In this article we cover
The USA and Canada present few problems for the UK member, self build is far more common than in the UK, and red tape is less of a problem, plots plentiful in most places and the language not that different to the one you practice.
In many parts of the USA, plot values are low, and therefore it makes sense to build a new home rather than patch up old ones, and even where plots are not that plentiful you will find houses are frequently replaced as opposed to patched or extended. Although it is usually cheaper to construct a home than pay a developer for a home, the differences are far less marked than in the UK.
The USA and CANADA are huge, Texas alone is roughly the size that Europe has been up to recently. Florida on the map appears a tiny place but is two thirds the height of England and Scotland. Culturally the states differ, and even the language is more diverse than many realize with some from the mid west having difficulty differentiating the accent of an English person from a person from the north east coast of the USA.
Local taxes are arranged differently in different states and corporations are taxed differently dependent upon many factors including where registered, where they trade, ownership and type. Bank accounts are now quite difficult to open, due to anti terrorism laws that may have more to do with taxation arrangements. Currently the pound is very strong compared to the dollar so your pound will buy more.
Like the UK there are some areas safer to venture out after dark than others, but many areas you will feel is completely safe and very friendly. The risk of terrorism is very low, partly due to the enemy they fear so much not actually existing, but also due to increased awareness and precautions.
As a property owner in the USA, you have a lot of freedom as to what you do with your property and little problem of evicting tenants that do not pay. Areas tend to be zoned for different development types, and areas that are zoned for housing you will usually find you can build just about what you like, although there are the equivalent of building regulations that set some minimum standards and rules that say that some trades have to be done by professionals.
Entry to the USA for the British is not a problem as long as you limit individual stays to 6 months or less. Officially retiring to the USA can be difficult but there are a variety of routes that get types of visas that allow you to stay permanently, the simplest being to buy or establish a business there. There is no restriction on the number of houses you can own, and many are priced to make collecting them a possibility.
Canada, we have not mentioned a great deal so far, and like the USA varies from area to area. Land is plentiful. Winters in many areas can be very cold but they are prepared for it, so it don't catch them out with the wrong type of snow and the like. Many areas are very lightly populated and often a building plot is the size of an estate here. Because of the large distances involved you need to consider the drive time to the nearest airport that has flights to the UK. The Canadian dollar has a lower value than the American dollar so make sure when making comparisons you know which currency you are talking about. Below under Niagara Falls we cover both the American and Canadian cities that are side by side separated by a river and the falls.
What is available to members now
If you are interested in the USA and Canada then we have a consultant in the UK who will be able to help you. The administration company the club uses in the UK also has dollar accounts and other arrangements with us that allow payments to be made and funds transferred so can help you with this, as well as with the formation of a UK, USA or other company to hold your property should you chose this route.
Currently the majority of Brits that buy holiday homes in the USA choose Florida, and in some cases 70% of new developments are owned by people from the UK.
In the first half of 2004 H3 Search Ltd was asked to take an in-depth look at Florida for a number of clubs including the Property Pension Club, this club the Self Build Homes Club and the Holiday Property Club, which has yet to be publicly announced, with a view to how the various clubs could help UK members become involved in Florida property. The consultant traveled throughout Florida, covering most of the coast, and crossing in land a number of times as well as looking in depth at several holiday areas including the Orlando and Disney areas. He looked at many new show homes, developments, methods of construction, land sites available throughout the state, talked to agents, developers and site owners. He looked at property prices and availability in different areas, and what attractions exist in different areas, so what is on offer for those who choose areas that are perhaps not so well known. He took large numbers of photographs of different locations, developments, house styles, internal layouts and collected details and drew plans of many of the house designs that are currently popular. He also researched the local taxation situation and restrictions on use and letting, as well as looking at a large amount of older property that was for sale. Since that time further research has been carried out on access to the USA, visas and the like as well as a number of other topics. Some work such as defining weather risk by area, still has to be completed.
What's available to members now
H3 Search, as a commissioned service provider to UK members is able to share this wide range of intelligence with UK members who are looking at acquiring or building a site in Florida and they also have access to information on most of the properties and plots available for sale within Florida as well as details of all repossessed property throughout the state, that can often be acquired at a cut price. They have found properties for as little as $5,000 in reasonable condition.
Coming
We are considering a larger project at some point where we will get together members from across the three clubs who would like a new property in Florida and set about identifying a site and team to carry out the build, allowing members to select their own designs from many options available. Where this differs from other projects is that we are considering establishing the entire operation, and appointing a project manager to run it, and then staying involved throughout. In addition to the project manager we are looking to have an information consultant on site who will report to the consultant all actions against planned development and produce both a daily diary and take a large number of photograph daily, using a quality digital camera, of all that is going on and daily transmit these to a special web site that can both be monitored by the club, a consultant and members involved in the development. Daily therefore you will be able to see what is happening, and know that all is as it should be. In the longer term a management company would also exist to look after the estate, carry out grass cutting and other landscaping and garden maintenance as well as other management activities required. We have as of yet no time scale for this development.
Identified by the Property Pension Club as an area where investment return on property is likely to prove exceptional, a continuing project is in hand monitoring property, prices, availability and development in the area. With in addition to the falls, the new casino and range of tourist and other entertainments and easy access to Canada, this is an area that could be of interest to members of this club.
An in depth study by a UK consultant was carried out at the end of 2003 for the Property Pension Club, and since has given us also an overview of the situation and opportunities in the area. Plots are very cheap and plentiful, and some older properties are available at give away prices making demolition and replacement very attractive within walking distance of the falls.
We are looking at a new fact finding expedition between April and middle of 2005, looking specifically at plots and also carrying out talks with builders. The plan is also to interview potential project managers at this time. The clubs already have other support services in the area from agents to help with property purchase to an attorney.
The area has a full four seasons, so warm summers, picturesque autumns and snowy winters. It is never exceptionally cold and this area has no major weather risk like so many other areas of the USA. From a vacation viewpoint there are loads of summer attractions but these close down out of season. There are also loads a ski slopes and cross-country routes nearby in the winter months. Buffalo, less than half an hour away by car, is a major city with all any major city anywhere has to offer, as well as an international airport. At least two of the great lakes are very near.
The area is very friendly, and the British as in most of the USA very welcome, however business in the area has a laid back attitude so it can be difficult to get things done, phone calls may not get returned and well lets just say arranging things and them reliably happening can be problematic. The Property Pension Club is looking at over coming many of the problems that has slowed down development in this area, but as yet not decided how to best achieve this. It may be that a local service company is set up there and either staffed from locals or people from another part of the USA or it may be that a project manager is found, and some sort of PA or service assistance to take care of other needs.
What's available to members now
Information and help on the area, types of properties and information on just about all properties and plots for sale plus information on low cost repossessed properties. Information on local taxes, including individual tax figures in relation to most properties. Introductions to reliable local buying agents and attorney. We are not at this point able to recommend any local maintenance company, or property management company. Maximum Coverage can help with transfer of funds and payments of taxes etc until you have a dollar account organized, as well as discussing with you corporate ownership and undertaking company formations where required.
Just across the river from Niagara Falls, NY state, and accessible by a number of bridges is the city of Niagara Falls Canada. It has access to many of the same attractions, falls and other features of the Niagara region. There are many more hotel rooms on the Canadian side and it has its own large casino and a range of night time attractions for just about any taste, but you need to be aware of what each is, if you do not wish to be offended.
On the 2005 trip to the Niagara area, the property on the Canadian side is to be further investigated, but from information available it appears to be similar to that on the American side in both ranges of styles and prices. Building plots are available at reasonable or by our standards very low prices.
What's available to members now
There is no real problem in helping with this area at this time, but our consultants don't have the depth of knowledge and have personally driven down every road as they have on the American side. Other resources we have available within the club and service organization can fill in any gaps in the knowledge of the UK consultants, but by mid 2005 this knowledge and direct experience will be available in the UK.
This website should show a Self Build Homes Club title at the top and content bar down the left. If you have reached this page by some means that has not displayed it properly, for example from a search engine, please click here to load the website properly and show the UK home page and options. If this does not work click here to get to a site map.
Form-mail - a general purpose form, questions, feedback, and other contacts. It is quick to complete and covers most requirements. Pops up in a new window, close the window after use, to get back here.
Self Build Homes Club is an international club
and trading title of Self
Build Homes Club llc. Local services
to serve members are commissioned for the club by New
Atlantis International Services Corporation.
All major commissioned companies involved, have New Atlantis trust status.