One (wo)mans recession = another (wo)mans opportunity.

I suspect I am, like a vast majority of the general public, sick to the back teeth (if you still have them) of hearing the ‘R’ word; “recession”, urgh, I hate the word. For months now I’ve kept my peace, told myself to ignore the doomsayers, kept my head down, got on with my work and kept a positive mindset.

But it’s happened again some poor unsuspecting sod mentions the ‘R’ word, utters something about a “falling market” and I can’t contain myself any more, if for nothing more than my own sanity I feel the urge to put pen to paper (or at least fingertips to keys) and put out a different perspective.

As far as I can see there are two parts to all of this;

1. Who says it’s a ‘global’ recession? and
2. Why does a recession have to be only bad news?

So, why is it was a “global” recession? What does the word “global” mean? I’ll tell you (‘cos I actually took the time and looked it up); it means “worldwide” or to put it another way; “embracing of the totality”. It doesn’t mean Europe and the US… it doesn’t mean only the wealthy established parts… It means the entire world!

I’m fed up of the arrogance of the (largely) Western world who proclaim it to be a “global” recession when they haven’t the slightest clue of what might be happening in other parts of the world. The world is a damn big place and to say that every single part of it is suffering financially is absurd!

Do a bit of research is what I say! It’s not that hard, analyse the facts about a country. Clearly as I work in overseas property this note will be angled towards the property market but the principles can apply to a number of markets.

Now I appreciate lowly little me might not carry much weight so here’s some quotes from some fairly authoritative figures and establishments to help persuade the doubters;

• Parts of the Caribbean are described as a “solid market” where investors can see good growth and excellent returns – Times Online and “Prices have not come down yet,” says Georgina Richards, of Knight Frank's Caribbean office.

• Barbados is the premier spot for buying into a sporting estate and is the only Caribbean country to appear on Knight Frank's Prime International Residential Index, in twelfth place. British buyers regard it as safe, thanks to its familiar legislation, which is replicated in Antigua and Grenada – Times Online

• The Philippines has a “robust” economy “secure” rentals and “good yields” – www.moneyweek.com

• Vietnam has seen prices “soar in 2007 and 2008” and “Sales continue to rise in 2009 with developers offering good discounts and good rental yields” - Times Online

• The emerging markets generate more than half the worlds economic growth and this continues to rise – www.moneyweek.com

• Australia reported a growth of 0.4% in the first quarter of 2009 – Reuters.

• Asia is seeing “booming business” with 90% of employers reporting they feel “very confident”

• Brazil (part of the BRIC’s) reports a steady growth; “Very few places have not been affected by the downturn,” says Oliver Watson, regional managing director of international recruitment consultant Michael Page. “But if you are looking for an overseas opportunity, look for a sound gross domestic product [GDP, a country’s input and output] and an economy linked to natural resources. Brazil won’t see stellar growth over the next year, but it should be steady. It has an immature and developing market and isn’t exposed to the kind of debts that developed Western countries have suffered from.” The Independent

• Malaysia and China are worth a look with advocates of the area, such as regional fund managers, noting that countries on this side of the world tend to have well-capitalised banks that fund lending the old-fashioned way, via deposits. Government debt levels in China are low – Times Online

• Thailand has a “booming” tourism industry which has had a tremendous knock on effect the property market – Times Online

These are only a handful of countries across the world reporting successes but if we turn to my second point; who says the recession is all bad news anyway? It’s widely accepted that more entrepreneurs are borne during such times and the so called “global slowdown” can, in my humble opinion, be seen as a time of opportunity which opens up new markets and new possibilities.

What’s more, on a daily basis I am confronted by good reputable developers across the world who now, more than ever, are willing to bend over backwards to help my clients buy properties across the world. It’s exciting times indeed and there are numerous incentives popping up which include;

• Reduced deposits
• Developer assisted finance
• Rent before you buy schemes
• Price guarantees
• Weekend trials
• Part exchanges
• Guaranteed rental income
• Payments towards taxes, deposits etc

Gone are the days of arrogant developers greedily demanding the full 100% of a purchase price before they are willing to dig an inch of soil. Developers now are becoming more (dare I say it) ‘humble’ (gasp) and more willing than ever to consider a clients individual circumstances. Believe it or not, his tricky time is good for the overseas proeprty market, it's weeding out those unscrupulous builders taking advantage of those hoping to make a quick buck.

All of this is excellent news for the investor willing to step their toe in the overseas property market. It may be a cliché but that doesn’t make it any less true; now is truly a buyers market.

I can assure you that the cash rich keep quietly investing and will undoubtedly reap the rewards but it doesn’t have to be that way, we can all make sensible, profitable investments right now, if we are just willing to shift our mindset, do the research and make the most of the benefits of a recession (reduced taxes for one!)

Those who invest now will benefit from low entry prices which can be sold high once the big, bad R is over. There seems to be a psychological fear factor permeating our society which I for one am tired of. Recession is a state of mind so let’s change the mentality and look to the opportunities.

I'm clearly of the ‘glass half full’ variety but call it what you will, it's true what they say; one mans loss is certainly another mans gain…

Which one do YOU want to be?

Good luck!