Are you dreaming of settling in a seaside villa by the Mediterranean? Did your job offer you a lucrative position but in a different country? Do you want to move permanently with your long-distance partner? Whatever the reason may be, buying a home in a different country is a big step, and there are several things that you should know before you start looking for new development properties to buy.
1. Local legal requirements
Every country has a different set of legal requirements for homeownership, particularly when it comes to foreigners. In some countries, foreigners are not allowed to own land and can only buy certain types of properties. Most also require foreigners to have lived in the country for a certain time period before they can purchase a home.
If you’re thinking of moving to another country or are already there and want to own a home, do due diligence. Research the legal requirements thoroughly to ensure that you have the legal rights to buy a home. Consult with an experienced realtor or another foreigner who has experience with local real estate for more information. If necessary, you can also seek help from a local lawyer, especially if the legal stuff is confusing to you.
2. The market
Real estate markets fluctuate all around the globe, and each country’s market is independent of the other. What this means is that because home prices are at an all-time low in your country, they may be at the top of the cycle in your intended country.
That said, research the locale’s real estate market before you go looking for prospective properties. If you want to make the most out of your money, you would want to wait until the most opportune time to buy a home. The same goes for currency exchange rates; wait until your local currency is strongest against the country’s to which you are moving.
3. Financing
Next comes the question: how are you going to finance your home purchase? Are you going to take out a local loan? If so, find out what are the requirements for foreigners. Are you going to use the money from your home country? If this is the case, then it’s best if you have a foreign exchange solution that will provide better purchasing power for you.
You’re also going to need to research the typical mortgage rates in the local. Remember that markets differ with every country, and you will need to do your homework on this if you want to make the most out of your investment.
Furthermore, it is highly advisable that you figure out the banking ahead of time. For example, if you are transferring all of your money to that country, ensure that you know the local rules when it comes to large transfers, and try to wait when the exchange rates are in your favor.
4. Language barriers
You’re probably going to find realtors, lenders, and other parties in your intended country that can speak the same language as you, but it’s still a good idea to have your important documents translated. This way, you can thoroughly understand what the paperwork is saying before you affix your signature on anything. If you have documents that are written in your language, consider having them translated into the local language so that realtors and sellers can also understand what they are saying.
It is also important to expect language barriers when dealing with sellers if English is not one of the main languages in the country. That said, it may be a good idea to hire a realtor that can translate for you (or an independent translator) so that you and the seller can better understand each other.
5. Legal representation
Most real estate transactions do not require the presence of a lawyer. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to have a legal representative by your side to help you through the process and watch out for potential legal issues. They can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that you are not falling into a trap, especially if you have only been in the country for a short while.
While doing your research about the locale, find a local lawyer that has experience with real estate. You can also ask for referrals if you have foreign friends who have also bought a property in the country.
Buying a home overseas can be a challenging process, but it is certainly doable. Moreover, by knowing these things beforehand, you are better prepared to go through the process and avoid unnecessary mistakes along the way.
