Choosing an area is one of the most important decisions you'll make when buying a property abroad, but it can feel overwhelming if you don't know where to start. We've broken down all the key considerations into a five-step guide that can help you narrow down the perfect location, and take the next step in your overseas property journey.
1. Start with your lifestyle
The first thing you should think about when you're trying to narrow down your location is how you're going to use your new property. Will it be a holiday home, a permanent residence, a part-time holiday rental, or somewhere you plan to retire to in the future? This will form the basis of your decision.
Think about how you want to spend your time while you're there. Do you want a tranquil pace of life or do you want to be amongst the hustle and bustle of a town with bars, beaches and restaurants on your doorstep - or maybe something in between?
Have a think about whether you plan to immerse yourself in the local culture or if you want to be near other expats. This is especially important if you aren't fluent in the local language.
If you're planning to rent the property out while you're not there, you'll also need to keep rental potential in mind.
2. Work out your priorities
Once you've got your ideal lifestyle in mind, it's time to start thinking about your non-negotiables. For example, how important is proximity to the airport? If you're going to be travelling backwards and forwards to your new property regularly, a shorter transfer time could make a big difference to how often you actually visit your property.
You'll also need to consider the amenities you want to be close to. Do you need shops, healthcare, schools or public transport nearby? On the other hand, if you're happy to be somewhere a little more remote, you can offer find better value for money and more space - you just need to decide which is more important to you.
3. Budget vs area
Property prices can vary hugely, even within the same region. Popular coastal resorts often carry a premium, while moving slightly inland can open up more options for the same budget.
Again, you'll need to decide what you're willing to compromise on. You might decide that being a short drive from the beach is worth it if it means you can afford a bigger property, a pool, or an extra bedroom. Or the location itself might be the priority, and you're happy to forgo a pool in exchange for a short walk to the sea and a more bustling social scene.
4. Research
Once you've got a shortlist of potential areas, it's time to start your research. Our Buying Guides are a great place to start. They provide a detailed overview of popular regions in each country (including average property prices) and are a great starting point for narrowing down a location.
One of the best ways to fast-track your research is by attending A Place in the Sun Live. At one of our overseas property exhibitions you'll have the chance to speak face-to-face with estate agents and property experts from around the world, all under one roof. Many house hunters arrive convinced they know which area they want only to discover, after a few conversations, that another region suits their lifestyle or budget just as well, if not better.
5. Time for a viewing trip
Once you've really narrowed down your options, it's time for the all-important viewing trip.
The properties are obviously a big focus of any viewing trip, but it's important not to just get caught up in the properties themselves - a viewing trip is also about the area.
Whilst you're on your trip spend time walking around, visit local cafes, supermarkets and beaches and try to imagine what everyday life would feel like there.
Visit different types of areas, even ones you hadn't originally considered. Many buyers are surprised by the location they ultimately end up falling for - you can't get a true feel for an area from a google search!
If possible, visit at different times of year. Some areas are lively year-round while others can be much quieter outside of peak season - this might be a positive or a negative, depending on what you're looking for.
Ultimately, choosing the right area when buying a home overseas isn't about picking a location on a map. It's about understanding how you want your life abroad to look and feel, and working backwards from there!
