expat network
Power of attorney

A Power Of Attorney Could Protect Your Overseas Property Purchase

Overseas property expert, Simon Conn, has reached out to his peers to comment on the importance of a Power of Attorney when protecting property and assets abroad, especially with Covid-19 ever present. Written by Simon Conn of Simon Conn Overseas Property and Finance With Brexit looming and the UK in its second official lockdown,...

Mortgage Payments

Beware The Mortgage Payment Holiday For Buy To Let

With the current Covid crisis many banks are offering mortgage payment holidays in accordance with UK government policy.  However, the consequences for buy to let investors need to be considered to ensure it does not impact your credit for future investments. As England moves into its latest full lockdown and banks once again offer...

showcase your apartment

How to Best Showcase Your Apartment to Quickly Attract Renters

When you have a vacant apartment, it costs you money every day it sits unoccupied. That is why it is so important to decrease that time between paying tenants to the bare minimum. Rightfully you may wonder how you can market your property during difficult economic times and a crisis like COVID-19? Written exclusively for...

Your Assets Can Be Legally Stolen

The Hidden Expat Trap – Your Assets Can Be Legally Stolen!

Many expats have assets such as bank accounts, pension funds, life insurances, and real estate in multiple countries. We all believe that if anything happened to us, these assets would go to our families.   Unfortunately, it is quite possible that your hard-earned money and assets would be legally “stolen” if anything happened to you, instead...

house prices

Portugal’s House Prices Increase Whilst Rental Prices Decrease

In their annual report on house purchase and rental prices in Portugal Imovirtual have seen increases in the price of buying property in many areas but a reduction in rental prices. Here they set out the results for each area. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Imovirtual House Prices in Portugal House prices in...

Home Repairs

Essential Tips For Tackling Home Repairs For Your Property Abroad

Do you have a second home abroad you want to renovate, or have you bought a fixer-upper property, and now you want to revamp it?  Buying a Fixer-Upper is one excellent way to afford a property that could have otherwise been extremely expensive to buy in its prime condition. It’s also much cheaper than starting...

Spanish Mortgages

Spanish Mortgages And Covid-19 Update

Covid-19 is having an impact around the world, but as we sit in lockdown many consider their plans for the future.  With the agreement of Mortgage Direct we are publishing an article by Simon Staples which provides a surprising insight into the Spanish mortgage market during these difficult times where it is possible to move...

Scarborough Beach, Western Australia

Scarborough Beach, Western Australia. Find Your Place In The Sun!

Scarborough Beach, Western Australia. Whether you’re returning home to Australia, or planning a new chapter living there, Altum Living is building a dream lifestyle for your arrival. If you still call Australia home – or you’ve ever wanted to – there’s never been a better time to enjoy its safe, sunny, friendly shores. And for...

UK Property

Expats Face Stamp Duty Surcharge On UK Property Purchases

Expats and foreign investors in the UK property market face a 2% stamp duty surcharge following the UK 2020 Budget.  This is added to the 3% charged on those not occupying the property meaning that there can be stamp duty charges of up to 17% on the most expensive properties. The 2020 Budget included an...

mortgage currency

Mortgage Currency Quirk Favours UK And Expat Buyers In Spain

Currency risk is an important issue when buying a property abroad.  Offshoreonline have pointed to a term available from at least one Spanish lender that can help you to manage your currency risk when earning in a different currency to the Euro. Written for Expat Network by Guy Stephenson of Offshoreonline Currency stability should...

property abroad

Where To Buy A Property Abroad In 2020

What are the prospects for the international property market in 2020.  Simon Conn has been an international mortgage broker for 40 years and sets out his view on which are the best places to buy in 2020. Written for Expat Network by Simon Conn In 2019 Simon Conn had a steady number of enquiries...

spanish villa

What To Look For When Buying A Spanish Villa

Are you looking to buy property in Spain? Whether you’re an expat resident, a regular visitor or a holiday landlord, owning a Spanish villa can be a huge asset. And before you say ‘but Brexit’, let’s just explain for the avoidance of doubt that the Spanish property market has always been popular with British (and...