How to get the best from an overseas property inspection trip – Chris’ 5 top tips
You wouldn’t buy a pair of shoes without trying them on first, nor a new car without taking it for a test drive so why would you buy a second home abroad without seeing it?
Sadly, in the age of the internet and with everything available at the click of a button, some people do – at their peril! Just as you would here at home in the UK, visiting your potential property purchase is advised and any overseas property company worth its salt will offer inspection trips to interested purchasers.
Broadly speaking, a trip will include subsidised flights, airport transfers, accommodation, some meals, perhaps some entertainment and most importantly viewings of several properties. The prospective buyer simply pays a minimal sum to reflect their serious interest.
Generally, with our fast paced lives and time at a premium, inspection trips are brief affairs, so how does one ensure that the time is utilised as fully and efficiently as possible?
Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, provides 5 top tips to ensure that his clients always get the best from their inspection trips.
Chris’ 5 top tips for getting the best out of an inspection trip:
- Know what you want. Be clear with the overseas property company on what you are looking for and ensure you thoroughly consider property specifications and images before confirming the inspection trip. Want a golfer’s paradise? Head to Quinta do Lago. Want to experience authentic Portugal? Try Fuzeta. There’s no point travelling overseas before you realise that the properties and/or areas you have lined up to see don’t meet your requirements.
- Know what to expect. Familiarise yourself with the itinerary before you depart. As the property company is hosting you, don’t be surprised if they want to spend time presenting or talking to you about what they offer. Never allow yourself to feel pressured into committing to a property you aren’t 100% happy with but do afford the company enough of your time to allow them to show you the opportunities available.
- Take a list. It’s surprising how many people return home after an inspection trip and realise they have forgotten to ask key questions, such as whether the property has a clean title deed or what an apartment’s condominium fees might be. It’s always best to take care of these practical details face to face during the trip.
- Know the numbers. Be clear from the offset what your budget is and ensure that the company running the trip knows it too. Villas costing upwards of €1 million may be delightful, but if your budget doesn’t stretch that far then viewing them won’t be a good use of your time and you could miss out on your dream property while looking around the one that’s outside of your budget.
- Think it through. The adage “don’t lose your brain on the plane” rings true. You may well fall in love with the perfect second home on an inspection trip but resist the urge to whip out your credit card as soon as you get those butterflies! A good host will allow you to take time to reflect on your decision and be able to furnish you with a plethora of details about the area you are considering, from historical property price trends to language lessons to the best restaurants for local cuisine to make sure it’s the right choice.
Equipped with Chris’s 5 top tips to get the best from an inspection trip, potential buyers are invited to join Ideal Homes Portugal to view some of the Algarve’s leading properties. From just £149 per person, the trip includes:
- Return flights for two adults from an airport of your choice direct to Portugal
- Individual airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Accommodation in a luxury hotel (minimum 3 star), including breakfast
- Free legal advice from an independent property lawyer
- Free financial advice from an independent mortgage brokerage
- Rental and property management presentation
- Advice and guidance from Ideal Homes Portugal’s experienced property consultants
For those just starting their search, why not attend the Overseas Property Show as it tours the UK this autumn? Tickets are free and available from www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.
For further details of the stunning range of properties currently available in Portugal, call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com.