All property investors should be aware of who they are purchasing from and where deposits or payments are going to. IPD have a valuable reputation for working with some of the most sold-performing developers and builders internationally.

We will outline the track record of the company we are recommending and will be sure that any contact is done with the correct personnel and department that is geared towards buyers and investors needs.

IPD are aware of the typical barriers faced when investing in new or emerging markets and we have some key people located around the world who can outline the various aspects of investing in projects in great locations or into alternative investments tools such as REIT's or using a SIPP (Self Invested Pension Plan). IPD now has over 6,000 registered users and we continue to grow at a rate of about 3% per month.

IPD will be on-hand throughout the entire investment process should clients so wish and we will give strategic advice, supply professional contacts, and obtain the best mortgage or finance arrangements for you should you require.

Our ever stronger partner developer base allows our users to feel that as we grow we will provide an ever wider product base from which investors and buyers can source suitable products and benefit from the very latest investment options available.

We track market movements and keep a watch on global and regional economic conditions. We predicted the market meltdown in 2002 and remain now confident that we are approaching the next cycle of economic strength, that will be as resilient as the last boom, as buyers and investors seek out new opportunities.

We have on-hand mortgage advisers and currency specialists and all payments are made directly to the developer or seller, to an independent lawyer or placed into a holding account.

Our agents will assist with working out entry requirements, deposits and the benefits from an early or ongoing deposit arrangement, any rental arrangements that may be on a guaranteed basis and will look at options such as buy-backs and capital appreciation. There are many ways of investing and the entrance and exit strategies will be different from project to project and location to location.

The laws of ownership will vary from country to country and our advisers will guide you as to the best ways to own and sell your property.

If able we recommend a personal visit to the location. We can arrange for tours and meetings to be arranged prior to you leaving for the airport. When on the ground please ask about local rental fees and any indication of growth and firm commitment by a countries or local government offices to help improve an area. Are there any local attractions, services and amenities - how close is the development or property to airports, ports and roads indicating the time-frame required for rental clients to reach the property.

Market drivers like tourism lead to subsequent higher property demand based on factors such as the weather or if the area benefits from attractions such as world renowned sights to see, superb beaches to lay on or cultural events and festivals taking place. Flights routes have increased to locations that are natural attractions and from this areas grow to encompass commercial offices serving the local companies and retail outlets providing shopping facilities.

Politics has a way of altering a buyers impression of a region to the point where the thought of investing becomes too worrying. The fact is that places that are often unstable can return the highest yields due to it being an emerging market -- say from a war-torn zone or a country that suddenly has a regime change and the new leaders are more open to inward investment, points which can be of enormous benefit. It is almost impossible to be 100% accurate about many regions and political and economic fallout is one aspect that an investor should take in its stride. Be aware but don't be afraid. Turkey for example is on the cusp of joining the EU where the country will become more open and act as a greater bridge from West to East. As long as you move into a new location with open eyes and deal with well-known developers or people with a solid knowledge and actually have lived there for many years the outcome should be acceptable or even superb. If you can see businesses moving into an area you know that they will have paid considerable time and energy researching and it is an indication that many aspects of the location must be favorable. Brazil is one such location that is benefiting from several global upcoming events as well being part of the emerging four BRIC economies.

With all this it is important to ask questions about the developer or builder - get to know their track record and speak to the right people. That is where IPD comes into play as we know the right people in the right places. When making an enquiry ask for a brief run-down of past successes from the developer through IPD -- we will work with you to get the answers you need. Does the land or property have all the correct permissions and when you pay deposits does your money go into an Escrow account where it can be kept safe should something go wrong. When it comes to selling on your investment is the deed transferable easily and what are the tax implications of moving your proceeds from one location to another or from one country to another.

Pay particular attention to your own requirements when it comes to a time-frame. Are you looking to flip the property within 12-24 months on the basis that you hope that capital appreciation will cover expenses and leave a sum left over or are you in it for the long-term for example 3-10 years where the full benefits may out way the short term gains you might achieve over a quick sale.