Investment property in Uruguay, one of Latin America’s smaller countries, is often overlooked by those drawn to the brighter lights of Argentina, Uruguay’s flamboyant neighbour across the River Plate. However, while Argentina’s economy has floundered and shows little sign of recovery in 2009, Uruguay offers a completely different story.

Known as the Switzerland of South America, Uruguay is being seen as a safe emerging market destination for investors looking to balance risk with reward. Located in the south-eastern part of South America, on the coastline between its more illustrious neighbours, Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is fast becoming a place that property investors are warming to.

Surprisingly dainty with a population of just 3.5 million, less than half that of Greater London’s, Uruguay nonetheless manages to pack a great deal into a small area from beautiful colonial towns to immaculate beaches. Once visited by only very few, word has got out, and buyers are now flocking to the flourishing internationally-renowned beach resorts offering ideal locations for overseas homes.

Often overshadowed by its larger and louder neighbours, Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay has so far largely escaped the world’s attention when it comes to property investment. But this small country has much to offer – competitive property prices, political and economic stability, a booming economy as well as stunning scenery.

Latin America is hot! As the summer holiday season approaches, a recent report by Expedia has short listed a number of tourist hot spots in emerging destinations for this coming summer season. While the old favourites of Paris, London and Paris remain popular with American travellers, it seems that we are entering a new era for tourism in South America, a positive sign for overseas investors into this region.

An opportunity to invest in a long-term land banking development within the grounds of a classy upmarket Sheraton hotel. At under £30,000 for a large 1000m plot in a prime position, the latest offer from E-Quity.com would represent good value for money in a much more mature market than Uruguay. But these plots are first line to the Rio Plata, on a golf course, within the grounds of a fully operational Sheraton hotel located in one of the most popular weekend break destinations in the region. This is no speculative raw land investment!