Jones Lang Lasalle has revealed the most 'transparent' property markets in the world in their annual Global Real Estate Transparency Index 2012, and the United States has topped the list.
The index, which ranks the ease of buying a property in countries around the world, is largely dominated by established markets and Brit favourites including Australia, New Zealand and Canada, as well as European markets including the Netherlands (4th), France (7th), Finland (8th), Sweden (9th) and Switzerland (10th), which together constitute the 'Highly Transparent' markets.
However, less traditional destinations also ranked highly on the index, with seven emerging countries including Romania, Croatia, Mexico, Indonesia and Brazil ranking higher on the list than in previous years.
Commenting on Brazil's presence among the transparent property markets, Dean Thomas, MD of DLT International, owners and developers of Palm Springs Natal in Brazil, said: "Brazil, now the 6th largest economy in the world having overtaken the UK with a GDP forecast to expand at 2.5% in 2012, is serious about being a global real estate contender and the achievements in transparency are testament to its commitment."
"Real estate investment has surged in the last decade from less than $2 billion in 2000 to $10 billion plus in 2011 and with the market now rated "transparent" there is no reason for individuals not to feel confident about investing here." he continued.
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