Buying Investment Property Abroad

If you are thinking of buying an investment property abroad then visit the country location of your choice from our list on the left. We are featuring over 30 countries and within each directory you will find a wealth of information about economy, tourism, latest news and research to help you with due diligence.

Always Seek Professional Advice Before Buying a Property Abroad

Buying investment property can be a complex business decision. Our advise is simple and straight forward: "Before committing to buying an investment property always do a strict due diligence, and seek professional help from your solicitors, accountant, and real estate agent".

Many television programs these days are dedicated to highlighting the pitfall of buying property abroad. Following two simple tips will prevent most problems:

• Only deal with estate agents that either belong to a trade organisation or who are lice censed.
• Make sure that you have instructed a licensed English speaking lawyer or solicitor, to help you with all the paperwork, property searches and to clearly explain the local rules and regulations involved in buying a property.
• Before you commit to buying a property abroad make sure that you are fully aware of all legal issues and costs involved.

Understanding Tax Implications

Before you buy your property abroad make sure that you fully understand the income and taxation implications of the property purchase.

If you are buying a property abroad for investment reasons you may also wish to seek the advice of a local accountant or tax specialists to discuss your investment strategy.

Planning Return on Investment

With proper due diligence investing in real estate in a foreign country can benefit you financially in a different ways.

• The value of your property will appreciate over time on your initial purchase price
• The property investment, when carefully selected, in he meantime can generate an income higher than your capital outlay thus increasing your equity.

Standard Issues When Buying Property for Investment

Below are some of the standard issues encountered when purchasing off plan property for investment overseas:

• Depending upon the country chosen for investment, a variety of legal issues, specific to the country, must be considered. This may include factors such as if the property holds any encumbrances or debts from the previous owner, or whether the foreign investor is entitled to direct property ownership.
• It is always advisable to enlist the services of an English speaking, independent lawyer who will help you navigate the legal process of property purchase in a foreign country. Although this is not always a legal requirement, it is always recommended that property purchase does not proceed without legal representation.
• To ensure successful purchase, independent research should be conducted into every aspect of the property purchase. This is especially important when transacting in unfamiliar foreign markets.
• Buyers should pay particular attention to how up-to-date sources are, especially when dealing with countries that are about to, or have just joined, the European Union. In such a transition period it is likely that laws and systems relating to overseas investment will change as a result.
• The buyer must ensure that they are able to pay the relevant deposit on a property. Procedures differ between countries with some requiring a holding deposit of between €3,000 and €6,000 to take the property off the market, whereas others require an immediate deposit payment of around 10% of the purchase price.
• The buyer will be liable to pay various fees and taxes throughout the purchase process. These may include notary fees, lawyer fees, agency fees, property registry, transfer tax, VAT, stamp duty and annual property tax. It is therefore advisable to incorporate an extra 10% to 20% of the purchase price, depending on the country, to cover these costs.
• Obtaining professional advice on the relevant tax implications of buying, renting and selling property in the chosen country is also important.

Buying Property Abroad:

If you are considering buying a property abroad then visit the country location of your choice from our list below. On all our country pages you will find useful information about buying investment property including the standard process for buying property and issues that may affect that purchase. On our 'buying investment property' pages you will find a wealth of information for that particular country. Each country has links to specific useful resources such as mortgages, foreign currency, solicitors, economic & tourism factors and much more useful information to assist you in making a well informed decision when buying a property abroad.

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Bulgaria
• Cape Verde
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Dubai
• Egypt
• Greece
• Italy
• Malaysia
• Morocco
• Northern Cyprus
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Thailand
• Turkey