Housing

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Essentials

'Should I rent or buy a home? ' is one of the most common question expats ask upon arriving in their new home. The answer depends on several factors, including how long you plan to stay in your new country of residence, the current property market and the cost of an expat mortgage.

International mortgages

In Expatica’s article ‘Property in the Netherlands’, an expert in international mortgages states: “One of the major effects of the credit crunch in... 'Should I rent or buy a home? ' is one of the most common question expats ask upon arriving in their new home. The answer depends on several factors, including how long you plan to stay in your new country of residence, the current property market and the cost of an expat mortgage.

International mortgages

In Expatica’s article ‘Property in the Netherlands’, an expert in international mortgages states: “One of the major effects of the credit crunch in Europe has been the willingness of banks to lend mortgages at affordable terms and rates… Of course, in terms of prices, property is just an asset class like any other investment, and over time we will see cycles of high growth and times of declining prices.”

So be sure to research the property market and local interest rates for international mortgages in your adopted country. Requirements for international mortgages vary from country to country and articles such as Expatica’s 'Guide to French mortgages' offer clear and helpful advice.

Especially if you don’t speak the local language, it is worth seeking professional advice on your expat mortgage details and building permits. You can search for English-speaking mortgage advisors and estate agents in Expatica’s A-Z listings under the Financial & Banking and Housing categories.

Expat home buying

Once you have made your decision, you will need to find a suitable expat home or apartment. Identifying a trustworthy and experienced local estate agent early in the process is advisable. The Buying section of our Housing channel covers property markets in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the UK.

Advantages and disadvantages of buying a home

An Expatica housing survey shows that expats across Europe believe the advantages of home ownership include long-term investment, building up capital and the freedom to renovate one's home.

The survey also showed that expats, when taking out mortgages and buying homes, experienced problems such as complicated administrative procedures, high taxes and legal fees, incompetent real estate agents, high prices and a lack of public records for house-price comparison.

Selling your house

Last, if you are selling and moving on, articles such as ‘How to prepare your house for sale’ can prove invaluable.

06/02/2012 Free Seminar: buying a house in the Netherlands

On Tuesday 21February, in restaurant HEAT, Amsterdam, four experts will guide you through the process of buying a property so you can make a decision about owning your own home.

01/02/2012 Housing in Belgium: Know the basics

Here is an introduction on what to expect when moving to Belgium and deciding what to do with renting a home in Brussels, buying a home in Ghent, and everything in between.

01/02/2012 A guide to buying a home in France

It can be both tempting and daunting to buy property in France — whether a sleek city apartment or a rustic rural retreat.

01/02/2012 Buying a home in Germany

Should you buy or rent? Owning your own home can be an attractive option with a long period of economic stagnation having helped to keep German real estate prices down.

Visit our country sites

Buying

International mortgages

International mortgages

Expat home buying

Advantages and disadvantages of buying a home

Selling your house

Buying - Essential Articles

06/02/2012 Free Seminar: buying a house in the Netherlands

01/02/2012 Housing in Belgium: Know the basics

01/02/2012 A guide to buying a home in France

01/02/2012 Buying a home in Germany