Things To Look Out For When Viewing A Property Abroad
25/05/2017
Moving abroad can be one of the most uplifting and exciting experiences a person can have. Whether you’re moving abroad on a temporary basis for a work assignment and you’re looking for a property to rent, or you’re moving your family abroad permanently, there are a number of different things that you will need to consider and look out for. Firstly, you’re going to want to ensure that the property you’re going to end up in is suited to your needs and requirements, is close to your work or school (or at least within commutable distance) and has a close knit community to help support you with the move. The second thing you will need to consider when viewing a property abroad is its reliability and whether or not it has issues that could creep up and hurt your bank account in the future. Here, we’re taking a look at a few things that you should look out for when you’re viewing a property abroad.
Excess Moisture & Damp
One of the biggest issues with hot areas by the coast is that they can build up a lot of damp on the inside. If you do not properly ventilate your home abroad, whether that’s through a ventilation system, or simply having windows and doors left open at various periods of the day, there can be an excessive build-up of moisture and damp which can cause a lot of issues in the future. If sea air gets trapped in a building with no-where to escape, it can begin to be absorbed by the property and the property’s structure, which can lead to a huge range of problems in the future. If you believe there is a build-up of moisture, or even if you don’t, you should always have experts carry out a damp survey on your property, to ensure that there aren’t any hidden issues that you should be aware of before you buy or rent a property.
Check For Cracks
Cracks should be investigated if they are large, as they could be a sign of a huge range of problems, including unstable foundations, movement under the property, or damp in the plaster and structure of the house. Smaller cracks can simply be a sign of an old property, and these are generally quite common in old Victorian property as a sought after characteristic, but you should ensure that you are vigilant with this.
Understanding Local Service Charge, Fees & Tax
Every country will have different rules and regulations when it comes to fees, service charges and property tax. There are a huge number of different things that you should consider when it comes to understanding the fees in the country you are looking to move to, so make sure that you grill the agent that is showing you around. If the agent is very good at speaking English, make sure to bring a friend or a translator, or request a good English speaking agent. This will help to ensure that there are no hidden costs when it comes to putting in an offer for a property, and you aren’t caught out further down the line by tax issues.
