Housing

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Essentials

International Mortgages

'Should I take out an international mortgage? ' is a 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. 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. 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 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.

The property market in the UK, Spain and Ireland has taken a huge hit during the financial crisis. How does property in the Netherlands compare?

11/02/2009 Ask the Expert: Buying property in Belgium

Through our Ask the Expert service you can find the answers to your questions about buying property in Belgium and many other topics.

04/02/2009 Guide to French Mortgages

Our financial expert Steven Grover delves into the business of securing a mortgage in France and delivers the basic facts.

29/11/2006 From McNair to Monroe: a US Army barracks in Berlin is being converted

The US Army's McNair barracks in the south-west of Berlin are being converted into a luxury housing complex after being empty for over a decade.

Visit our country sites

International Mortgages

International Mortgages

International Mortgages

Expat Home Buying

Advantages of buying a home

Selling your house

Buying - Essential Articles

03/04/2009 Property in the Netherlands

11/02/2009 Ask the Expert: Buying property in Belgium

04/02/2009 Guide to French Mortgages

29/11/2006 From McNair to Monroe: a US Army barracks in Berlin is being converted