Here, he explains why he chose to buy in Brazil and what it is about the country that he loves so much. Paul Ferguson is a 50-year-old veterinary surgeon originating from Northern Ireland, who now works and lives in Wiltshire with his wife, Jackie, and two children, Sam and Katy – aged six and three. However, Paul's world now stretches much further than across the Irish Sea.

Paul recently bought two properties in Pipa in North East Brazil, one costing £65,000, and the other £50,000. But Paul's purchases didn't end there: he has just invested £70,000 in a third property – a penthouse apartment in the Pipa Beleza Resort in Pipa. Although Paul's forays into Brazil's fledgling property market are recent, his fascination and love for this South American giant go back a long way. "Truth be told," says Paul, "I have been in love with Brazil since I was a kid. As a young boy I watched the wonderful team of Pelé, Carlos Alberto and the others win the 1970 World Cup, and visits recently have kept the magic alive. "However, if I let my head speak rather than my heart, I also chose to invest in Brazil as I see a bright future for the property market there, and indeed, the economy in general. Most importantly, as a newcomer to the game it gives very good value for a modest investment. For me it is a 'win win' situation."

Paul explains why he chose to buy in a less populated north-eastern region of Brazil as follows: "I settled on Pipa in the Natal region in the North East after doing a lot of research. Brazil's relative proximity to Europe with a flight time of about nine hours compared favourably with Caribbean destinations, and then there is the excellent
year-round sunny climate (with the added bonus of no hurricanes), and beaches that even the Aussies would die for!" Paul continues: "Pipa has a great atmosphere, and has been a favourite with wealthy Brazilians and Europeans for sometime, yet it manages to retain a lovely laid-back charm. There is excellent wind surfing, kite surfing, wave surfing, buggy riding on the beaches and you can even swim with the wild dolphins. There is also talk of a new golf course, but really most people come to wind down and relax, and live on 'Pipa time'. In fact, I am a rather proud member of 'PAS' – the Pipa Appreciation Society!"

Paul Ferguson bought his properties through uv10 as he was impressed by their passion for and knowledge of North East Brazil.

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Article published 29 April 2008