Marvelous thing hindsight - prices have droped by an average of around 13% since the article was written and haven't stopped yet.

I agree HUW, hindsight is a wonderful thing. I am going to Florida early 08 for a look. Anyone actively investing in Florida or The USA? I know Eastern Europe is the World Hotspot at the moment but I want to invest in a place where I actually want to spend time throughout the year in and not have any language difficulties.

I'm quite interested in Florida too, more as a nice bolthole in the sun where I can spend the cold months with some potential for tourist lets. I was thinking of going over for a look in March/ April but the consensus seems to be that prices are very much a one way street at present (as I am afraid they are going to be here for a while :-( so leaving it for a year will probably not mean have missing the boat. You can certainly get a lot of house for the money now, but I guess the land is dirt cheap (literally)! If anyone has any thoughts on this it would be helpful.

Whenever the USA is being discussed it always seems to be florida that comes up. I'm not interested in holiday lets or holiday homes. Does anyone have any ideas for good locations within cities, or is it simply a matter of 'take your pick'? I understand that in the USA the city centre is often a run down area, and the best locations are further out. All part of the great US car culture I guess. hmmm... it's clear I don't know much about US real estate. Maybe I should stick to europe.

Hi andrew It would be a very long post if we were to try and review all the markets in the US but I find the following website to be the best for US House Prices. http: / /www .ofheo .gov Hope this helps Noreen

Hi Andrew. I have invested in Florida and Las Vegas. I am earning a very good rental in Las Vegas as I am right near 'the Strip'. I would also recommend San Antonio in Texas. It is a vibrant place, a shortgage of rentals,and there is a university. Prices are lower than Dallas. Austin is also a good place to invest but higher than San Antonio. apparently, if you like refurbs, San Diego in California is good. Re Florida it does depend where you buy. I have said this before on other links. I have bought in Orange County Orlando and so far they are holding. I still believe the US will recover in another year. You just have to ride the storm. Lynn R

Thanks Lynn, Did you buy your place in Las Vegas off-plan?

Hi Andrew. I bought a refurb condo just off the 'Strip' with a package. You can get a lot of good packages with the developper.i.e. in this case it was rented out unfurnished and they paid my HOA's property tax etc. for 2 yrs. this gave me a good income. Earlier this year they proposed that I go into the Apart Hotel and rented my prop for short term rental for another 2 yrs, paying me more and paying all the taxes as before, but that I would have to pay $20,000 on the luxury update on the furniture. I have agreed, because in 2 yrs the furniture will be paid off and I am getting an income plus my property is gaining in capital appreciation especially as it is in a prime location. After 2 yrs I can either rent it myself or continue with another package deal. There is no prob getting and ITIN number and I have Brtish Tax consultants out thre who file my IRS taxes on my properties, after deductions you have no Income tax to pay. To date the US has been proved to be one of my better investments AND the US will continue despite the recent 'scare' to continue to be so. Lynn R