There are multiple reasons why you might consider investing in property overseas. For one thing, getting onto the property ladder in the UK can be a lot harder than it is in other countries, so if you’re interested in investing in real estate, starting abroad can give you a leg up. On the other hand, you may just be looking for a property for you and your family to enjoy throughout the year as a home away from home. Whatever your individual reasons might be, there are many important points to consider before you go ahead with your purchase, such as the financial obligations and possible obstacles that you might face. So, to help you think over your options, here are some essential points you might want to take into account before making the choice to invest in overseas property. If you’re really stuck, experts like Simon Conn might be able to help.
- What are you looking to gain from your property?
Depending on your reasons for wanting to invest in a property, the features that you look for will vary. If you’re just choosing a holiday home for your family, with the view of letting the property when it’s not in use, then there won’t be quite as much financial risk involved; in this instance, the only real consideration will be whether the property suits your individual needs. However, if you’re looking for a property for the sole purpose of making a wise and profitable investment, then you will need to choose a property that is desirable (or has the potential to be) in an easily accessible and advantageous location. You’ll also want to look for as many beneficial features as possible, such as proximity to a beach or a sought-after view. Investments made with this goal in mind need to be much more calculated, as there is a greater deal of risk involved, such as in the event of the worth of the local real estate declining.
- How will you fund your investment?
Once you have a clear idea of what your motivations are for finding an overseas property, selecting one that you like and that suits your needs is relatively straightforward; the challenge then comes in securing the necessary finances. If you don’t have the capital to afford a property upfront, then you need to think carefully before securing any loans to cover the costs and consider that the international laws regarding financing may vary from that of the UK. For example, many people who have taken out a mortgage in Cyprus have been met with problems and left facing the unmanageable financial burden of an immovable property. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct thorough research into any loans that you take out and seek professional financial advice.
- Do you have experience in the property market?
Buying a property abroad might not seem like a daunting task if you have a lot of experience of dealing with the property market, but if you’re a first-time buyer, you may want to consider whether this is the right investment choice for you. If you do decide to go ahead, make sure that you follow every procedure that you would in the UK, such as obtaining an independent survey and valuation of the property. You also need to be prepared for any issues that language barriers might be present and have a clear understanding of exchange rates, as well as local tax laws and legislations.
