Property
Edward Finney
Oct 23 2008

Even though João Pessoa has been basically overlooked by investors, it is finally getting the attention it deserves. Certainly, it is one of the most beautiful beach areas in Northeastern Brazil but the less than desireable Center city has repelled investors.However, this is changing with the reformation of the Historical Center by both the federal and city governments. When the 300 and 400 year old building are restored within the next few years, this area will be extremely popular for apartment buyers and renters. Not only are the buildings being restored, but the entire infrastructure will be redone including water, electric, sidewalks, tree plants, parks and gardens. It will be an area where many people will want to live.

The traditional growth areas are the beaches of Cabo Branco, Tambaú, Manaira and Bessa. These are the premium areas of João Pessoa and the preferred areas to live for the middle and upper classes. The tradition 3 and 4 bedroom beautiful houses have been giving way to high rises which no dominate the beaches. There is still room to build more high rises but therate of growthhas decreased. Bessa beach has plenty of room to grow but the lack of infrastructure like paved roads, sidewalks and in some cases water and drainage have made it a lower demand area with lower prices. The deficiencies are being corrected however this area will again be a growth area.

The normal direction of growth the last 20 years or so has been North toward Cabedelo. At Cabedelo it stops because of the Paraiba River and the lack of a bridge. To go across to Costinha and Lucena one must take a ferry boat. The areas between Bessa and Cabedelo have been rapidly developed but there is still plenty of space for growth in Intermares, Poço and Camboinha beaches. This area has been traditionally for summer homes for the middle class and are extremely popular from November to March.

The next area for growth seems to be to the south.That is toward Jacuma Beach in Conde. Many foreigners, mostly Europeans and especially people fromNorwayandSwedenare buying there and establishing businesses like hotels, restaurants and pousadas. The nudist beach at Tambaba is beautiful and popular. It recently hosted an international nudist conference of over 4000 visitors. Between Jacuma andRecife, about 2 hours to the south, there are dozens of small fishing villages just waiting for development and the prices are still cheap.

The outlying barrios that surround João Pessoa away from the beach areas are growing also but they are not popular for foreigners and are more for the lower middle class Brazilians. Prices there are much cheaper than the beach areas and there is plenty of room for development. To the west of João Pessoa,gated communitiesare becoming very popular. They are in the cooler regions of the State of Paraiba and are more vacation and weekend homes.

João Pessoa is a growing area as more people find this delightful city. It has been traditionally overlooked and underbooked by foreign visitors but that is changing as a small ex-patriot community is growing. There is still time and plenty of space for the investor that is looking for a perfecttropical climateand layed back life style. Come visit. You just might stay.