IMF predicts 5% GDP growth & other investment factors

Unlike in other countries where foreign nationals are generally confined to leasehold properties for a maximum of 99 years, Sri Lanka offers a distinctive benefit by allowing them to acquire condominium properties as freehold properties.

With its diverse geographical landscape, Sri Lanka is an attractive destination for real estate investment.

The country offers stable and enjoyable weather, an affordable cost of living, and the welcoming nature of its amiable people, along with reliable air transportation, making it an ideal location for living and holidays.

Investment highlights:

The IMF predicts the Sri Lankan economy will be growing by 5% in 2027.

The Port City special enterprise zone www.portcitycolombo.lk will have significant impact on the economy becoming the leading residential, retail, and business hub in South Asia.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA): prior to 2019, the Southern Coast around Galle maintained a steady hotel occupancy rate of over 70%.

Buyers are more inclined to invest in units affiliated with reputable brands like Kristall Spaces, as they offer superior build quality, services and potential rental income, thus facilitating the sale of the units.

Beachfront real estate prices have risen by over 80% in some prime beachfront locations over the past 5 years.

In the next 5 years, we expect an apartment costing USD285,755 to increase in value to 460,211 based on 10% capital growth per annum – that is USD174,456 increase or over 60% in 5 years.

Maintenance services charges may vary from $0.15 to $0.25 per square foot but USD 115 per month for a 1-bedroom unit can be expected in prime locations.

According to the latest report from Forbes magazine, Sri Lanka has been identified as the fourth top choice for solo travelers in 2024, overtaking countries such as Jordan, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Despite enduring significant setbacks during the Covid pandemic of 2020 and 2021, as well as political unrest and economic challenges in 2022, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, experiencing a swift resurgence.

Strategic importance of Sri Lanka: the Indian Ocean serves as a maritime trading corridor and is a significant source of maritime economic resources with nearly two thirds of the world’s oil being transported through here.

Consequently, the area has become crucial for the energy, food and national security of many nations making Sri Lanka’s location important.

As interest rates fall, more investors will explore alternative investment avenues, with a particular focus on real estate and this will drive up the demand for luxury properties in the near future.

Sri Lanka: new Investor Visa for property buyers

This new initiative for buyers outside Sri Lanka interested in buying condominium units (holiday apartments) started on 1 June 2024.

The Investor Visa program ensures a simplified and efficient procedure for non-Sri Lankans looking to invest in the country’s fast-growing real estate market allowing visa applications to be handled entirely online, making it easier for potential investors.

A notable feature of the new process is that foreigners staying in Sri Lanka will no longer have to exit the country to apply for a visa.

This notable improvement is expected to draw in additional investors to support Sri Lanka’s economic progress and flourishing construction and property development industry.

Applicants must provide:

1. Confirmation from a bank regarding the deposit of foreign currency into an IIA account.

2. A statement from the investor specifying the purpose of the investment, whether to purchase a unit or units from a condominium development project in the country.

For investments exceeding USD 100,000, applicants will receive an immediate 5-year visa, which can be renewed.

Investments over USD 200,000 will be eligible for a 10-year renewable visa, both necessitating a maximum of five days for ministerial approval.

By opening its doors wider to international investors, Sri Lanka is not only improving its economic prospects but also laying the foundation for sustainable growth in its property development sector.

In addition to the direct and obvious benefits mentioned earlier, foreign investments in real estate have been proven to generate multiple streams of both short and long-term inflows.

The nature of investing in Real Estate is characterized by long-term commitments and substantial investments, which in turn contribute to the country’s overall development.

Half a million tourist arrivals in 3 months

Sri Lanka passed 500,000 tourist arrivals in just the third month of 2024, with over 100,000 tourists coming in March alone confirming hat the industry is making excellent headway towards strong growth.

Since the COVID pandemic began, this is the first time the island nation has reached over half a million visitors in just two and a half months – last year, Sri Lanka reached this milestone in the second week of May.

The provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority showed that for the first 14 days of March, Sri Lanka welcomed 91,205 international visitors.

Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals 6 March 2024

The cumulative number of tourist arrivals from January 1st to March 14th reached 517,808.

If the current level of tourist arrivals continues, Sri Lanka could reach 200,000 arrivals for the third month in a row – a first for the country since the start of the Covid pandemic.

The Russian Federation is the biggest contributor to tourism in March, with 15% of all tourist arrivals (13.699) and ranking second India accounted for around 15% too with 13,492 visitors.

Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and China are also significant source markets.

During the initial two months of the year, the tourism industry generated a total revenue of US $ 687.5 million and this represents a 118.2% increase year on year.

Weligama: modern beachfront living

Weligama on Sri Lanka’s southern coast is emerging as the country’s trendiest destination for tourists seeking a glamorous beach getaway and second home buyers looking for a wise investment which can be rented out when they are not enjoying it themselves.

With its influx of boutique hotels, restaurants and spas in recent years, Weligama aspires to become Sri Lanka’s version of Miami’s iconic South Beach.

The local authorities have invested heavily in restoring older buildings and landscaping roadsides to transform the once-sleepy fishing village into a chic coastal retreat.

Tourism has boomed, with visitor numbers doubling since 2010 to over 100,000 in 2020.

Catering largely to young, affluent travelers, Weligama offers a quieter, more exotic alternative to South Beach for those looking to soak up Sri Lanka’s sun, sand and famous surf.

Weligama beach stretches just one kilometre along Sri Lanka’s southern coast and located a 2-hour drive from Colombo airport, it is renowned for its excellent swimming and surfing conditions, making it one of the best spots in the country to learn how to surf.  In addition to water sports, yoga is also very popular in Weligama.

The main beachfront strip is home to trendy boutiques, restaurants and a lively local market and more than 200 hotels have opened here in the past 5 years to accommodate the growing numbers of tourists, locals and weekend visitors from Colombo.

While most lodging options are boutique hotels, larger resorts can also be found, like the beachfront Weligama Bay Marriott Resort and Spa and the luxurious Cape Weligama set on a cliffside overlooking the bay.

Weligama has seen a surge in foreign investment and development: since 2016, beachfront land values have increased 84% as developers build luxury villas, apartments and hotels targeting overseas buyers.

The South Beach Weligama complex, a 106-unit project by famed architects Balmond Studio launching in 2024 will have five-star amenities like a restaurant, bar, pool, gym, and more.

Property prices remain affordable compared to other beach markets, with South Beach units starting around $175,378.

Beyond relaxing on the sand, visitors can experience Weligama’s lively Full Moon parties, which draw 100,000 revelers monthly.

Sri Lanka offers stunning natural scenery, including the dramatic 4,000-foot cliff at World’s End in Horton Plains National Park – this scenic overlook provides an unforgettable experience and spectacular photo opportunities.

Hiring a knowledgeable local guide or driver allows you to fully explore this beautiful region whilst helicopter tours from Weligama provide a bird’s-eye view for adventurous travelers.

Although not commonly associated with Sri Lanka, blue whale watching occurs off Mirissa from December to March and off Trincomalee from March to July.

Sperm whales and spinner dolphins can also be regularly spotted in Sri Lankan waters.

And Sri Lanka’s endangered elephants are also a top wildlife attraction: ethical elephant safaris allow visitors to responsibly view these majestic creatures in locations like Udawalawe National Park, home to around 600 elephants.

Finally, the country’s renowned tea plantations, like the Handunugoda estate, draw many visitors to this low-country plantation which produces exclusive “virgin white tea” and provides a scenic overview of Sri Lanka’s iconic tea culture.

For apartment enquiries, contact Branson Atterbury, Marketing Director on branson.atterbury@kristall-spaces.com or +447715636568 via WhatsApp.

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