Attractive affordable costs for a high quality of retirement life is available in Colombia. Lower cost of living does not mean you have to sacrifice the quality of life you have been accustomed to in the United States or Canada. In fact, you will probably be able to live in Colombia with even more luxuries than you are accustomed to, simply because the prices are so economical.

The property market offers significant bargains, comfortable lifestyle can be enjoyed in Colombia on just a fraction of what you'd spend in much other parts of the world. Having a devaluated money is more an advantage than a disadvantage. And it always has to be this way. Long term Country policies are focus on strengthening export and international trade so the Peso has to be devaluated in order to gain economic competitiveness.

Large supermarket chains are already settled in most Colombian cities (French retail chains like Carrefour and Groupe Casino who bought local retail chain “Éxito” have stores in all major cities). They carry a wealth of local and imported groceries and general articles.
We produce all kind of fruits and vegetables in abundance. Fresh products and exotic fruits are available daily in the markets around the country. You’ll be surprised to taste delicious fruits you can even heard off.

 FOREIGN INVESTMENT
Currently there is no restriction for foreign buyers who want to invest in real estate in Colombia. Colombian law allows foreign investors:

1. Buy, sell and own property without restrictions, and return the proceeds of the sale to their home country.
2. Buy without any other document than the passport.
3. Stability. The signing of several international conventions on protection of foreign investments is a guarantee for the international investor.

The foreign buyer has the same rights than a Colombian citizen.
Obviously, like any project to undertake abroad, it’s important to be well informed about local procedures and requirements to take advantage of the benefits allowed by local laws.

About figures and statistics:

At the end of the last decade (from 98 to 2002) construction fell at an average rate of 15% annually. The industry's journey on the road to recovery, since 2001, has been led by large investments in public infrastructure in the shape of highways, roads and bridges, and the recovery of the housing industry.

The Colombian construction sector growth an average of 16%  in the last 5 years. Bolstering private investment, household spending and the resuscitated construction sector contributed to the recent economy's steady performance.
Colombia has an open investment climate, which makes it a lucrative foreign investment destination.

Despite of global crisis Government capital investment is expected to reach US$23bn over the 2007 to 2011.

The country's estimated shortage of 1.5 million housing units represents a key opportunity for growth. Major projects on the anvil in Colombia include: the planned modernisation of the El Dorado airport at a cost of US$500-600mn, an investment of US$180mn for the development of the Buenaventura port and construction of the La Linea tunnel, valued at US$262mn and the US$1.2bn modernization of the Cartagena refinery.

The Colombian construction industry's growth is likely to be stimulated by government-subsidized housing and commercial projects in conjunction with renewed investment in transport infrastructure.
The nation is currently ranked fifth on its Business Environment Rankings matrix for the Americas region. The industry is contributing over 7.5% to the nation's Gross Domestic product (GDP).

Forecasts of industry growth have been adjusted to an average of 3% for 2008-2012.

Security situation all over the country have pushed new tourist developments like the Eje Cafetero in the Coffe region or the Ecotourism route Bogota-Bucaramanga at the eastern part of the country.

Traditional tourism spots like Cartagena, Santa Marta and Villa de leyva, which have had an important development during the booming years, will keep real estate valuation in tune with the tourism growth.

Courtesy of: www.buycolombiarealty.com