You don't have to be incredibly wealthy to buy property abroad. Well, yes, it helps; but no, it isn't absolutely necessary.
In fact, in some places it is so economical to hold land that language and culture are more important problems than dollars.
In fact, in some places it is so economical to hold land that language and culture are more important problems than dollars.
For instance, condos on the Spanish riviera -- the Costa del Sol - go for between $75,000 and $90,000. Taxes are not prohibitive and services aren't bad.
Or a little more upscale, 200-acre horse farms in Ireland, some complete with castle ruins, may be had for as little as $200,000. Financing is available and the cost of living is lower than the United States.
Or a little more upscale, 200-acre horse farms in Ireland, some complete with castle ruins, may be had for as little as $200,000. Financing is available and the cost of living is lower than the United States.
Or how about Hungary, Ukraine or even Poland.
There is a lot of interest in East European countries. American retirees on fixed incomes purchase property there because of the low cost of living.
They are fine homes compared to Western Europe. If you have a fixed income of say $700 per month, you can get a place in Poland for $350 per month, with a maid, and $90 per month will take care of your food.''
There is a lot of interest in East European countries. American retirees on fixed incomes purchase property there because of the low cost of living.
They are fine homes compared to Western Europe. If you have a fixed income of say $700 per month, you can get a place in Poland for $350 per month, with a maid, and $90 per month will take care of your food.''
There are drawbacks, such food lines and a government that is not always friendly to Americans.
But for people who speak the language and whose heritage or families are there, buying property may not be a bad idea.
Living abroad appeals most to people who have traveled extensively -- perhaps with the military or multi-national corporations -- and who have fond memories of specific places.
Buying abroad also isn't difficult to do.
But for people who speak the language and whose heritage or families are there, buying property may not be a bad idea.
Living abroad appeals most to people who have traveled extensively -- perhaps with the military or multi-national corporations -- and who have fond memories of specific places.
Buying abroad also isn't difficult to do.
The first call goes to your local real estate broker who, assuming he does not deal in foreign properties, then calls his state real estate association to find the nearest office that does. There are some 1,500 such offices nationwide, at least a couple in every state.
A knowledgeable international broker can steer you through the system, including the pros, cons and the red tape.
To get you started, here are some thoughts on various places around the world:
-Spain: Buy. Oceanfront condos on the Costa del Sol go for $75,000 to $90,000, compared to similar
A knowledgeable international broker can steer you through the system, including the pros, cons and the red tape.
To get you started, here are some thoughts on various places around the world:
-Spain: Buy. Oceanfront condos on the Costa del Sol go for $75,000 to $90,000, compared to similar
