NAPLES

PROPERTY MARKET OVERVIEW

Stability and Demographics

Location and size

Collier County is the largest county in Florida. Total area of 2,305 square miles. The Naples area, which includes all of Collier County, continues to be one of the fastest growing metropolitan markets in the nation. Naples is a very sophisticated beach resort on the sun-drench Gulf Coast of Florida. It is known as the Paradise coast for good reason and is just over an hours drive from Miami International Airport that have daily direct flight to and from the UK.

Population and Ages

The annual population in Collier County is approximately 305,000.

The population in Naples is approx. 300,000. Naples attracts over a million visitors every year.

The median age in Collier country is 44.1. Less than 25% of Colliers total population is over age 65. Children and young adults under 25 years represent 27%, and the remaining 47% include Colliers prime working age population of 25 – 64.

Income

The median income in Collier County is $65,000, the highest in the state of Florida.

Stability of the Marketplace

America is a democratic country, has well regulated institutions and large economy supported by a vibrant population and a sound property growth rate measured over various time spans. You are also not prey to many of the published horror stories relating to buying property in Spain and France when relatives of past owners or developers can lead to major and expensive legal problems.

There are over 290 million people in North America who have all enjoyed holidays to Florida. The Baby Boomers (or post war generation) are the most affluent group in the American population and will be retiring over the next 25 years and are already investing in property in Florida.

Over 9 million Americans have indicated in a recent Harris poll that they intend to eventually move to Florida and 60% of British aged 50 plus have also indicated their desire to purchase a retirement home in Florida. This means the demand for property will remain high.

The Gulf coast is a favourite area to purchase your second/investment property as winter temperatures are in the 70’s, and boast some of the best beaches in the world with Naples winning ‘The Best Beaches in America’ Award this year by the Travel Channel.

Florida is English speaking – no need for those language courses or being confined to the local expat group.

Taxes in Florida are lower than Britain and many parts of America – Florida is one of the few states with no income tax.

A low cost and high standard of living – dining out, furniture, cruises, trips to the theatre, petrol etc many items cost less in Florida.

Exchange rate – with the weak dollar, the smart investor is buying now!

Investment

Many British (and Americans) are diversifying their investment portfolios by adding investment property to enhance their wealth creating strategy for their pension. Investment in certain types of property can provide an excellent return. Property is increasingly being considered as the ultimate asset. There are some very good investments to be made in Florida at the present time. They are also very hard to identify for the go it along investor as the Florida property market works very differently from its UK counterpart. Considered rationally, the right type of property does have intrinsic advantages over the traditional methods of wealth creations such as pensions, stock markets and savings.

· Strong capital growth if buying in the right location at the right time.

· Unlike other assets you can purchase with relatively low equity input.

· Rental income can make the purchase self-financing

· Property is actually a versatile asset, you do not have to sell property to extract cash – you can refinance subject to market growth.

Short Term rentals – a good choice if you wish to personally use the property throughout the year to generate income.

Mid Term rentals – With so many people moving into the area, families are renting first before purchasing their own home or waiting for their new home to be built.

Long Term Rentals – This is most popular with those who wish to invest in property and do not wish to use the property themselves. A huge number of Americans will spend the winter in Florida and therefore will rent for up to 6 months at a time.

With rental property, the costs (and possibly mortgage payments) will be covered by the rental fees.

New build / Pre-construction – This wonderful way of investing with as little as a 10% or 20% deposit and no holding costs, the property may be sold for a substantial profit before you have even set foot inside it!

Multi Unit Property Investment – This is another great property investment but I recommend sound advice prior to the investment.

Model Leasebacks – This is extremely popular form of investing. The builder leases back the property from you after purchase to continue to use the property as a ‘show home’.

Hotel Condos – An increasingly popular form of investment. The hotel usually has a rental history and therefore will yield a profit as well as the potential for capital growth. There is also very little work attached to this investment as the hotel management take care of the property for you.

Property Portfolios – Many customers are building property portfolios in Florida as they have seen their initial investment go from strength to strength, their confidence has increased and they have invested again and again.

Why Naples?

The Gulf coast prides itself on having the warmest coastline in Florida. Winters in Naples are delightfully warm and the summers hot, its proximity to the Everglades makes Naples the only surviving subtropical ecosystem in the continental USA. Naples is chic, sophisticated and stylish, 5^th Avenue is a great place shop, enjoy world class restaurants or just people watch. Naples is an extremely affluent up market resort which still manages to retain a relaxed laid back atmosphere. You’ll find white, powdery sand on the 11 miles of stunning beaches and you can swim in the calm, warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico all year round.

The homes in Naples range from beach front mansions along the grand, palm tree lined avenues to more affordable houses on immaculately landscaped, gated communities.

What is there to do?

The fabulous beaches are a must see, winning the Travel Channels prestigious “best beaches in USA award”. They never seem to get crowded, and most people will stroll to the beach with a cocktail at dusk to see the breathtaking sunsets. Naples Pier is probably the most famous landmark and it is the place to spot dolphins as they feed and play daily.

When you have had enough of the beaches you can head for some world class designer shops. You will be spoilt for choice with Mediterranean style water front plazas, indoor malls or the chic boutiques along 5^th Avenue. There is no shortage of restaurants to suit every taste and wallet. Many fine dining restaurants are situated in spectacular water front locations; there are outdoor cafes and great international restaurants.

The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is where you can get up close and personal with a large selection of animals and reptiles, all are houses in 53 acres of beautiful botanical gardens. Monkey Island is situated in the middle where you can take a short boat ride to visit with the various breeds of monkeys.

Golf Courses

The Naples area is often called the golf capital of the world boasting over 100 courses within the greater Naples/Bonita area. Many of the designers include professional players such as, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Tom Fazio and Gary Player!

Naples has more golf holes per capita than any other city in the Country!

Architecture and Art

Naples is truly the cultural center of southwest Florida. With over 35 arts organizations and more than 100 art galleries. Much of the city’s architecture reflects a strong Mediterranean influence, while the chic boutiques, cafes and bars create a stylish cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Naples has been named the best Small Art Town in America. John Villani, author of The 100 Best Art Towns in America calls Naples ‘an arts powerhouse overdue for national attention’. The Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts hosts more than 400 events each year including Broadway musicals and concerts.

Naples – ‘One of the Best Places to Invest” according to the New York Times and one of the ‘Best Places to Live’ according to CNN Money Magazine.