Overseas property sales

Find international real estate listings for sale by owner and from real estate agencies worldwide

People use Homesgofast.com to find real estate for investment, relocation, moving abroad, retirement, and to buy holiday homes abroad. Used by thousands of people each day we are the place for people looking to invest abroad or make the move overseas. Find properties listed by real estate agents and people selling property by owner. You will also find a great selection of homes for rent from over 50 countries worldwide.

 

Homesgofast.com survey

A survey of international users at Homesgofast.com found that 55-64 age group are the most likely to buy abroad with a huge 60 per cent stating that they want to buy in the next two years.

  1. France
  2. Spain
  3. USA
  4. Cyprus
  5. Portugal
  6. Turkey
  7. Greece
  8. Italy
  9. Australia
  10. Bulgaria

It may come as no surprise the lifestyle buyers and property investors regard locations differently. In our survey of international real estate investors, Homesgofast.com found that the USA was of the most interest. It’s a fact that after the global financial crisis many areas in the US still offer very low entry prices for investors.

Top ten countries to invest

  1. United States
  2. Spain
  3. Cyprus
  4. Australia
  5. Canada
  6. Italy
  7. France
  8. Greece
  9. Bulgaria
  10. Dubai 

Buying international real estate

Find cheap property for sale abroad, international homes for sale by owner & investment properties. Thousands of subscribers use overseas property alerts so they don’t miss out on new listings posted by developers, agents, and individuals.

Top Tips and Advice

If you don’t have a good understanding of the language of the country in which you’re intending to buy make sure that you get all contracts and relevant documentation translated by an independent translator and that an interpreter accompanies you to all meetings. Be wary of using a translator or interpreter that has been recommended by the agent or lawyer.

  • Research and follow local laws on buying and renting out a property
  • Always get written confirmation of what has been agreed in any negotiations some agents will say or hint anything to close a deal!
  • Confirm that the vendor or property developer owns the title deeds to the property or land and can transfer them to you.
  • When buying brand new, or partially built, from a developer, check that the title deeds for the property in question actually exist
  • Get a great lawyer who will check that the deeds to the property or land have not been offered as collateral for any loans

A good resource for more sensible tips without the hard sell are available here UK Government Buying Property Abroad Advice and our blog Buying property overseas

Investment Property

 

Investing in foreign housing markets can have some distinctive advantages, especially where governments want to attract inward foreign investment. The real estate sectors in some regions may be experiencing slowdowns or could be in their infancy presenting some unique opportunities not found in a local housing market. In 2004 Homesgofast.com was one of the first overseas property websites to promote Brazilian real estate to international property investors. At this time beachfront land and off-plan property listings were exceptional cheap with house prices very low. Currency exchange rates were also making investors from the US and Europe look at the potential returns. Today those investors have withstood the Global Financial Crisis and have made some significant gains. Like most investments profits can actually be made right from the purchase. Research is probably the most significant factors when deciding which region to buy property as an investment. Useful information about buying overseas property as an investment be found at Which.co.uk

Mortgage Advice

Homesgofast.com works with a team of specialist international mortgage brokers which can help with a purchase of a home overseas. Learn more here mortgages overseas

Selling property abroad

Homesgofast.com offers to help homeowners and real estate agents advertise their homes for free. We also offer lots of advice aimed at those looking to sell an overseas property to a foreign buyer. see Selling overseas property

 Find property for sale by owner

Property for sale by owners abroad offer some great opportunities for buyers looking to move for relocation or to buy a second home in another country. Owners offer knowledge hard to find by online research and can help you make the right decision about a location. It's always a good idea to ascertain the holiday rental value and the local long-term rentals value of a property you see advertised on a website such as Homesgofast.com. This extra knowledge should help you make some realistic decisions about renting a property yourself and may offer you comfort if you need to move away from the property. Buyers who are interested in a property offered by the owner should ask for as many photos as possible and confirm when they were taken. Ideally, video footage and even live broadcasts using a smartphone and apps such Skype can avoid wasted journeys. Owners selling a property should always consider adding a floor plan so that the buyer is fully informed about the layout of the home.

Foreign currency specialists

Buying a home abroad can mean that you can be a victim of currency fluctuations a simple change in the exchange rate can cost thousands. If you pay bills in one currency but earn an income or pension in another this can leave you with uncertainty and unstable costs. Thankfully currency planning and bespoke services can reduce the heartache and costs. 

International real estate agents

There is no doubt that real estate agents possess vital local knowledge of their local housing market and for an overseas buyer they can often make the process run smoothly and can make foreign buyers aware of local practices and procedures. Many of the real estate agents listed with Homesgofast.com real estate agents directory are used to dealing with international property buyers and will be very used to the questions and concerns raised by this type of buyer. Costs of using an overseas property agent vary across regions and this should be learned right from the outset of the relationship. Using an agent that is accredited or member of a trade body such as the AIPP can mean extra security 

Property exhibitions

Attending overseas property shows can put you directly in touch with international real estate developers, agents and service providers that you may need when buying a property overseas. Face to face meetings with professionals in your own country is a popular way to gather facts and figures whilst meeting people that you will be putting your faith into when it comes to them finding and helping you buy the right property. In the UK A Place In The Sun Exhibition  is probably one of the most popular exhibitions to attend.

Buying property abroad safely 

Download an extensive guide created by the Association International Property Professionals here. Which.co.uk also provide a great resource and advice here Buying Overseas Property

British Foreign & Commonwealth Office Advice 

It's without a doubt that anyone seeking to buy a property abroad whether it is for investment, second home, relocation or simply as a lifestyle choice needs to undertake research. Comparing property, seeking advice from professionals including, mortgage advisors, foreign currency specialists, new home builders and real estate agents is all part of what it takes to buy a home safely.

Author: Nick Marr 

We compare several property websites all of which promote international real estate see