Americas

U.S.

Is now the right time to buy property in the U.S.? Interest rates are at historic lows and prices in certain second-home markets, particularly Florida and the Southwest, have plunged because of the financial crisis. This has created an opportunity for investors looking for a sunny getaway. A lot depends on securing hard-to-find financing, but buying now could pay off when property markets eventually recover.

Example: A three-bedroom beach-facing condo in a resort complete with swimming pool and gym just north of St Petersburg, Fla., currently would cost investors $640,000.