Choose your destination

Generally, people choose to buy a property in a country they already know, because they enjoyed holidays or have family living. This choice will ensure a minimum knowledge of culture and habits, climate, living standards, all of which are essential if one is considering a long-term residence.

Specify your project

Various reasons can make you opt for a property abroad: investment, retirement in the sun, quality of life... Their combination is common: you can buy an apartment a few years before you retire, letting it to get profit, then make it your usual residence some years later.
A crucial choice is also to live or not at least 6 months per year on site to obtain the tax residency status, to benefit from advantages, especially for retirees.

Prepare financing

The prospect of luxury condos, white sand beaches and top-design villas, should not overlook the obvious prerequisite: the ability to finance the purchase.
This step must intervene early to assess the approximate budget you can reasonably allocate to your property. Hence you will focus your search on a studio or a 3 bedroom apartment, on a beachfront villa or located 2 kms far.
Amount of your property loan, monthly credit refund: use our credit simulation as an initial estimation.

Learn local legislation

Generally a property will be subject to laws and regulations specific to the country where it is located. This may concern purchase fees, taxes on capital gains, the rules for foreign ownership, the freehold or leasehold status, but also other features. It is advisable to check with official sources or lawyers of the country, and at least pass by professionals (agencies or developers) rather than private individuals.

Select a program or a property

Once you specified your project and your global budget, the choice of your property will be a matter of taste or requirements: proximity to the beach, amenities, or in a more financial matter, availability of rental services or preferential taxation. To help you find your tailor-sized property, you can use our selection tool.

Organize your move or expatriation

You should set-up a schedule taking into account the availability of your property (especially in case of an off-plan development), the school period, or the end of your activity.