Thereâs 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 donât 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, youâll 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
Thereâs no shortage of eye-catching properties abroad, but if youâre going to make this venture a dream and not a nightmare, then youâll want to ensure youâre only buying a property that you can comfortably afford. Itâll all begin to feel like a drag if itâs taking a toll on your financial situation.
Plus, you wonât be there as often as at your usual home. Itâs worth keeping in mind that you may be able to rent it out, however, so itâs not like all of your costs will be outgoing — thereâll be some coming in too!
But speaking generally, itâs better if you can afford the place without the money from holiday rentals. There are no guarantees that youâll always have guests!
Weâve Been Here BeforeâŚ
Photographs can be oh-so deceiving. A destination might look otherworldly in photographs, but not quite so impressive up close.
If youâre 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.
Thereâs 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 youâve ever bought a property, you know how challenging it can be. When youâre buying one overseas, things become even more problematic. As such, itâs 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 itâll work — if youâre forever complaining about how things are done, then youâll only up torturing yourself.
Close to Other Destinations
Keep in mind why youâre buying a home abroad in the first place. Itâs 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, itâs a good idea to pick a destination thatâs 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 wonât only have all the benefits of having a property in Indonesiaâs capital city; youâll also have Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and other countries on your doorstep.
Youâll 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 youâre visiting abroad, but if youâre going to make this a long-term arrangement, then youâll also want to make sure that thereâs an element of âhomelinessâ about the place.
You wonât always want to be on the move — sometimes, you just want a relaxing break. So find a place that can give you both — itâs all about creating a sense of adventure and a sense of home.
In the Mix
Itâs easy to focus too much on the property (as in, the actual building) when youâre looking. While that is, obviously, important, itâs only one half of the equation.
The other half is the location. You could have a beautiful home or apartment, but if itâs not an area that you want to be in, then you wonât enjoy it anywhere near as much as you could or should. When youâre looking at a place, ask yourself if youâd feel happy when you walked out of the front door.
In some cases, itâs 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 thatâs 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 youâd still work with an expert there.
When youâre parting with such huge amounts of cash, itâs best not to take any chances. Theyâll 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, youâll be well-served by picking up some of the local tongue, even if English is widely spoken.
Thereâll be advantages to this when it comes to just getting things done, but itâll have a broader impact, too — itâll help you to integrate yourself into the community. Becoming part of the area, rather than just an outsider, should be the aim. Itâll make everything more enjoyable.
Take Your Time
Finally, remember to take your time. Itâs 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. Youâll live with the decision for years — be patient!
