It is a known fact that buying an overseas property is one of the more stressful things we choose to do in life – needless to say then, that moving house to another country can be an exciting yet highly daunting prospect. There will be much to think about; the usual things such as the type of property you want and the area in which you want to live, plus all the things associated with a foreign country. You will need to research laws, languages, prices and much more, all of which can add to the stress of moving.

Of course, you will hire the services of a solicitor whichever country you buy in, but the estate agent can play just as great a role. They will be the one who sees you through the process of finding a property, making an offer, signing the contract and eventually moving into the new property, so they will need to be somebody that you feel you can trust and the best way of finding someone reputable is through word of mouth, a recommendation from somebody who has been through the process with them will be invaluable.

If you are buying off-plan straight from the developer then you will probably not need an estate agent. Whichever route you choose, always hire a trusted independent solicitor who can run the necessary legal checks for you.

You should spend a lot of time researching the agents' fees in the country you are moving to. Some range from 1 per cent to more than 10 per cent, so it is important to know what to expect before you take things further. Find out what the average rate is and don't let yourself be talked into paying any more than that. It's also important to ask to see multi-listed properties, as in some countries, such as Australia, the agents are self-employed and will therefore only show you the properties which will make them commission if sold.

Whilst the UK has strong regulations on the sale of properties and those that sell them, the same cannot be said for many other countries; some are not regulated at all! Many agents in some countries have little or no training in selling houses, and by using one of these is how people lose money and find themselves in trouble. For example, in France and America anyone working as an agent must be law be registered, but not every country has such rules. It is important you try to find an agent who is at the very least, experienced, if not registered. Another way to find an accredited agent or developer is through the AIPP (Association of International Property Professionals) – all their members must adhere to a strict code of conduct. Remember, if an agent has nothing to hide they should be more than happy to show you any ID or qualifications, so don't be afraid to ask.

Once you have found a good estate agent you will find the whole process of buying abroad a lot easier as they will act as an informal guide, translator and friend throughout the whole process. They will also be able to inform you really well on the area in which you are looking to buy.

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