If you’ve got a new job abroad or are emigrating overseas to be nearer family, there’s a lot to think about. We’ve got the lowdown on what you need to know if you’re selling up in the UK and moving abroad.
Research the area before moving abroad
As with any new property purchase, it’s a good idea to do your research and suss out the area abroad where you’re looking to buy. If possible, spend a bit of time out there acquainting yourself with the neighbourhood, checking out the options for schools for your children, work commute possibilities, what communities are like and the general cost of living. This will put you in a better position to evaluate where is right for you.
Register with several real estate agents
When you’re looking for a new property abroad, it’s worthwhile registering with several different real estate agents. Look for recommendations online on expat forums, or ask your new employer if they have companies they can recommend. You’ll want to find a reputable and reliable agent who’ll help you through the process, so any recommendations you can get as to who to trust can be very helpful. Depending on where you’re moving to, you may be in luck and find that your budget stretches better abroad than in the UK, resulting in a bigger house for your money.
Rent first, then buy
If you need to move quickly due to the impending start of a new job, it may be better to rent a property first before buying abroad. That way you can get a better idea of what the area is like and if you’re happy living there, before committing to an actual purchase.
On the downside, it can be a major upheaval, especially if you have your family in tow, so carefully weigh up the pros and cons of renting first then buying. It might work better, for example, if you go ahead to the new country and your family follow later when you’ve secured a stable family home.
Get a quick sale in the UK
When you’ve got the pressures of finding a new property overseas, you’ll need to have sorted out your finances in order to progress with a new property purchase. It can be hard waiting around for buyers to put an offer on your home in the UK, so to help the process move quicker, and to free up your cash, consider selling your house quickly.
The quick sale house process does just as the name suggests – it helps you achieve a quick sale of your property in a timescale that suits you, be it days, weeks or months. It’s simple, convenient and a lot easier when you need to have guaranteed funds available so you can move forward with your new life abroad.
Declutter before moving abroad
Any time you’re moving house it’s a good opportunity to think about decluttering, but even more so when you’re having to pack up your worldly goods and move them halfway across the world. The cost of shipping all your furniture and belongings will vary depending on where you’re moving too, but to help cut down on unnecessary costs, do try and be ruthless and only take what you need to.
Be aware of extra moving costs
With any property purchase there are inevitably extra costs involved, and that’s the case with overseas purchases too. Be aware that your bank may well charge you extra for international transfer fees, so try and keep a contingency fund to hand.
You may also require the use of a broker who can deal with the overseas purchase from the UK and this will involve a handling fee for fulfilling the transaction.
Selling up and moving abroad can be a major life change, but if the time is right for you to go and you’ve got a secure new job waiting elsewhere in the world for you, it can be an exciting move to make. Bon voyage!
