Buying Property Abroad

Buying Property Abroad Made Easy

Whether it is for a complete change of circumstance, a new job abroad or retirement, or a summer home or simply as an investment, buying property abroad is becoming more and more popular.

In Europe, the acres of beautiful countryside in Italy and France are two of the most popular areas in which to buy property abroad; beautiful villages, sensational scenery, the chance to live that existence of lingering lunches, fine wine and aperitifs in the village square. Such things are sometimes too hard to resist.

For others, the coastal resorts and beach towns of Spain and Portugal are another big draw. Hundreds of thousands of British people, for example, have made “the costas” their permanent or semi-permanent homes over the past twenty years or so.

This is the ideal, anyway, and there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t be able to fulfil your dreams in this way! However, buying property abroad can be a tricky and time consuming process; and there are numerous pitfalls.

The first piece of advice is to get yourself a reputable estate agent who is well versed in the laws of the land and the problems you may encounter. A good place to start is by visiting the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) who offer some useful information. Only work with registered estate agents and ones who hold a license in the country and make sure they can speak your native tongue fluently. Clarity and accuracy of language is paramount to make sure you are not going to get in trouble later on down the line.

Advice on Buying Property Abroad

The next point is to ensure you have an excellent lawyer. In Spain, for example, buying a property requires you to draw up a will in Spanish beforehand and you are also liable for the debts of the previous owner too. Good legal help will help you avoid these pitfalls and many more.

For general advice about buying property abroad and living abroad, your government should be able to provide you with information. A good place to start is the British Foreign Office for UK nationals or the State Department in the US.

Most of all, though, be prepared for the long slog. Official offers in a foreign language, the numerous and costly visits you will have to make to visit and investigate properties, the different legal processes and red tape you will have to navigate… all this is a time consuming, but absolutely vital part of the transaction.

There are numerous websites and books available to help you in the process though. But most of all take care and be thorough in all your dealings. If something sounds too good to be true, maybe it is!

Buying property abroad can be a superb thing and bring all those dreams you had into reality.

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