Overseas Property News

Buying a ski chalet is becoming a popular option for those seeking an overseas property. You can ski in the winter and go for pleasant walks in the summer. Buy in the right place and you could have a year round rental income. There is a potential for both in the winter and summer rental markets. Summer holidays in ski resorts is a huge growth area with demand coming from the same people who come in the winter months to ski as well as those looking for a lakes and mountains style holiday. The rental market is highly competive with the best chalets in high demand. If you plan on rental income from your property ensure that you buy a ski chalet within easy reach of an airport and with all the necessary facilities nearby.

Property investment in Sardinia used to be the preserve of the super rich. Now the island of Sardinia is a new discovery for the current generation of property investors from northern Europe and the UK. A cheap two-and-a-half hour flight from London, with relatively low property prices, Sardinia should not be overlooked as a potential location for your holiday home abroad.

Cagliari is the main city in Sardinia and Calasetta is Sardinia's second town. Isola di Sant Antioco is a popular location for holiday homes in Sardinia and is a short drive from the airport. The area around Bosa and Sassari is unspoilt with largely uncrowded beaches and an excellent climate. Alghero is a lovely medieval town while Capo Caccia in the north of the island has spectacular cliff-top views. If you fancy living in the crater of an (extinct) volcano try the village of Santu Lussurgiu near the town of Bosa. Property in Bosa is more expensive that property in the surrounding villages. An excellent beach is located nearby. Maladroxia is a beautiful seaside town with a small port.

For further information visit Buying a Home Abroad

For those who worry that Bulgaria has a glut of cheap investment property flooding the market and pushing prices down (the Independent, March 2005) and think that buying property in Croatia is risky due to disputes over land ownership, Prague surely represents an opportunity to buy quality property with a good chance of reasonable appreciation. At the time of writing, the country's economy is buoyant and industrial output is increasing. Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and property prices are currently low compared to other European capitals. There are now several investment companies and estate agents that sell apartments in Prague to overseas investors. Note that you have to set up a limited company in the Czech Republic to own the property and there is a lot of legal bureaucracy associated with property purchase.

When you buy an overseas property buy a property with a view if you can. Property experts ageee that a property with a view is a major bonus from both the rental and the resale perspective. A sea view is top of most peoples list but rural or mountain views can be just as stunning. Beware though that views can change and your sea view could be replaced by a view of a new concrete apartment block. Check local planning regulations carefully!

When you buy an overseas property the time will come when you need a large amount of foreign currency. Choosing the right way to change your money into foreign currency can save huge amounts of money. Banks and currency brokers offer various foreign exchange rates and foreign exchange charges. For large amounts of money the savings made by shopping around can run into the hundreds or even thousands. Your normal bank may be all right for providing small amounts of foreign currency for your holiday spending money but for the sort of foreign exchange needed for property purchase you should try a foreign currency broker. Many can be found on the web or in advertisements in the specialist overseas property magazines. In the past I have found xe.com to be a competitive, reliable and professional foreign currency broker. But there are many others. Shop around for the best rate.

The market for investment property in Greece is growing in popularity but remains largely undeveloped. If you are happy to take on a renovation project you can buy an old village house for relatively little cost. Alternatively ypu can buy a cheap plot of land and build your own house, either now or in the future. The greek islands are the most popular areas for property and Crete is the favourite. Overseas property buyers are also showing an interest in the Peloponnese area.

Buying investment property in Cyprus has always been an option. Greece and Cyprus property is likely to grow in popularity.

For years Cyprus has been a favourite spot for Overseas Property investment. The Northern part of the island is under Turkish rule and the Southern part of Cyprus is most popular for holiday homes and retirement homes. On the coast Paphos, Limassol, Larnaka, and Ayia Napa are popular. The Troodos mountains and Nicosia, the capital, are also popular with those looking for property abroad.

Some advisors suggest that buying property in the Northern (Turkish) part could be a good investment but may also be a greater risk due to the political instability. Greece and Cyprus property.

France is very popular with investment property buyers and prices have started to rise. However, there are bargains to be had especially in rural areas. The cheapest properties are those that require renovation. Property in cities and near the sea are the most expensive (but also the easiest to let as holiday homes).

Popular regions for foreign buyers include the Loire Valley, the south of France, Provence, the south-west, Dordogne, Gascony, Brittany and Normandy.

Florida is located in the south eastern USA. The capital of Florida is Tallahasse. Florida has a population of over 15 million and is the fourth most populated US state. In area, Florida is 58,560 square miles which makes it larger in area than England. Between July and September Orlando can reach 37C with 100% humidity. September is the wettest month. Between October and May temperatures are cooler and can drop to 15C. Florida has 1,200 miles of beach, 1,250 golf courses. Theme parks in Florida include the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Sea World.

Florida is a popular choice for buying property abroad. Year round good weather and plenty of facilities are attracting record numbers of buyers, in particular from the UK. Low house prices and a favourable exchange rate currently make Florida a property hot spot.

As well as the theme parks Florida has non-stop night life, plenty of shopping, top restaurants and sport facilities. Top areas for foreign property investors in Florida include Orlando, Lake Buena Vista, Kissimee, Winter Park, and Altamonte Springs.

Winter weather in Florida is warmer than in Spain or Portugal with temperatures of between 15C and 27C making Florida an attractive investment opportunity for the buy to let market.

Our top tip is to buy a property in Florida with access to a golf course and swimming pool and within an hour of an airport. Florida property should also be close to a major tourist attraction or the beach. Follow this advice to achieve maximum rental income and capital appreciation. Most investors choose Florida property near Orlando or near the coast.

Florida is definately one of the best locations for overseas property investment. Year round sunshine, top theme parks, beautiful beaches, good food, shopping and night life make Florida an ideal location. Property appreciation of 40% per year has been achieved in Florida. The number of US residents is increasing and the number of foreign visitors is rising both of which benefit the property and rental market.

Another advantage to buying your overseas property in Florida is that they speak English making the whole process of conveyancing that much simpler.

Overseas Property

Overseas Property A guide to the most popular places to buy property.