South America is a continent made up of several countries – some more affluent and populous than others, some with far greater crime rates than others and some that are still struggling under military dictatorships. The South America real estate landscape is one that is hard to define. Each country has its unique set of obstacles, incentives and draw. No one country can be lumped together which is why the South America real estate market can only be spoken about in general terms.

On the whole most markets in the South America real estate sector are still emerging with the exception of places such as Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. Brazil actually has a very well developed tourist infrastructure and a lot of foreign investor development. Therefore, the Brazil property market is very affordable at this present time. Argentina is currently recognized as a great place for retirees and investors alike. The relaxed pace of life, the relatively low cost of living and the thriving luxury home market make it one of the South America real estate industry’s hottest countries at the moment. Argentina also benefits from a friendly and very welcoming local population. Uruguay is another good bet for foreign investors looking to purchase South America real estate. An old European colony the city rivals the beauty and charms of any European city while the South American hospitality and customs give it a life of its own. Venezuela is still not stable enough to attract large investor interest. Although its current president is legislating many sweeping economic changes highly favorable to the country’s low income population, the measures have done nothing to encourage speculation in the real estate market.

Other South American countries are still emerging or not stable enough to attract foreign investor interest. There is a lot of potential in the South America real estate sector, however, before any real moves can be made by foreign developers looking for the next hot market in which to invest, the countries involved will have to install more stable forms of government, increase the tourism infrastructure, reduce crime and improve individual security. Until such time places such as Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Suriname will remain largely untapped real estate markets.

South America is a vast highly diversified place where tropical rainforests and natives still live in relatively untouched surroundings although much of this virgin paradise is slowly disappearing. The South America real estate sector will definitely have its day, however, until that happens investors will have to sit tight and wait until the time is ripe.

Read on and explore some of the most interesting facts on the regions of South America and what influences their property markets.