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"The Overseas Buying Guide is an excellent document - clear, concise, easy to read, and very useful. I particularly liked the property detail sheets - very useful when snagging etc."
Many thanks.
"Dear Kim, Thanks to your top tips we asked our developer if he had an insurance bond and to our surprise he did not...We quickly pulled out of the deal and found a developer that would be able to return our money if they went bust. We absolutely loved the property analysis and financial sheets - they truly helped us to decide on our future property. "
Thanks for the guide! Sally &Tom R
Property types, property styles, and areas
The decision to move abroad may be fore many different reasons. You may be moving for better weather, better quality of life, more for your money, better education systems, or even for peace and quiet. But whatever your reasons are, the type of property that you live in is definitely going to be to whatever your expectations are. Despite the fact that you may be moving to the country of your dreams, you will still be cautiously picky when it comes to the area your property is in and also the property type. This is a good thing as there is no point in making a huge move abroad, only to settle for a property that may not be ‘perfect’.
Depending on where in the world you move to, there will be various different property types, but in general there are the same sorts as you can find in the UK. The only difference is likely to be the material from which the properties are made, for example there may be a lot more wooden properties in other countries.
In the countryside you will likely find:
Farms: there are many farms which are in need of restoration to be found in much of the countryside, especially in European countries. This is a great idea if you are looking for a project to keep you busy.
Cottages: again, if it is rural you are looking for, there are plenty of country villages boasting cottages with quaint gardens and peaceful strolls to the village shop.
In the towns you will find:
Townhouses: perfect for a family which wants to live in the heart of a town or city, townhouses are bigger than flats but just as convenient.
Apartments/Flats: these are ideal for couples or small families who perhaps work in the town centre. Being in the centre reduces commuting time and costs and facilities and amenities are all in close proximity. They can also be deceivingly large inside so don’t rule them out if you have never looked around one.
Villas: perhaps the most popular property type, especially amongst the British. These are classic properties associated with a sunny climate and long peaceful evenings. Many are accompanied by a private or communal pool, gardens, balconies and stunning views.
The area is just as important as the property itself. After all, you may find your perfect property, but find that it is a million miles away from civilisation; hospitals, schools, shops etc, so it is important to look into how close things are to the property.
It may also be a good idea to look at properties and areas that at first you may dismiss. You never know, you could find exactly what you are looking for by being open to suggestion.