooring, fitted state-of-the-art kitchens and fully fitted bathrooms. Apartments of 117 sq m come with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. While the penthouse of 200 sq m comes with three bedrooms and four bathrooms.

With video entrance phones, high speed internet and satellite television connections, the apartments are fitted with the latest in technology.

Current prices for the apartments range between BD33,800 and BD64,000. However, these are pre-launch prices. Prices will be subject to a 15 per cent increase when launched after two months.

Whole blocks are also available for sale and the prices start from BD253,000. The cost of the villas depends on the size. A 'high-end' 100 sq m villa would cost approximately BD37,705.