As concerns grow about the UK housing market, buying abroad is still a very attractive

Recent economic downturn has shaken confidence in the UK housing market but it hasn’t stopped us wanting to buy abroad. According to the NAEA (The National Association of Estate Agents), our love for sunnier dwellings is still thriving. Our favourite places to buy a holiday home are still Spain and Florida where the weather remains consistently good and the culture is not too unfamiliar. Spain is an excellent base from which to explore the rest of Europe and Florida offers a great lifestyle for less thanks to the drop in the dollar, buying in the USA has become a lot more accessible.The dollar is at its lowest level against the pound since the 1980’s.

Robin Hayes of Foreign Currency Direct is particularly optimistic following a pick-up in enquiries at the end of last year. “We’re experiencing a good level of interest at the moment. Overall we saw an 8.2% increase in the number of overseas property transaction in the fourth quarter of 2007 compared with 2006.”

With the help of cheap flights and ‘buying abroad’ television shows, our confidence for the unknown has dramatically grown and more exotic locations have become appealing to some buyers.

The most important thing to remember when considering buying abroad is that, you must do your research. Check legal and statutory requirements, work with people whom you know you can trust and find out what the culture is really like - not what you think it is like from a 2 week holiday stay. To do this, try and meet expatriates and others who have brought holiday homes there, that way you will get the inside scoop and know what to look out for.

If you think buying a second home abroad or even a total relocation may be of interest to you then please feel free to speak to your nearest office of Kent Estate Agencies. As members of NAEA ‘The No 1 Property Network, ’we have literally hundreds of associated offices in the UK and 11 countries abroad. We will be able to advise you and help you make the right choice.

Please Click Here for more information or visit your nearest Kent Estate Agencies office. For details of properties click 'Property Search for Homes Abroad' near the top of the left hand menu.