overseas property
buying abroad
Many of us dream of owning a property overseas. This this can mean different things to different people. You may wish to emigrate, have a holiday home or indeed see a property as an investment; either letting out for income or retaining for a period for capital growth purposes.
It is quite clear that buying property abroad, is quite a different proposition to the UK. There is no "just popping down to the estate agent" and the process of purchase can also be quite different. Keys to success are :-
- Undestanding the house buying process
- Having local legal advice, with experts who can speak both English and the native language
- Understanding all possible costs in the form of taxes and other buyer costs
- Being aware of the effects of potential currency fluctuations
In researching overseas opportunities you will find a range of options from web sites similar to the ones in the UK, where estate agents primarily list their stock. In countires where language can prove to be more problematic or with whom we have less cultural ties, there are businesses who can handle the whole transaction, making the whole process more simple.
France
The most popular holiday destination for Britons and also the most popular place for those looking for a new property outside of the UK. There are a lot of good and informative web sites you can refer to. Our favourites are
- Listings from agents and private sellers alike french-property.com
- Listings and lots of practical advice and information frenchentree.com
English speaking world
- United States: National Association of Realtors realtor.com
- Canada: The Canadian Real Estate Association, Multiple Listing Service mls.ca
- South Africa: Seeff. With over 200 offices throughout the country (also Botswana and Namibia) seeff.com
- Australia: The largest and most comprehensive property web site realestate.com.au
- New Zealand :The most comprehensive property listing is realestate.co.nz