Brazil has seen a lot of economic recovery in recent years and is beginning to emerge as one of the major tourist destinations for Europeans, with around 300 direct flights now available from most big cities.

According to selling agents at Alexander Richards, Brazil offers a strong investment opportunity for Irish buyers looking for a long-term project, as property prices are still quite low compared to Europe, ranging from around 35,000 for an apartment, up to 2m for a major development project.

And with all-year round sunshine, positive economic growth, good yields and capital appreciation, the company is expecting good interest from Ireland.

At present, around 30% of the properties available in northeast Brazil are being bought by Europeans . . .mainly Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, German and Scandinavians. Rental yields in the popular resort areas are between 10% and 12%, while capital appreciation is between 20% and 40%, depending on location.

One of the major resorts being released by Alexander Richards this season is a beach resort at Muro Alto in the state of Pernambuco, 50 kilometres from Recife airport, which is a seven-hour "ight from most European cities.

Set on a 67,000 squaremetres site (721,000 square feet), this beautiful resort also includes 200 metres of sea frontage, along with a 4000 square-metre (430,000 square-foot) area that incorporates a swimming pool, dry saunas, two tennis courts, restaurants, "tness centre, 250-seat convention centre, heliport and parking for 495 cars.

On offer here are 192 onebed apartments and 60 twobed bungalows. Stylishly "tted out, wired for broadband, and including car parking, apartments have a floor area of 45 square metres (484 square feet) and include a kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom and verandah.

The two-bed bungalows are 68 square metres (732 square feet) and include a kitchen, living room, bedrooms, two bathrooms and veranda.

Alexander Richards 0044-2081234029 alexanderrichards. co. uk