Are you considering buying abroad? There are a lot of things to think about when making such a significant decision, whether you’re looking for a second home, a way on to the property ladder, or a place to start a new life. You’ll want an excellent deal, but it’s important to have a good understanding of what sort of property you’re looking for and where exactly it is in the world you want to buy. There are plenty of great properties and locations to choose from, but the question on any buyer’s mind is: What house, where and how much? Let’s look at some of the best properties the world has to offer and where to find them.
Italy
Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, famed for its rich history, gorgeous landscapes and, of course, its stunning renaissance period architecture. All of these qualities make for a prime location in which to purchase a property, and you can’t go wrong with a classic villa. The most popular and attractive areas with tourists are around the famous Lake Garda, Maggiore and Como.
- Property Type: Villa
- Location: Lombardy, near Lake Como
- Price: $700,000
- Marketed by: International Horizons
Properties tend to be cheaper the further away from the lakes you get, so be sure to bear this in mind when looking. You can find smaller villas less expensive than the one pictured, but this is a standard price for a 3-4 person property.
Canada
The property market in Canada’s been on the up and up over the last few years and continues to go strong this year. One of the more popular property types is the chalet, which are definitely for the big spenders, ranging on average from the hundred thousand to the million dollar mark. Naturally, chalets are prime holidaying property rather than practical homesteads and you’re most likely to find them in Quebec or British Columbia.
- House type: Chalet
- Price: $301,583
- Marketed by: Sun and Sand Property + Alpine Investments
As mentioned before, chalets can be expensive, but the property above proves that it’s possible to secure a good deal, making for a broad average price range.
France
Regularly topping the list of best countries to live in, there are no restrictions on foreign ownership in France, so it’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking to buy abroad. The Midi-Pyrenees is an excellent area for charming, rustic villas, bungalows and townhouses that would be ideal for a renovation project or a simple holiday home.
- Property Type: House
- Location: Near Toulouse, Midi-Pyrenees
- Price: $333,000
- Marketed by: CAPI France
The prices on houses in the Midi-Pyrenees tend to range on average between 100 and 300,000 euros and, given the relatively small size, would be excellent for families or couples.
New Zealand
Aside from being famous for Lord of the Rings, New Zealand is celebrated as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with stunning countryside, interesting geographical behavior and an excellent quality of life for its residents. Auckland is particularly popular; great for anyone seeking a larger property with accompanying land.
- Property Type: Unique
- Location: Auckland, New Zealand
- Price: $878,619
- Marketed by: Bayleys Realty – Dirk Brak
New Zealand has several of these ‘unique properties’ available for buyers willing to pay a little more for something a bit more interesting.
Before you start your search proper, be sure to visit as many real estate website as possible, such as www.whathouse.co.uk, in order to compare prices, exchange rates and property types. What House, for example, deals in UK property, but even this could provide a good comparison between UK and rest of the world prices to help you find the best deal.