There are all the usual points when buying abroad as when you are buying in your home country. You will have to decide whether you want a property in a city or the country side. Would you like to live near the coast? It is important to become familiar with the local climate as this may affect your choice of property. If you are planning on living there for a considerable amount of time each year you may have to look at schools – if you have children. Whether you will live there or rent it out it is important to make sure the property is close to amenities. Registering your interest with more than one agent when searching for a property abroad is a good thing to do. Remember estate agents will be making money out of your interest if it results in a sale. Do not rush into anything, even if you think you have found the perfect property keep looking as you never know what is round the corner.

If you have an area for your potential home in mind do ask the agent/s if there is an alternative that is cheaper. Quite often you would have only heard of the places and areas that are quite well known but usually there will be cheaper alternatives, this could be a good way of saving money. When you have come to a final decision about the property you want to purchase you need to make your offer in writing. In your offer you should point out what you understand the price to include, this will avoid any confusion as to what exactly is being sold in with the price. [Read more...]