There’s something to be said for settling into one community, creating a steady life, and so on, but can that really compete with the allure and excitement of setting forth on an adventure like buying a home abroad?
We don’t think so. One of the best ways to make overseas adventures part of your routine is to have a property abroad.
Whenever you have the time, you’ll be able to jet off and live a different life for a while. What could be better? If this all sounds appealing, read below, where we outline some useful tips for ensuring you end up with a fantastic place.
Make it Affordable
There’s no shortage of eye-catching properties abroad, but if you’re going to make this venture a dream and not a nightmare, then you’ll want to ensure you’re only buying a property that you can comfortably afford. It’ll all begin to feel like a drag if it’s taking a toll on your financial situation.
Plus, you won’t be there as often as at your usual home. It’s worth keeping in mind that you may be able to rent it out, however, so it’s not like all of your costs will be outgoing — there’ll be some coming in too!
But speaking generally, it’s better if you can afford the place without the money from holiday rentals. There are no guarantees that you’ll always have guests!
We’ve Been Here Before…
Photographs can be oh-so deceiving. A destination might look otherworldly in photographs, but not quite so impressive up close.
If you’re going to guarantee that you end up with a property that you love, then you need to know that you love the area. So that means having visited at least once, but multiple times is better.
There’s a difference between having one fun holiday and making a destination your second home. Only after having visited a few times can you uncover the really fun things (and downsides) of a destination.
Where You Can Fit In
If you’ve ever bought a property, you know how challenging it can be. When you’re buying one overseas, things become even more problematic. As such, it’s a good idea to buy a property in a place where you can get by with the language.
For example, you speak the local tongue or English is commonly spoken. Your ability to fit in will also rest on how well you fit culturally with the locals.
If they have values and a lifestyle that you agree with, then it’ll work — if you’re forever complaining about how things are done, then you’ll only up torturing yourself.
Close to Other Destinations
Keep in mind why you’re buying a home abroad in the first place. It’s because you like adventure, you want to travel, you want to throw off the shackles of the everyday, and see the world. For this reason, it’s a good idea to pick a destination that’s near to other destinations, which will allow you also to explore other cities and countries from your base.
Get a cheap apartment in Jakarta, for instance, and you won’t only have all the benefits of having a property in Indonesia’s capital city; you’ll also have Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and other countries on your doorstep.
You’ll essentially be able to use the property as a fun break from home, and also a launchpad for visiting other sights.
A Homey Spot
You might be in a travelling state of mind when you’re visiting abroad, but if you’re going to make this a long-term arrangement, then you’ll also want to make sure that there’s an element of “homeliness” about the place.
You won’t always want to be on the move — sometimes, you just want a relaxing break. So find a place that can give you both — it’s all about creating a sense of adventure and a sense of home.
In the Mix
It’s easy to focus too much on the property (as in, the actual building) when you’re looking. While that is, obviously, important, it’s only one half of the equation.
The other half is the location. You could have a beautiful home or apartment, but if it’s not an area that you want to be in, then you won’t enjoy it anywhere near as much as you could or should. When you’re looking at a place, ask yourself if you’d feel happy when you walked out of the front door.
In some cases, it’s better to prioritize a vital location over the property. This could mean a view, nature, being in the hip part of town, or whatever it is that’s drawing you to that location. It’s pointless to travel a long distance only to discover that you’re not in the environment you prefer!
Work with Experts
Even if you can speak the local language and even know the city inside and out, working with real estate experts is always beneficial. Think of it this way: you know everything there is to know about your hometown, but you’d still work with an expert there.
When you’re parting with such huge amounts of cash, it’s best not to take any chances. They’ll be able to advise you on the prices you should be paying, sort out the paperwork, and so on.
Speaking the Language
If you are moving to a place where English is not the first language, you’ll be well-served by picking up some of the local tongue, even if English is widely spoken.
There’ll be advantages to this when it comes to just getting things done, but it’ll have a broader impact, too — it’ll help you to integrate yourself into the community. Becoming part of the area, rather than just an outsider, should be the aim. It’ll make everything more enjoyable.
Take Your Time
Finally, remember to take your time. It’s worthwhile taking a little extra time and making sure you end up in a property you love, rather than rushing into things and later regretting your decision. You’ll live with the decision for years — be patient!
