Here are some top considerations when you choose where to relocate to:
Transport links
Do you need to be close to the airport or train station? It’s important to think about transport links for the times you want to return to the UK, or for when friends and family visit. It’s a good idea to make sure that this does not add an extra day’s travelling at both ends of your or their journey.
Climate considerations
What kind of climate are you looking for? Don’t presume when looking for a place in the sun that every part of a country that you perceive is ‘hot’ will be sunny all the time – and equally, some parts may well be sweltering and difficult to get used to. There is also the issue of extreme weather to take into consideration. Certain regions in some countries, like America, can experience regular hurricanes and tornadoes, or rainy seasons in long-haul destinations.
Realistic budgeting
What neighbourhoods can you afford? Your budget is the most important aspect of your pre-move preparation, and knowing how much you can spend on your property early on saves you from setting your heart on one you cannot realistically buy. It’s also a good idea to know which areas you can afford to live in before you start visiting and weighing up the merits of each location.
Select your surroundings
Do you want to be close to the sea, in the mountains, or in the midst of the hustle and bustle of a large town or city? Even the smallest of countries can have a vast number of terrains. Spend some time thinking about what is important to you in your new location – do you want to be within easy reach of the beach, or are mountain or hillside treks more your thing? Maybe you are desperate to be right in the middle of a busy city centre, or perhaps you dream of a small village and rural idyll.
Amenities
The proximity and accessibility of medical, educational, sport and recreational facilities can all be important factors in determining your ideal location. It’s a good idea to work out the distance between those amenities most important to you and the different locations you are considering.
Local or expat life
Do you want to be in a largely expat neighbourhood, or live a more traditional local lifestyle? Much of this will depend on whether you are moving overseas for work or for play, so think carefully about whether it is somewhere more suited to holidays, rather than year-round living. Living among other expats, you will find many in a similar situation, while living along with the local population may help you to assimilate quicker into the local lifestyle.
Some parting tips:
If you can, spend some time travelling around certain areas
Obviously research into your new prospective areas is key, but it’s important to stay focused. It’s a good idea to narrow down your search to just two or three areas – and then take some time to explore them. It’s also advisable to visit them all in ‘off’ season; popular summer resorts are not going to be as busy in the winter, and many may even close down completely. Make sure you check out these locations during the colder months – you don’t want to end up in a ghost town, living an inconvenient distance away from your essential comforts.
Location, location, location!
It’s worth bearing in mind that the more desirable the location that you choose, the easier you are likely to find selling your property when you choose to do so.
Words by Overseas Guides Company.com, publishers of buying guides in over 15 countries, 0207 898 0549.
