When you’re moving into a property abroad, whether it’s in Australia or Zanzibar, it pays to be completely organised and to plan everything in advance. In addition to the obvious issues, like selecting a removal company, this guide gives you a checklist of the top ten points to consider before moving.
1. Insurance – don’t forget to insure the property from the moment you become the owner.
2. Utilities – contact utility providers to ensure that electricity, water, telephone and other services will be connected up and in your name.
3. Funds – make sure you have the money available in the right currency at the right time to pay the vendor and lawyers, agents, notaries and others when the deal goes through.
4. Mortgage – ensure funds are in place to cover your first mortgage repayment, and if necessary, set up a regular transfer from your UK account.
5. Residency – you may need to apply for a residence permit if you are planning to stay in the country for more than short-breaks, even in EU countries. Also, this may be a passport to obtaining free healthcare.
6. Tax – you will have to register with the local authority as a taxpayer (equivalent to Council Tax) and also for Income Tax, if you are going to let your home.
7. Line up builders – unless you’re getting a new-build house, there’s bound to be work you want carried out once you’ve bought. Builders can be in high demand in many countries, so get in early.
8. Appliances – check appliances work, either those sold with the house, or supplied by the developer, such as boilers, radiators, lights, washing machines, etc.
9. Furniture – if the property is a new development, you may be able to buy a furniture pack from the property developer. Otherwise you will need to arrange for it all to be shipped abroad using an international removal company. You can also source furniture locally.
10. Get the essentials - Line up those essential items that you cannot buy abroad to take out to your new home, like Marmite, cheddar cheese, fish fingers, HP sauce and custard powder.
October 2007
Alexander Garrett is a freelance property writer who contributes regularly to The Observer and British Airways' Business Life.
The content provided in the Primelocation.com guides is for information only. In all cases, independent and professional advice should be sought before buying, selling, letting or renting property, or buying financial services products.
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