expat network

Beware The UK Stamp Duty Hike

From 1 April 2016, the UK taxman introduced a new higher rate of stamp duty which applies to the acquisition of a ‘major interest’ in an additional residential ‘dwelling’. So beware if you are buying property in the UK. A ‘major interest’ is defined as a freehold or leasehold interest, says Adam Thompson, tax manager...

Buy-To-Let Mortgage Calculator For Expats

Guernsey-based offshore bank Skipton International has launched a mortgage calculator to help British expats in their property investment planning. The new expat mortgage illustration allows those considering a UK buy-to-let investment to enter the value of the property and its expected rental income. They will then be shown the maximum loan potentially available, and the...

World’s Best Places For Retirement Property

International Living magazine’s Annual Global Retirement Index has identified the most-affordable places to buy or rent property abroad in retirement Ecuador was found to be the best in this category. In the colonial city of Cuenca, you can rent a two-bedroom apartment for $500 or less, while the same property in the popular mountain town...