Whether you are a globetrotter, investor or entrepreneur, set your sights on the emerging markets. Cities across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America are home to an abundance of opportunities; from tourism to real estate, technology to finance, these cities are worth exploring.
Pakistan’s best real estate website, Lamudi.pk, travels around the emerging markets in eight cities, to explore what they have to offer.
Lahore, Pakistan:
Lahore is the second-largest metropolitan city in Pakistan, with a rich history and culture. It is considered the hub of economy, politics, education and entertainment. Over the past few years, the real estate sector in Lahore has expanded, as a result of rapid urbanization from the surrounding rural areas. The city offers attractive and lucrative investment opportunities for those looking outside of Pakistan’s capital. Furthermore, strong infrastructure has created a dynamic market for startups, with world-renowned companies already eyeing up the city.
Tagaytay, the Philippines:
At 2,250 feet above sea level, Tagaytay enjoys a year-long cold climate, the perfect escape from the capital city heat. Alongside postcard-perfect views of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake, Tagaytay is a place of pine trees, winding roads, and luxurious real estate. Not to be outdone by Manila, Tagaytay has seen notable developments in recent years, attracting not only affluent local investors, but also foreign buyers and millions of overseas Filipino workers.
Malang, Indonesia:
Last month, Malang was recognized by the 2015 Indonesian smart cities awards, for its economic conditions, social interaction and environmental health. The second-largest city in East Java is a center of tourism, education and sport, and home to an abundance of cultural attractions. Malang boasts stunning coastal scenery, and beautiful sandy beaches; the island of Pulau Sempu is only a short boat ride away from Sedang Biru beach, while smaller islets can be reached by walkways from the beautiful Balekambang beach.
Maputo, Mozambique:
Maputo is Mozambique’s capital, and center of trade and industry. The city is growing rapidly, bringing together a mixture of cultures, including Portuguese – as a result of five centuries of colonization – and Bantu. The Mediterranean-style architecture and seaside location make Maputo the most affluent area in Mozambique. The development of the city’s infrastructure is driving the growth of a bustling and luxurious real estate market.
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh:
Cox’s Bazar is slowing becoming an international tourist hotspot. Investors are constantly building new hotels to meet the growing demand. The plots in the area are suitable for resorts, hotels, housing, or amusement parks; perfect for anyone thinking of investing in the tourism hub of the country. Furthermore, the proposal to build road connectivity from Chittagong to Kunming, Southwest China, via Cox’s Bazar will bring additional attention to the emerging city.
Yaba, Nigeria:
Yaba, a suburb in the port of Lagos – nicknamed locally as Yabacon Valley – is becoming the financial and banking center of Nigeria. Yaba is a unique place for high-tech innovation and development, buoyed by the country’s growth, the middle-class affinity towards technology and massive online population of 45 million Internet users. The growing number of technology companies to the region is attracting financial institutions and banks. In turn, this attracts venture capitalists, investors, and industry professionals from all over the world.
Doha, Qatar:
Doha is the fastest growing city in Qatar, as well as the economic center of the country and one of the emerging financial centers in the Middle East. While Doha’s neighborhoods are quiet during the day, its streets come alive at night. A hub for expatriates, Doha is rapidly developing, as the government moves its focus from the oil and gas sector, toward tourism, construction, real estate, finance and aviation.
Monterrey, Mexico:
Monterrey is emerging as a driving force behind Mexico’s economic growth. The city is overcoming its history, to develop into a technology, software and material hub, already home to both multinational corporations and startups. As a result, Monterrey’s real estate industry is booming, with demand for commercial and residential real estate growing as more businesses look to take advantage of the exciting opportunities available.
