By Don R. Campbell

Cutting Edge Research Inc.

Intro – Rule #1 – Rule #2 – Bonus Rule

You are NOT covered by Canadian Law.  Knowing the local property laws is absolutely critical. If you don’t, you’re playing with fire.

The first step in this rule is to find out what restrictions are put on a foreign property holder. Don’t assume that what occurs here in Canada will look anything like what occurs in another country. Tax laws, ownership laws, immigration laws – they ALL affect you

As a very basic beginning you need to have answers to the following questions, many of which you wouldn’t have to ask when buying in Canada:

 ·  What is the Maximum Length you can stay in the country? 

·  Do you need a Work or Business Visa to do business (i.e buying real estate) in the country?  If Yes, what type? How easy is it to get and how long does it last?

·  How must the Ownership of the property be held by a foreigner?  A trust, fee simple or other?

·  What are the squatters’ Rights Laws? Often these are very strong in tropical countries.

·  What appropriation rights do the many levels of government hold in the region?

·  Do locals appreciate or disapprove of foreigners buying up their properties?  What types of problems can that lead to?

·  What are the property tax implications of a foreigner buying?

·  What licenses or fees must be paid by foreign owners? Are they annual or one time?

The one question I highly recommend you use when investigating the local laws is, “What question am I not asking that I should be asking?”  You’ll be amazed at what you find out with this simple question.

Even after this investigation, it’s important that you investigate how stable the government system is.  If the government changes, is it likely that some of these foreigner rights will change along with it?  If you are buying in the US, it is important to know that many of the states are in deep trouble financially and know that property taxes and taxes on property owners are the easiest taxes to increase.  Check the financial status of the state in which you are buying so you can plan for the inevitable.

Since the 2009 recession, immigration and tax laws are being enforced more strictly in many countries and states.  Now is not the time to take the risk of,  “I won’t get caught.” The penalties are just too high.  With unemployment soaring in many regions, even the ownership of a corporation that owns US real estate can lead to immigration issues.  Ask the questions before blindly jumping in.  As you investigate, you will hear from promoters that these issues are not really a problem and they have never heard of anyone who’s ever been caught.  Well, I personally have seen too many Canadian investors who’ve received a major negative on their passport file (some of whom have been banned from entering US) by not doing this properly. Remember, the consequences are yours, not the promoter’s or realtor’s.  So play it safe – find out the reality. 

Make yourself aware of the property laws and the zoning requirements.  Especially look at the ‘deforestation’ rules if you are buying a lot to build upon.  Don’t assume that what occurs here in Canada will look anything like what occurs in another country.