Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interviews
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Escape Plan
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Digital Nomadism
    • Events
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • UK
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interviews
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Escape Plan
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Digital Nomadism
    • Events
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • UK
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
👤

LIFE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES

THE NUMBER ONE SOURCE FOR EXPATS, DIGITAL NOMADS, AND DREAMERS.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Real Estate

The Basics of Buying International Real Estate Overseas

  • July 7, 2016
  • BY David Pierce CCIM
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

The Basics of Buying International Real Estate Overseas.

Having a little place (or big place) to call your own is the dream of many.  The exciting thing is that these days, it’s getting easier and easier to find property anywhere you choose in the world for buying international real estate.  However, acquiring international real estate overseas can be a very different process than it is in places like the United States or Canada.

Besides pursuing an exotic location, one of the biggest benefits of buying property in other countries is the ability to get great deals compared to your home country.  For instance, many real estate markets in Central America, such as Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, offer lots with an ocean view for under $100,000. And if your are buying real estate in Mexico there are a lot of great opportunities for affordable real estate.

Keep in mind when buying international real estate you should be prepared to pay in cash.  Most countries don’t have financing options available, especially for expats.  There are some exceptions to this rule in English-speaking friendly countries like Belize, Hong Kong and Singapore, but even then you should have a minimum of 40% down for the mortgage. For example I have a Ambergris Caye real estate investment for sale in a hotel. A local bank is offering financing when you are buying international real estate in this instance.

Naturally, the first step before any money is exchanged is to learn as much as you can about the laws and legalities of your future home.  Make sure to check out safety, schools, visa requirements, pet policies (if applicable), transportation, and banking.  For the actual process of buying international real estate in the market you are interested in, your best option is to get in touch with a international real estate agents that can assist you in finding the perfect home while getting the correct paperwork in place to make it a reality.

One prudent thing to remember is that buying a house in another country will take longer than you might expect, so get ready to have your patience threshold tested.  The paperwork and bank transfers will probably be more difficult than if you are in your home country.  You’ll also want to factor in time for inspections and language barrier issues that you wouldn’t normally have to deal with.

Policies and standard processes can also be quite varied and strange from what you’re used to.  For instance, in most English-speaking countries, a bribe, or “greasing someone’s palm”, is frowned upon.  However, this can be quite common place in other countries to make things happen smoothly.  Gifts are another ritual that might be necessary when dealing with people of other cultures.  Don’t get taken advantage of, but don’t neglect to learn the appropriate rites of passage to ensure the purchase of your home.

Owning your own home abroad can be a rewarding and lucrative step in buying international real estate when done correctly.  Once you’ve done your research, don’t be afraid to jump in and take the right steps to investing in your dream location.

We have a number of international real estate companies to help you buy your real estate overseas. Please feel free to look over their profiles and get in touch with them.

If you’re considering traveling or moving abroad, be sure to explore your healthcare options. Visit International Citizens Insurance to learn more and get a free quote.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Related Topics
  • International Real Estate
  • real estate
Previous Article
  • Your Escape Plan

Expats Retiring in Tonga

  • May 25, 2016
  • BY EA Editors
View Post
Next Article
  • Real Estate

Buying Real Estate in Thailand – 7 Things to Know Before You Go

  • October 3, 2016
  • BY David Pierce CCIM
View Post
You May Also Like
View Post
  • Interviews
The House We Rebuilt in Georgia
  • BY Isha Sesay
  • July 28, 2025
Where old walls meet new beginnings, the €1 home story continues to unfold.
View Post
  • Field Notes
Inside Italy’s $1 Home Revolution
  • BY Isha Sesay
  • July 21, 2025
The first glimpse of possibility—abandoned, broken, waiting.
View Post
  • Field Notes
How an Abandoned House in Spain Changed Everything
  • BY Isha Sesay
  • July 7, 2025
Choosing the right country can shape your investment strategy.
View Post
  • Plan B
How to Secure a Second Home Overseas
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • April 18, 2025
Understanding property trends can help make the right investment decision
View Post
  • Digital Nomadism
Renting vs. Buying Abroad
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • March 12, 2025
Your Gateway to Freedom
View Post
  • Finance
Your Gateway to Freedom
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • March 11, 2025
The hotel restaurant of the Hotel Casa San Agustin Hotel, Cartagena, Columbia.
View Post
  • Real Estate
Home Away: The Loved Up Edition
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • February 3, 2025
Lady justice
View Post
  • Finance
Embracing a Plan B Is Just the Start
  • BY Michael K. Cobb
  • January 29, 2025
Trending Posts
  • Moving to Morocco: a palette of Tradition, Texture of Tradition 1
    • Morocco
    Top 10 Things to Know if You’re Moving to Morocco
    • August 18, 2025
  • Croatias Tourism: Aerial view of Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coastline, where historic towns meet turquoise waters 2
    • Croatia
    Croatia’s Journey to Wonder
    • August 22, 2025
  • Albania Travel Guide: City views in Tirana, Albania on a summer afternoon 3
    • Albania
    Albania’s Bold New Beat
    • August 15, 2025
  • Belize Offshore Banking 4
    • Plan B
    Why Belize’s Waters Run Deep in Offshore Banking
    • August 20, 2025
  • The search for a second passport has shifted from luxury to necessity for many Americans 5
    • Second Residency
    America’s Second Passport Fever
    • August 25, 2025
Subscribe
Know Before You Go
  • Croatias Tourism: Aerial view of Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coastline, where historic towns meet turquoise waters 1
    • Croatia
    Croatia’s Journey to Wonder
    • August 22, 2025
  • Moving to Morocco: a palette of Tradition, Texture of Tradition 2
    • Morocco
    Top 10 Things to Know if You’re Moving to Morocco
    • August 18, 2025
  • Albania Travel Guide: City views in Tirana, Albania on a summer afternoon 3
    • Albania
    Albania’s Bold New Beat
    • August 15, 2025
  • Luxury Travel Experiences with Christina Tan 4
    • Interviews
    Inside the World of Luxury Travel with Christina Tan
    • August 11, 2025
  • Friendly locals and relaxed daily life in The Gambia 5
    • Africa
    Could The Gambia Become Africa’s Next Digital Nomad Safari?
    • August 8, 2025
Learn More
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
Why Subscribe

The newly imagined Escape Artist brings you fresh content with a global focus, and sharp, up-to-the-minute coverage of the joys, challenges, and opportunities of life abroad.

For a limited time, we’re offering a special discount on all subscription deals, so be sure to lock-in these incredible savings and start receiving top-notch travel and expat content today!

Sign up for the EA Newsletter

Get important news delivered directly to your inbox and stay connected!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Escape Artist
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Disclaimer

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Newsletter Subscription
Our Spring Sale Has Started

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/