Usually the first priority that comes to mind when people start thinking about buying abroad is where they want to make a purchase.  Many people fall in love with a country, and this is what drives their desire to create a more solid link, but owning a home there.

However, appealing as it is to take a romantic dream and convert it into an overseas investment property this really shouldn’t be the first consideration when an investment return is what you are looking for.  Experienced investors will consider many more elements than just the question of ‘where do I want to buy?’ 

You should also consider the ‘why’ and ‘how’ you want to buy, and first-time buyers abroad are also well advised to look carefully at what they actually want from an overseas investment property before they start counting countries, or property options, in or out.

It is useful to understand exactly what is the key motivator for your purchase:

Are you looking for a holiday home in a very specific location that you can return to year after year while the children are growing up?

Are you more interested in finding the best overseas property investment in an up-and-coming area so that you can sell it in a few years time for a healthy profit? 

Is the most important thing the long-term income and guaranteed rental returns that you can get from your overseas purchase? 

Are you looking for an investment that you can pass on to your kids? 

Whatever your reasons for buying, it is sensible to be very clear about exactly what elements you want in your ideal purchase, so that you can easily judge the properties on offer against your criteria, and not waste time on those that don’t measure up.

At Brookes & Company Property, we always explain very clearly all the reasons why we believe a certain property is worth investing in, and this clarity about all aspects of the purchase is very helpful when you are trying to make a considered decision as to what to buy.