Whether it’s a permanent break away or just a place to enjoy a few times a year, a break from the current economic doom and gloom is something most people would welcome, and many are now looking overseas in the hope of bringing some much-needed sunshine into their lives.

Making the first move

If you’ve got the urge to buy abroad, consider why you’re doing it and if it is likely to become your full time home at some point. If you’re looking to make a permanent move abroad, it’s worthwhile to consider why. Generally people who move abroad fall into two main types – those who are ‘moving towards’ and those who are ‘moving away from’. The ‘moving towards’ people go for positive reasons, because of their job, or experiencing another culture. ‘Moving away from’ people want to get away from Britain, their job or town, a bad relationship or a difficult situation. Even if you’re only planning to spend summers away, consider your reasons for making a jump abroad.

In 2007 over 340,000 Britons relocated overseas, the most popular countries being Australia, New Zealand, Spain, France and the USA

Location, location, location

In 2007 over 340,000 Britons relocated overseas, the most popular countries being Australia, New Zealand, Spain, France and the USA.

But you don’t have to follow the herd. Assuming you are not relocating for work, then the whole world awaits you. Follow your heart, of course, but keep your head.

The ideal relocation is to somewhere you know well, perhaps where friends or family are already and ideally where you speak the language too. Ideally you’ve visited in all seasons, so you know how it looks and feels at different times of the year. A bustling seaside town in July can metamorphose into wind-swept ghostville in winter. Which may suit you just fine. Or not.

Going somewhere you don’t know well is clearly more of a risk. Try to arrange a few trips – even long weekends – to get to know it better before you decide. Seriously consider renting before buying. It can save you from making an expensive mistake.

Once you have decided on a country then make a list of ‘must-haves’ to help narrow the search area. Some criteria to consider:

• Within 90 minutes’ drive of an international airport with flights to a convenient UK airport
• Near a town with shops, post office, bar, doctor, vet, dentist etc
• Within 15 minutes’ drive of major motorway and railway network
• A maximum of half an hour from a lake or the sea

Print out a map then use a pair of compasses and draw circles galore around prospective places and see where they intersect!

Ten top tips
1 Rent before you buy. You’ll discover the best places to live and get a feel for the local property market. Consider renting out your UK home and using the income to pay for your rental overseas.
2 For renovation work, get at least three quotes. Make sure they include VAT and double every estimate you get.
3 Use a currency exchange company like www.excelcurrencies.com to transfer money abroad. You’ll get the best possible exchange rate without extortionate bank charges to transfer your cash.
4 The Internet is your friend! Visit some of the many ex-pat sites for your chosen country which have advice from people who have ‘been there and done that.’ A great one is www.angloinfo.com
5 Start learning the language. Try evening classes or an online or home study course such as www.rosettastone.com
6 Pick up copies of the local property papers to see houses that never make it online.
7 Find a good accountant to help with income tax, national insurance, VAT and so on.
8 Be ruthless when moving. It may be cheaper (and suit your new house better) to ditch most of your furniture and buy new.
9 Plan ahead if taking pets. Check costs of relocating and entry regulations for the countries you are going to and travelling through. If you’re planning to bring your pet back to the UK then six months must pass from the date of the blood test. See http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/index.htm
10 Use the professionals. Get a survey. Even if your estate agent says they can handle everything get an independent solicitor to check things too.

What kind of property?

Old or new? Large or small? Older houses have character and history, but also possible restoration work and other more serious defects such as termite damage or subsidence. They are often more difficult to heat and lack storage space.

New houses have all the mod cons, are easier to look after and may come with builders’ guarantees. They can lack that quirkiness older houses have and usually all their potential has been realised, so there isn’t the scope to extend, improve or add value.

European properties are described in square metres. Convert your current home’s total dimensions to square metres to help make the comparison. Think about how large a home you’ll need and whether you need an outbuilding to rent out, turn into a granny flat or use to accommodate guests.

Moving is a great time to downsize and clear the clutter. An apartment in town or in a converted country house could be perfect for you and your reduced number of possessions. On the other hand, this could be the only chance you get for that idyllic country retreat with acres of land.

Talking of land, remember it can be quite a task to maintain several hectares or even a large garden. Are you prepared to put in the work or would you prefer a smaller, more easily maintained plot?

Where to start looking

There are numerous sites online advertising overseas property. You can sign up and get regular updates emailed to you, and two good sites to check out are www.primelocation.com or www.viviun.com

When choosing an agent, try to use one that has been recommended to you personally and is a member of an organisation such as FOPDAC www.fopdac.com (Federation of Overseas Property Developers, Agents and Consultants). In some countries the buyer also pays agent’s fees, so get this clear with the agent before you sign.

There are many magazines devoted to different countries and these also have websites, all invaluable in your search as they are packed with property ads. There are also lots of books about moving abroad and overseas property. Borrow these from your local library rather than buy them, as long as they are up-to-date editions.

Visit one of the many country-specific shows where you can chat to estate agents who specialise in the region you’re interested in. For Italy, the Dolce Vita Event www.ladolcevitaevent.co.uk is held annually in London in March. Find ads for similar shows through an internet search or by looking in magazines.

If time is an issue and money isn’t then a relocation consultant may help you. They can assist with all aspects of your move and with settling in. Have a look on www.arp-relocation.com for a list of agents.

Embassy websites are often valuable sources of information and can answer lots of questions. Type the relevant embassy name into a search engine.

People may tell you not to buy or move overseas in the current climate, but as with any major life decision, if you wait until conditions are perfect then you’ll never do it. As long as you do your research and plan ahead then there is every chance that your new life will be a big improvement on the old one. Even if you return to the UK, you will have experienced a new lifestyle, learned another language and given it a go. And that’s better than all the ‘what ifs’ in the world.