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Overseas property specialists Reynolds Ventures is hoping to expand its base in the UK in 2009 as investors look to diversify away from the troubled market.

The company specialises in overseas properties investment in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates.

More specifically, it gives high net-worth investors the chance to invest in not only real estate but also agro-business and renewable energy investments in regions expected to perform better than most of Europe in 2009.

Frances Reynolds, president at Reynolds Ventures, said: "For around $400,000 (£291,000), UK investors can invest in projects and land where not only will they receive more for their investment, but growth predictions are a lot higher than the rest of the world."

Ms Reynolds said Argentina had an expected GDP growth rate of approximately 2 per cent for 2009, while Brazil and Uruguay had 4 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively.

Those figures are in stark contrast to other parts of Europe, such as Spain, where GDP is expected to contract by 1.6 per cent in 2009.

Reynolds Ventures has also recently moved into the UAE, developing a number of projects in the new business bay in Dubai.

The country where Ms Reynolds said she felt most confident was Brazil, as it has not experienced a mortgage crisis like other countries, since most people tend to buy their homes in cash, while the country as a whole is experiencing growth in commercial, residential and industrial sectors.

According to the company, the renewable energy sector - specifically bio-fuels - represents the most profitable opportunity in Brazil.

The production of jatropha oil is thought to be the best alternative to oil, with Brazil being the leading producer. With this in mind, Reynolds Ventures has set up a plantation project of 100,000 hectares of jatropha in Brazil that will have capacity to produce 250,000 tonnes of crude bio-oil.

The $100m project is open to UK investors and expected to exceed a long-term return of 35 per cent.

Further, Reynolds Ventures said the European bio-fuels market should expand by 900 per cent over the next 10 years to meet the minimum objectives of the European Renewable Energy Plan.

Ms Reynolds said: "The UK has a lot of affinity with Brazil, and in addition to energy investment, the property opportunities suit British investors, as they have the same lifestyle in high-net worth areas such as Buenos Aires.

"What you can get for your money in Brazil compared with the UK and the rest of Europe is unequalled. In the residential business there, investors can make a return of up to 16 per cent annual."