Moving house is a stressful process at the best of times, so one can only imagine how stressful it will be to buy a property which needs renovating. Many people decide to buy a property abroad which also is in need of a little DIY as they like a challenge, others are retiring and want something to keep them busy, and others simply love the thought of making the house their own.

Currently there are thousands of properties in need of love and attention in various different countries around the world, many of which are in a state of total disrepair. There are many reasons why people snap up renovation projects, many want to do the place up with a view to selling it for a profit, and others decide to rent the property out and gain a monthly income.

Renovation is not for everyone, however, and you should certainly never take for granted that you are able to renovate. Depending on where in the world you are thinking of moving to, have you looked at whether you can legally carry out renovation work? Laws and regulations are sometimes different for foreigners and the last thing you want is to buy your property abroad only to find that you can’t do a thing with it. Before you buy any property it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the local laws, planning permissions and building contracts.

You also need to consider whether you have the relevant skills and knowledge that is needed to renovate a property. If there are some complicated processes to complete, then you need to know how much it will cost to have a professional do the work for you. Never expect to be able to do all the work yourself without any specialist help.

Here are just a few examples of why people move from the UK to take up a renovation project abroad:

• Cheaper building and labour costs than in the UK. This is good news for those wanting to knock down and re-build a property.

• Villas and apartments abroad that are in need of work will be available to buy for very cheap prices as locals do not want the hassle of renovating them.

• Not only is buying a property abroad a big financial investment, but the satisfaction you get having worked on a property yourself means there is a lot of emotional investment too. This is very rewarding when the building work is completed.

The British have always had a passion for taking an empty shell and turning it into something magnificent. Spain, Italy and France are some of the most popular destinations for those looking to buy and renovate abroad. Just remember, one thing you should always look into are the laws surrounding planning permission and renovation, especially as many potential renovation projects are very old and may be protected.

Start your hunt for a home abroad here…
If you’re searching for an overseas property, a good place to start is the Overseas Guides Company’s new property search facility. To start your search now visit http://www.emigrationguide.com/content/emigration-properties