Buying a property is one of those rites of passage which many of us go through at one point or another. It can certainly be an exciting time. But it can also be a period of upheaval. One aspect of the whole process is that of considering your many options. A main deciding factor for anyone is the choice of where they would like to live.
This is a big decision to make, as it is likely that you will be living in that one place for a very long time. One option you have is to seek for places to live abroad. There are a number of benefits to this, and some drawbacks, depending on location. But all in all, this can be an exciting and viable option when you are thinking of buying a new home. But even if you know that you would like to emigrate, it can be tough knowing where exactly to head off to for your dream home. If you have found yourself considering buying a home abroad, whether to live in permanently or merely as a holiday home, then help is at hand.
We have put together a list of the top ten countries to buy your holiday home in. Let’s have a look at some of the best countries to invest in property.
Spain
Spain is officially one of the favourite spots for holiday homes of the last decade, and it’s not too hard to see why. An ideal holiday location, Spain has it all – sun, sea, and a sprawling urban life with no match anywhere in Europe. Barcelona, in particular, is a fine place to invest in. Buying a home here can make you a decent profit in no time at all if that is your intention. It also happens to be an exciting region to spend any amount of time in, let alone living there. In Catalonia, the properties are cheap, and the rent is high, so as the buyer you come out on top of the deal. Look here for info on Spain
USA
The USA is a varied location to consider, of course, but certain areas are an absolute must to go on your list of potential places. Top among them is New York – the cultural capital of the Americas. New York is an enthralling, exciting city full of people from any number of different walks of life. You are unlikely ever to get bored if you live in the city they named twice. The cost of living can be a little high compared to other places, true. However, it is probably not as bad as might assume. Most people say that New York is surprisingly cheap for what you get.
France
Another popular European destination is France. The warmer, sunnier South of France is, of course, an ideal location for anybody’s home. You would be mad not to at least consider the vineyard regions as a viable option for your holiday home. With friendly locals and some of the best wine you can drink anywhere in the world, France is the country that never disappoints. What’s more, prices in France have dropped in recent years, so there has never been a better time to don your beret. home-hunts.com have a wide array of French properties to view.
Italy
Life in Italy is likely to be so stylish that you will never want to go home again. That Mediterranean lifestyle is famous throughout the world for its class and showiness. If that is your kind of thing, then you can’t say fairer than an apartment in Venice or even Rome. Beautiful weather, some of the finest food anywhere on the planet, enough delicious wine to knock your socks off every night of the week. There aren’t many other places that have such a wide array of fascinating culture, glorious food and a deep, rich history. Italy is a dream destination for anyone.
Portugal
Portugal is known for being one of the cheaper European holiday destinations. But can the same be said of living there? Well, the answer is yes! Portugal has some of the cheapest property locations anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere – believe it or not. With Portugal, what you get is a Spanish experience, but often at half the cost. That makes it ideal for both the person who just wants a holiday home, and the person who wants to emigrate. If you do emigrate, there are a huge number of teaching jobs out there which are easy to get into. So if you want to start earning some of that money back, then you can do so in no time.
Grenada
Grenada has been gaining a significant amount of popularity in recent years. This is no great surprise – what you get here is a Caribbean lifestyle at half the cost. However, you will need to get in there quick. With increasing interest comes a heavier reliance on the tourism industry. And when that happens, both the price of properties and the cost of living start to increase. However, get in early and you will have invested in a beautiful part of the world. Terrific beaches, hot weather all year round, and the laid back vibe the Caribbean is famous for. It’s hard to go wrong with a place like this.
Turkey
Istanbul is one of the most charming locations in Europe, and as a setting for your holiday home, it isn’t too bad either. The second most populated city in Europe, it is staggeringly low in crime compared to its counterparts. It also happens to be affordable for a city of its size. Many expats have said that Istanbul is like London but at half the cost, and with double the culture. Now that is a claim indeed! It is a multicultural city, and the huge number of tourists means that all sorts of languages are spoken within its borders. For a holiday home destination with a bit of a difference, this might be your ideal choice. Look here for more info.
Panama
For those in North America wishing to purchase a holiday home somewhere a bit closer, Panama is the perfect choice. Solid infrastructure and First World amenities with fantastic value for money, this is a real hotspot for just about anyone. A small amount of money can buy you ridiculous luxury in Panama. Coupled with that is the culture of an easygoing, breezy kind of people which makes this a dream holiday setting.
Mauritius
What’s it like living in Mauritius? What’s it like living in paradise? Mauritius has a deep, rich history and breathtaking scenery everywhere you look. A diverse, forward-thinking nation of people, there is little chance of anybody feeling out of place in this dreamy paradise. Luxury resorts and white sand beaches await, sure. But beyond that, you have a complex and fascinating culture which it’s hard to get bored of. A must-consider for any holiday home buyer. Have a look here.
Brazil
Last but by no means least, we come to Brazil. This is a country which receives a lot of mixed press. That is due in part to the fact that it is such a diverse and varied country. But regarding a holiday home destination, there are fewer more stable options on the planet. The eyes will be on Rio this year in particular, due to the football World Cup. But next year, prices are expected to fall, making this a cost-effective location for your holiday home. Beautiful countryside, sprawling cities and fascinating culture await you. Whatever you do, don’t forget Brazil when you are shopping around.
