Good day Simon,
All the answers are good. Some of the best places to look are going to be where the prices are lower, inventory of new homes/condos is slightly above demand but not a glut and with positive economic and tourism news in the pipeline.

A few areas I deal with fit these criteria:
Mobile (also the city name) and Baldwin counties. Mobile benifited from New Orleans damage as a port city that was basically undamaged. There have been many news reports from CNN, CNBC, New York Times, Business Week, etc about the recent influx of massive investment from ThyseenKrump, EADS/AIRBUS and others. The city and immediate Gulf coast will recover value quickly as these businesses relocate and hire over the next 3-5 years.

The Emerald Coast of Northwest Florida is mostly unknown to Europeans but new fasttrack international airport is under construction near Panama City. There is currently a glut of condos and very high end single family homes but with the opening of thie facility the world will discover this gorgeous region.

And of course to the west of the Alabama Beaches of Dauphin Island, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is the waterfront gaming emporiums of Biloxi with lots of room for growth.

I practice real estate as an agent in Alabama and Florida and have aliances in the Biloxi region. I am also an investor and partner in developments and construction in the region. Through alliances/relatives I can also offer access to hotel and hotel management companies.
If I can be of service email mlaney@ForgottenGulf.com or call USA1-251-650-4017

Sun May 25 2008, 12:31

In Alabama, the Auburn-Opelika metropolitan area has a growing rental market and is also a University town. We have owners that are non-local and own several properties that we manage, and sell for them. If are seeking to be an investor in the rental market, they say now is good for foreign investors.

Fri Apr 4 2008, 22:14

There are some requirements. You need of valid Visa, show proof you can come and go freely and provide proof or residence in country of origin. Obtaining financing usually consists of 20-30% down and rates are 1% higher on posted rates depending on lender. Upon selling property in the US things change for foreign buyers. Hope this helps

Wed Apr 2 2008, 13:02

Hey Simon ,

No restrictions here in Arizona ! You have to pay the same capital gains any other investor would have to when you sell . Comercial property and Muti Family units are realy good for forien investors .

Thu Jan 10 2008, 05:15

Hi Simon,
There's no restrictions on buying in the states; here in California the state will want to guarantee their taxes upon a non-citizen/non-resident selling. With the dollar hammered you will probably find some good deals. Let me know if you're thinking of shopping in San Francisco! :)

Wed Jan 9 2008, 06:57