If you had $1,000,000 to deploy today, where would you put it?
The world is full of “glamour” markets—Dubai, Monaco, London, New York. But when you look past the skylines and delve into the legal and tax frameworks, the choice becomes much simpler. In a “winner stays on” battle of the world’s most famous real estate hubs, here is why the US—and specifically landlord-friendly growth markets—consistently comes out on top.
The Tax Incentive: US vs. Dubai and Monaco
Dubai and Monaco are famous for being tax havens. No income tax, no capital gains. It sounds like a dream.
However, for a US-based investor (or anyone looking for long-term wealth manufacturing), the US Tax Code is actually more powerful. Through depreciation, 1031 exchanges, and development incentives, you can often offset your active income and grow your wealth while paying significantly less to the government. In the US, the tax benefits are a feature of the ownership, not just the location.
The “Sovereign” Play: US vs. Costa Rica
I love Costa Rica. I own property here. But my reason for investing in Costa Rica isn’t purely about the ROI of a rental home.
In Costa Rica, the constitution allows property investors to become naturalized citizens, which can lead to a UN passport. This is a “Sovereignty Play.” It’s about global mobility and having a “Plan B.”
But if the goal is purely wealth creation and tax efficiency, the US still wins. Costa Rica is for your lifestyle and your legacy; the US is for your growth engine.
The Legal Shield: New York vs. Boise
In the final round, many people assume New York is the “gold standard.” It’s one of the most famous cities on Earth. But for a sophisticated investor, fame is a liability.
I would choose Boise, Idaho over New York every single time. Why? Because Boise is incredibly landlord-friendly.
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- New York: Onerous tenant laws, difficult eviction processes, and high regulatory friction.
- Boise: Laws that respect property rights and protect the owner.
When you invest, you aren’t just buying a building; you are buying into a local legal system. If the laws don’t protect you, your “investment” is actually a liability.
The Bottom Line
Winning the real estate game isn’t about finding the prettiest building. It’s about finding the best alignment of:
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- Tax incentives that let you keep your gains.
- Legal protections that keep you in control of your asset.
- Growth markets where the supply-demand curve is in your favor.
Stick to the US, follow the landlord-friendly laws, and never ignore the tax code. That is how you turn $1M into a legacy.
Invest Confidently with Shannon Robnett
By reading this blog you’ve began the first step in aligning your investment strategy with your personal financial goals. At Shannon Robnett Industries, we bring decades of experience structuring both types of opportunities, with a proven track record of helping investors build wealth through carefully vetted, tax-advantaged real estate projects.
Whether you’re seeking steady income through debt or long-term growth through equity, our team is here to help you make the right move.