Wealth Migrate’s Scott Picken zooms in on scenario planning & its impact on the global and local property markets

By Scott Picken, Founder and CEO of Wealth Migrate 

Investors need to be aware of the red flags that bedeck the global economy and have the potential to derail the most careful preparation. Scott Picken, Chairman Of The Board at Global Wealth Group, Founder and CEO of Wealth Migrate, and the Founder of Orbvest, weighs in on property markets. 

What top 3 countries appear to be the best in terms of buying investment property right now? 

I would say America, Europe and the UK. However, you have to be aware of the fundamentals of population growth and the environment.

What are some of the red flags to look out for that could derail even the best laid plans? 

• Rise of China and the conflict with the USA
• Trouble in the middle East
• The growing challenges with the environment and climate change

Is right now a good time for expats to invest in South Africa?

This depends. There are 4 flags for South Africa and it depends if they are earning first world currency and a first world income, and then investing in first world assets. 

If they are doing this and living in South Africa, then it is one of the best places on the planet. However, if they are earning everything locally then they are very exposed and have all their eggs in one basket.

Where’s the best place for South Africans in SA to invest right now – either in SA or abroad?

Again, this depends. It is all about diversification, wealth protection, income, and how safe and simple it is.

On a platform like Wealth Migrate you can invest with the best partners both locally and internationally and you can diversify against countries, currencies, assets and partners, safely and simply.

Has the Pandemic affected the whole world in the same way property-wise or have some areas increased in value while others drastically decreased? Urban vs rural etc?

I would not say it is areas, but rather sectors. It also depends if you are talking residential or commercial. In residential, the rural lifestyle (zoom towns) have become far more popular if you consider the Garden Route in South Africa, the Cotswolds in the UK, Austin or Florida in the USA, etc. People have realised they can live where they want to go on holiday and still be as productive. The world has changed.

In the commercial sector, it is an economically resilient property which you want to focus on – logistic centres, medical, multi family, industrial, co-living, new-age office, etc. You have to future proof yourself against the rise of tech and how Covid has accelerated this forward at least 5 years.

What are some of the best things people can do with their money right now as we (hopefully) come out of the Pandemic?

People are used to social media and emails. Now, they have got used to e-commerce and working online. The next step, which is going to change the game, is investing online and being in control of their own money.

What size portfolios does Wealth Migrate take care of?

We have members in 170 countries around the world. We have facilitated over $1,1-billion in investments. Our average returns are 12% to 15% IRR, and 7% to 8% cash on cash. You can start your investment from $100, and our average investment size is $31 000.

For more information, view the webinar here or visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0nuIx0YDqY

*Check out the latest edition of the Public Sector Leaders publication here.

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Telephone: 086 000 9590 |  Mobile: 072 126 3962 |  e-Mail: emlyn.dunn@topco.co.za