Buying Property Abroad

Your New Property Abroad – Legal Considerations

If you're thinking of buying a property abroad, make sure you check out the legal requirements.

Buying a property in the UK is not free from laws and regulations, and the same applies to any other country where you want to buy property. Laws change from one country to the next, and if you're going to buy a property abroad with the minimum of fuss and hassle, you will need some legal advice.

In fact, the laws dealing with buying property, and with non-residents buying property, vary so much between countries, that you need to research the requirements before you even start looking at houses or apartments. It's no good falling in love with a place only to discover you have to pay the debts of the last owner, or that you can't renovate it in the way you want to.

So, how do you find out about the legalities of buying a property abroad? The best thing to do is talk to people who have already bought property in your chosen country, or to ask your estate agent or property finder to recommend a local solicitor or notary to you. You will need someone who can speak good English, so that they can explain the process to you, and so that you can ask questions about the procedure. Recommendations are the best way to find a legal representative in the country where you are buying your property abroad – you can be sure that the solicitor will have your best interests at heart, will make sure you know what you're signing and will handle and problems that may arise.

Ask about the legal requirements when you're doing your initial research on the property you want to buy, or country you want to buy in. By knowing what's expected of you before you start, you are less likely to be surprised by unexpected regulations.
 
More information on buying property abroad:

Researching buying a property abroad  Why buy a property abroad?  Points to Consider when buying a property abroad  How to finance your property abroad – various options and likely costs  Building a property abroad  General tips for buying a property abroad  Buying a property abroad with friends  Choosing your new property  Could buying a property abroad secure your future  Insuring your property abroad  Buying property abroad as an investment  Living permanently in your property abroad  Maintaining your property  Property abroad - don't stop at Europe  Property abroad - FAQs  Renting your property abroad  Tax and your property abroad  The responsibilities of owning a property abroad  The true costs of an overseas property  Viewing your property abroad  

• Request a quote for an overseas mortgage
• Enquire about currency exchange
• Get a quote for equity release
• See how much your endowment policies are worth
• See how much you can spend by remortgageing
• Appoint a UK legal representative
• Get a quote for overseas property insurance
• Find a property