Released on: April 29, 2008, 2:37 am

Press Release Author: E-Quity.Com

Industry: Real Estate

Press Release Summary: Known as the Switzerland of South America, Uruguay is being
seen as a safe emerging market destination for investors looking to balance risk
with reward.

Press Release Body: Located in the south-eastern part of South America, on the
coastline between its more illustrious neighbours, Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is
fast becoming a place that property investors are warming to.

With a history of democracy and an increasingly stable economy, this Latin American
nation is renowned for its European approach to business and politics; therefore
it's little wonder that Uruguay is known as 'the Switzerland of South America.'

Social Stability

With a population of more than 3.5 million, Uruguay is recognised for its progress
in education, an advanced welfare system and its liberal laws on social issues such
as same sex marriage and divorce.
An excellent climate, one of the continent's lowest poverty rates, as well as good
access to health care contribute to a higher than average life expectancy for the
country's residents.

Uruguay has a well-educated work force and high levels of social spending - it is a
relatively prosperous country and does not share some of its
neighbours\' problems of unemployment, inequality, poverty and rundown
neighbourhoods, which has resulted in the lowest level of crime in South America.

Politically Sound

Uruguay is a representative democratic republic, the only constitutional democracy
in Latin America, whereby the President of the country is both head of state and of
the government.

The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature, which reduces the
chance of the legal system being corrupted or bribed, and according to Transparency
International, Uruguay is the second least corrupt country in Latin America, after
Chile.

Economic Growth

With the country's tourism trade on the up and a healthy agriculture industry
providing a solid base, the Uruguayan economy is as strong as it's ever been.

The economy has continued to grow impressively since 2004, a direct result of high
commodity prices for exports, a competitive peso, on-going regional development and
low international interest rates.

Low Risk

Uruguay has strong laws to prevent bribery and other corrupt practices. In 2005,
Uruguay ranked 32nd in Transparency International\'s Corruption Perception Index, and
was second in Latin America. A law against corruption in the public sector was
approved in 1998, and acceptance of a bribe is a felony under the country's penal
code.

Buying Property in Uruguay

Foreigners can purchase property and land in Uruguay in their own names on a 100%
freehold basis; this is still relatively rare in emerging markets.

Ownership of property in Uruguay is an absolute and exclusive right as set out in
their constitution. In addition to sole ownership, it's also possible for property
to be owned jointly by several legal persons at the same time through a form of
co-ownership or condominium.

Finances

Uruguay has a finance system which is easy to understand and very securely
regulated. Mortgages exist and can be arranged both for homeowners and buy to let
purchases, while the Uruguayan law recognises that resident and foreign investors
should have the same legal rights and protection.

Opening a bank account is fairly easy and The Uruguayan state bank, Banco Republica,
has by far the easiest account opening process for non-residents. With the account
you receive an ATM card, which can be used to withdraw money in Uruguay or abroad,
and you can also access your account via the Internet.

Conclusion

Uruguay is now firmly on the map as an emerging property location. With a thriving
economy, steady political system, warm weather and wonderful beaches, this South
American country with a European attitude and Latin heart is a safe bet for any
international investor.

Links:

www.TheMoveChannel.com/property/uruguay

For information about investing in Uruguay, contact E-Quity on 0207 952 7654 or
visit: http://www.e-quity.com/land-investments/

--- END ---


Web Site: http://www.e-quity.com/land-investments/sheraton-golf-plots/details.htm

Contact Details: 45 Lafone Street,
Shad Thames,
London,
SE1 2LX
0207 952 7654
fax: 0870 4419118
E.Keegan@E-Quity.Com