A building survey before purchase may not be standard practice in some countries as it is in the UK, but it is generally considered a sensible step and money well spent. You have found possibly your dream property before you purchase it, you will need to get the property inspected – a Property Survey to establish its condition and guarantee its safety and suitability.

A mortgage the lender normally does a valuation survey to ensure the property provides sufficient security for the loan, but must also have your own independent survey to give you a more detailed report on the property.

Even if you are buying a new build, your own independent survey is highly recommended, as there is no guarantee it will not have structural defects or other issues. Some disreputable developers, to cut costs, have been known to cut corners using poor-quality materials or building poor foundations, potentially causing a nightmare for you in the future.

Below are the reports are provided by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

RICS Condition Report – For new and conventional homes, it details the condition of the property and any urgent attention required.

RICS Building Survey – Contains all the features of the RICS Condition Report and guidance on defects that could affect the value of the property with repairs and ongoing maintenance.

Structural Report – tailored to your requirements this is the most comprehensive report that gives full details of the property’s construction and condition.

For more information on recommended surveyors for your destination, please complete the form opposite.

Building a dream home overseas could mean buying land and constructing a new build or a renovation of an existing property. Generally, it involves you using the services of an architect, but which architect do you use and also local or in-country.

Tell us about your overseas property project, and we will put you in touch with great architects, who will make your dreams a reality.

Renting your overseas property can seem like the perfect way to cover costs. While it can seem that way, it is not necessarily always straightforward.

Managing the rental of your overseas property from home rarely is a feasible option. It needs cleaning between rentals, regular checks for damages and repairs, ad hoc inspections after bad weather…the list goes on. Long term, you cannot rely on the goodwill and generosity of your neighbours, a property management company is the only sensible solution.

Fees vary considerably depending on the management company and what you want them to do, so expect to pay somewhere between 20% – 50% of the rental. It is essential you agree exactly what is and is not included in the fees.

An excellent way to find a reputable property management company is from recommendations. Complete the form opposite to be put in touch with highly recommended rental property management companies in your area.

While being one of the biggest financial commitments most will make in their life, it is often one of life’s most stressful events. Many find it quickly becomes a time consuming and frustrating exercise. But it does not have to be like that.

A property finder can help make the whole process easier. While an agent is primarily working for the seller, a property finder is working exclusively for you – protecting your interests, with the sole intention of finding the right property for you at the best possible price.

The range of services vary a little from company to company, but most offer a full start-to-finish service. They oversee every aspect of the process from property search to welcoming you into your new overseas home. Their in-depth local knowledge combined with a clear understanding of precisely what you want and why, means they’ll save you time, money and frustration.