The average price of buying a home in South Africa's Western Cape province increased in the first quarter of the year, compared to the same period in 2011.

SA Commercial Prop News reported on figures published by the Institute of Estate Agents of South Africa, which revealed the cost of purchasing a property in the region now stands at R 2,039,978 (£155,529). This is up from the R 1,938,267 average value recorded a year earlier.

Speaking to the publication, general manager of the Western Cape branch of the organisation Dianne Brock explained there are indications of an upturn in the South African real estate market.

"It has been noticed that South Africa lags the USA housing market by nine to 12 months - so the pick-up now being experienced there should be a positive sign for us," she commented.

Earlier this month, an increasing trend of foreigners purchasing homes in South Africa was highlighted, with the Western Cape named by Biz-Community as one of the destinations being targeted by British, French and German buyers.

People who want to buy real estate in Spain, but who are unsure about whether life in the country is for them, can rent a home for a few months to try before they buy.

Mallorca Sotheby's International Realty has recently set up a rental division to cater for this market, as well as to help existing property owners make money from their assets when they are not in Spain.

The firm also explained renting is a viable alternative to buying for those who do not have the necessary capital to make a purchase at present.

It is advisable to spend time living in the area in which people hope to buy a property to ensure they understand the local market.

Editor at A Place in the Sun magazine Liz Rowlinson recently asserted investors need to be "very precise" about why they are investing and have realistic expectations of both rental returns and capital value growth.

She added many areas around the world that are reliant on tourism have seen rents fall due to lower demand, and this is something purchasers need to bear in mind before committing to a transaction.
 

The cost of buying a home in Turkey and rental charges have both increased in April.

According to the latest figures from REIDIN, the value of Turkish residential properties climbed by 0.86 per cent in April, compared to a month earlier, while rents jumped by 1.02 per cent.

The biggest rise in sales prices was recorded in Istanbul and Ankara, with both destinations experiencing appreciation of 0.96 per cent.

Istanbul was also the most robust rental market, with the cost of leasing a home in the city increasing by 1.18 per cent. Meanwhile, Izmir posted strong growth of 1.12 per cent last month.

Year-on-year, the value of Turkish real estate is up by 11.93 per cent, this new data revealed.

There are also hopes the country's property sector could be boosted further by the introduction of new legislation that will open up the market to a greater range of overseas buyers.

If approved, the draft law will allow foreigners to buy larger plots, as well as remove the clause relating to reciprocity. This currently stops citizens from countries where Turkish nationals cannot own property from entering the real estate market.

Brisbane has been highlighted as a good place to buy real estate.

Residex has advised investors to consider purchasing property in Brisbane following the decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia to reduce interest rates by 0.5 per cent at its May Board Meeting.

The independent provider of real estate information in Australia said that, despite this, conditions in the housing sector are continuing to improve.

Chief executive officer and founder of Residex John Edwards said Brisbane's property, in particular, is faring well.

"It seems to us that by September, or perhaps even a little earlier, we will be able to report growth in this market again," Mr Edwards stated.

He remarked that rental yields for houses in this city are 5.1 per cent, adding Brisbane's market is "worth exploring for bargains and future quality returns".

His comments follow results from the Rismark Home Value Index, which revealed earlier this month that small rental increases were recorded in Brisbane between April 2011 and the same month in 2012.

Investors who are considering purchasing land in Brazil need to remember the fundamentals of the real estate market when deciding on a plot.

This is the advice of DLT Property managing director Dean Thomas, who explained because Brazil is such a large country, it can be hard to know where to begin when you start searching for a suitable location for a Brazilian real estate investment.

He recommended focusing on "a popular domestic and international tourism destination which is easily accessible by road, air and sea". Mr Thomas added any beachfront property is desirable, as it will hold its value.

Purchasers should also make sure they research the local market to ensure they do not pay over the odds for their plot, with Mr Thomas reminding buyers that, although Brazilian land may seem cheap compared to other international destinations, it is important to pay a "competitive rate for the local market".

It appears investors are keen to enter the Brazilian property market, with TheMoveChannel revealing developments in the north-eastern state of Rio Grande do Norte received the most enquiries in April.