No matter which country you are planning on buying a property in, one thing is for certain; view before you buy! This is even more essential when buying in a foreign country, as you may not be aware of the area or certain legal proceedings that country operates.

Plan a trip abroad specifically to view properties, and go prepared! It is really helpful to make lists of important qualities you want in a property, as well as what you don’t want. Then perhaps make a list of things you would like the property to have, but which you could live without. This list will be useful when looking at properties, as you are bound to get caught up in the excitement of a new property; the list will help you stay grounded and realistic.

It is not just the property itself that is important, but also the surrounding area. Ask the agent or developer to show you around the area, looking for local amenities, parks, local police stations and hospitals. You may also want to take a trip to the nearest town or shopping centre to get a feel for the community as a whole.

If you plan on working, you will need to research into local jobs, and how easy it would be to get a job, and if you could do what you do in the UK. Expat forums online are a good source of information from people who have been there, done that, and know the answers.                                                           

Below are some important points to bear in mind when looking at properties abroad:

• Take pictures of each property. This will help you to distinguish one from the other, and make notes about what each property had to offer to avoid confusion.

• Before you go, have enough money in the bank for a deposit, just in case you fall in love and want to secure a property.

• Take originals and photocopies of all important documentation, such as passport and bank statements; this will be needed if you wish to apply for a mortgage overseas.

• Try to check out the local schools/nurseries if you are taking children with you. Get recommendations from locals if possible.

• Be sure you know how to get to the nearest police station and hospital, and make a not of the emergency numbers.

• When looking around the local shops, make a note of the things they sell, for example if it is mainly clothes, where can you go to get groceries/toiletries etc?

• What is local public transport like? Is it efficient/cheap? Would you need a car when you move over?

• Local jobs – what are the requirements and do you meet them?

Most important, have fun, be experimental, and see as many properties as you can. Don’t be afraid to look at properties that you may not usually view, properties abroad differ greatly from those in the UK, and you might find that something which is not your ‘usual type’ or ‘ideal’ home is the perfect place for you.

When it comes to the agents, don’t be pushed into something and do not exchange any money or sign any documents until you are 100% sure on a property and you are 100% aware of all the legalities surrounding the purchase.