• Natal ranked as fifth best city in Brazil for real estate investment (Prospecta Inteligência Imobiliária)
• Brazilian Real's 12-year low ensuring property is affordable for all
• Natal has largest housing deficit of top five best cities, standing at 34.18% (Prospecta Inteligência Imobiliária)

Natal located in north-east Brazil has been rated as the fifth best city to invest in real estate in the country, according to a new business survey.

Published by leading Brazilian business magazine, Exame, the survey was conducted by consulting firm Prospecta Inteligência Imobiliária (Prospects Intelligence Real Estate), with the 100 best destinations shortlisted and ranked. Natal was defined as an excellent location for investment in all types of real estate: residential, hotel and commercial.

Unusually, rather than considering the valuation of real estate by taking into account the average price per square metre, which only reflects sold property values, the researchers instead investigated the market demand by tracing future trends. Providing what could be said to be a fairer assessment, this was achieved by using several variables which measured per capita income, education levels and employment, a number of operating companies in the city and the housing deficit.

Luiz Fernandes, CEO of award-winning Brazilian developer, Ritz-G5, whose projects are focussed around the city of Natal, comments,

“Natal has much to offer as a city, with some of Brazil's most beautiful beaches, ample green spaces and so much sunshine that it is known as Brazil's 'City of the Sun'. Further creating interest in this growing destination, this latest survey has highlighted the notion that Natal is ripe for investment, especially true within the current economic climate.”

Properties in and around Natal are already far cheaper than those in the south, but the currently weak Real is ensuring that they are even more affordable for the overseas buyer, as Fernandes references. In fact with the Real currently at a 12-year record low against the British Pound, US dollar and Euro, this means that property in Brazil is now around 66% cheaper for those buying in dollars than it was a year ago when the 2014 Real was trading at 2.35 against the US dollar.

As Fernandes explains, this is a particularly good time therefore to buy property within the country, especially given that many claim that the Brazilian currency is severely undervalued. As one of the eight largest economies in the world, with strong long-term growth potential, the value of the real will almost certainly rise in the near future, taking property values with it.

One location that is sure to benefit, and in fact already is amidst growing interest, is Natal. As part of the new Prospects Intelligence Real Estate ranking, the city also achieved prime position within the north-east region, ahead of Maceió (placed eighth) and João Pessoa (placed tenth). Not only this but, in addition, the survey also revealed an enlightening fact about Natal: of the top five best cities to invest in real estate in Brazil, it has the largest housing deficit, standing at 34.18%. This means that those savvy investors looking north-eastwards will be able to capitalise on this huge demand for housing.

One project that is welcoming this growing interest is Palm Springs from Ritz-G5. Situated in a prime position in Natal, on an exclusive and beautiful stretch of sandy beach, Palm Springs' glorious 100-acre estate was once an ostrich farm. Now transformed into one of the most captivating developments in the north-east region, the development is built at low density to allow full enjoyment of the lush landscaped surrounds and spectacular ocean views.

The excellent facilities on offer include natural springs, swimming pools, spa, hot tub, sauna, gymnasium, games room, as well as football and beach volleyball courts. This modern, tropical oasis provides the chance to design an individual villas to suit specific needs, with prices of plots starting at £44,000.

For more information, contact Ritz-G5 on +44 207 183 7565 or visit www.ritz-g5.com