Thursday, January 25, 2007: In a survey conducted by the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate, (AFIRE) based in Madison, USA, India has emerged as the country with the second highest potential for real estate capital appreciation. Climbing four notches up from sixth place in 2005, it threatens number one on the list, the USA, and has narrowed the margin between first and second spot by 5%.

As per the AFIRE report, international investors will continue to widen the distribution of their funds across more countries and initiate new strategies to acquire real estate in the most competitive markets. While the US remains the leading market for investment, India ranked highly as a place for wealth appreciation.

18% of survey respondents say real estate in India provides the second best opportunity globally for capital appreciation. With 15% of survey respondents' votes, real estate in China continues to rank third.

The survey indicates cross-border investment in realty to the tune of $500 million dollars in 2007. Indian real estate again figures as a favorite for foreign investors, ranking third - moving up from fifth position in 2005, after Japan and China. Singapore and Hongkong trail behind to tie for fourth place.

Globally, commercial spaces will be the first choice of investors in 2007 forecasts the AFIRE report, with retail space constituting a high 22% of the total.

The Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate is a non-profit association for the foreign real estate investment community. 200 AFIRE members from 17 countries share a common interest in studying and promoting international real estate investments. AFIRE is a meeting ground for investors to exchange knowledge and information at regular meetings in the USA and Europe.