Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home Abroad

Have you ever found yourself on holiday – gazing out across the golden sand towards the deep blue sea – and thinking to yourself ‘this is the life’?

Because if you have, and let’s face it, it’s pretty tough not to, it is now easier than ever to turn your dream foreign home into a reality.

These days the internet is packed tighter than your hand luggage with expert firms offering you the chance to jet off to a sun-kissed new life – whether it’s a French fancy, a Portugal Property, a Greek getaway or even the Spanish sun you crave.

But, of course, many a dream can become a nightmare if you don’t research your move correctly. That’s why these handy hints can help your future feel like paradise, rather than a wet weekend:

Location

It is vital that you know exactly what you are spending your hard-earned money on. A villa or flat may look perfect on the internet, but it is essential that you view your purchase with your own eyes before agreeing to hand over the cash.

Whether this is the place where you want to spend the rest of your days, or treat as a holiday home which you could also rent out to help cover the bills, getting a feel for the area is a must.

After all, if there is a sewage works next door and the beach and bars you crave are actually an hour long walk away, then you will soon be an ex-ex-pat.

This is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a little working holiday.

Work

Are you retiring abroad or looking to continue working?

If your answer is the latter then make sure the area you are looking to move to has opportunities for you, and that your grasp of the language is adequate enough to be employable.

Don’t fool yourself into believing you’re the first Brit to think, ‘I can do a bit of painting and decorating out there’.

These tips from Forbes may help.

Culture

How well do you know the customs and culture of the area you’re thinking of making home?

Spending a week on holiday being flattered by waiters and barmen battling for your tips could be very different to the way you may be treated if you become just another family from down the road.

Make sure you research the area you are looking at, because spending your days surrounded by people with contrasting views of life, love, religion, etiquette and business could leave you feeling like an outsider in your own home.

Exchange rate

Ensure you are getting the best for your money by buying at times when the pound is at its strongest, otherwise you could be paying over the odds for your property and legal fees – and that cash is better spent on yourself any day of the week, just as The Telegraph suggest.

Labour

Does your dream property need a bit of a facelift?

Will you require local labour to join in with a bit of DIY? Do you need to employ someone to maintain a garden or pool? If you are renting the property out,who will manage the property, keep it clean and hand over keys to guests on their arrival?

All these need to be considered before taking the plunge.