In a country famed for its food and nightlife, stunning beaches and sunshine, Natal is known as “The City of the Sun”, as it experiences approximately 300 days of sunshine a year. The area, which lies 15 degrees south of the equator, boasts countless beautiful beaches and dramatic natural landscapes including mountains, coastline and sand dunes. The most famous of its beaches is Ponta Negra, which rises between the river and sea.

Natal has a strong infrastructure, with a variety of restaurants, bars and entertainment and adventure sports, foreign banks and supermarkets.

“The Riviera Residence is situated in an unparalleled location just 200m from Ponta Negra Beach. Each of the 248 two-bedroom apartments has spectacular unobstructed 180 degree views extending from the city around to Ponta Negra’s trademark sand dunes, Morro de Careca,” says Anthony Armstrong-Emery, international director of Hazbun Construtora, developer of Rivera Ponta Negra.

Additionally to the two-bedrooms, each unit will have a bathroom, open-plan kitchen and dining room as well as a veranda to enjoy the views.

Features of Rivera Ponta Negra include a swimming pool with beach view, sun deck and a pool bar, all of which are ideal for enjoying the wonderful weather. There will be a fitness area complete with sauna and showers. Additionally there will be a food court and shopping area.

The development will be managed to Hotelaria Brazil, a company renowned for its five star service in hospitality throughout Brazil. Indeed, the know-how of its administration company, Adminstradora Hotelaria Brasil, offers investors a unique management service, with productiveness and low operational costs. A 24-hour reception, concierge service and security guards are just some of the five star services that will be available.

Location
Anthony Armstrong-Emery comments, “The location of Rivera Ponta Negra coupled with the five star services and extensive amenities mean that these apartments will rent with ease. Indeed, there will be a market from domestic holiday makers as well as those from abroad.”

Brazil’s economy is currently the tenth largest in the world and growing at a steady pace. Indeed, a report conducted by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) predicted that the “E7” nations, which includes Brazil, would overtake the G7 group of rich nations by 2050. It has a stable GDP per capita which is estimated at £2,750 for 2007, and has also been successful in fighting inflation, decreasing it from 14.8 percent in 2002 to 4.1 percent in 2006.

In the words of the former US secretary of state, Brazil is fast becoming an “agricultural powerhouse.” Indeed, in the last seven years, Brazil has become the largest exporter of beef, soyabeans, coffee, organe juice, sugar and chicken.

Brazil has a growing middle class population. For example, in the past two years, more than 23 million people have changed from being classed as lower income classes into “Class C,” which is Brazil’s middle class. According to Reuters, Class C now makes up about 46 percent of the population. This shift has caused a rise in consumerism. Traditionally, incomes were generally spent on staples such as food, however, the increase in wealth has led to a rise in spending on luxury products such as cars. According to Forbes, sales of such luxury items has increased by 80 percent since 2005.

Tourism
One other factor which is contributing to the growing economy is the popularity of Brazil as a tourism destination. The tourism institute reported a year-on-year increase of 15.2 per cent in visitor numbers in October 2007. The tourism, growing economy, an emerging middle class and preparations for the 2014 football World Cup are all elements contributing to the escalating property prices in Brazil.

A new international airport is scheduled to open in São Gonçalo in 2010. The airport will be the largest in Brazil and eighth largest in the world, greatly improving accessibility between Brazil and Europe and firmly positioning Natal as at gateway for both tourism and transport for South America. The airport is expected to service 45 million passengers by 2020.

For those that are buying holiday homes in Brazil, unlike other destinations, there are a wealth of activcities on offer. Indeed, for watersports lovers, among other activities, there is a choice of diving, surfing, water skiing. Walking, hiking and horse riding are some of the attractions for those that prefer to be on dry land.

Coupled with the wealth of beaches in Natal and the cultural attractions such as Forte dos Reis Magos, a fortress completed in 1598, which was built to protect Natal from foreign invaders and Parque das dunas, a popular spot for trekking the dunes, there is something for everyone.

Tourism, the growing economy, an emerging middle class and preparations for the 2014 football World Cup are all elements contributing to the escalating property prices in Brazil. Indeed, “The lifestyle factors coupled with a thriving and constantly growing economy are working together to create Natal as a popular destination for the British buying a home abroad,” Anthony Armstrong-Emery says.

Useful information
Hazbun Contrutora
www.hazbun.com.br
sales@hazbun.com.br
Tel: 08000 11 44 50
www.rivieranatal.com