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Opinion
Well prepared
Well prepared
A property abroad will, almost always, not be taxed in the Netherlands, but in the country where the property is located. This is because of the tax treaties the Netherlands has signed with many countries. The (second) home is then taxed according to the applicable rules in that country.
In addition, you cannot get a mortgage for a home abroad from all Dutch lenders. Of course, there are options. You can often get a mortgage for foreign real estate through a Dutch bank if you own your own home in the Netherlands.
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Multiple brokers
Multiple brokers
In several countries, including Germany, France and Spain, a single house can be listed for sale by several brokers. Moreover, the asking price can vary from broker to broker. If you have your eye on a nice property, see if it might be offered cheaper elsewhere.
Also check if the house is still available, as not every provider is up to date. Consider further that it cannot be ruled out that another broker is already negotiating with other prospective buyers for the same house. You don’t have certainty until the sale is complete.
Furthermore, keep in mind that the brokerage fee may be higher than in the Netherlands. For example, in Spain and France you sometimes pay as much as 5 to 10 percent of the purchase price, in the Netherlands this brokerage fee is much lower. Moreover, in the Netherlands, the brokerage fee is paid by the party making the assignment. A seller pays the sales commission and the buyer pays when purchasing through a broker. This may be different abroad, where, for example, the sales commission is paid by the buyer of the property. Often, however, the amount of the brokerage fee can be negotiated.
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Local legislation
Local laws can throw a spanner in the works. For example, foreigners in Switzerland need a permit to purchase a home. However, the demand for vacation homes does exceed the number of permits issued annually. Moreover, not every municipality issues such a permit. So the chances of being in the prizes are not very high. But if you buy a vacation home from a foreigner, you automatically take over the license.
As in the Netherlands, it is wise to have your house checked by an expert first for any hidden defects, to avoid a cat in the bag. Also inquire about local regulations. Sometimes strict conditions apply, for example, to the height of planting or the height of the roof or walls. Especially if you want to remodel the house, this can be important.
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Local laws and regulations
Local laws can throw a spanner in the works. For example, foreigners in Switzerland need a permit to purchase a home. However, the demand for vacation homes does exceed the number of permits issued annually. Moreover, not every municipality issues such a permit. So the chances of being in the prizes are not very high. But if you buy a vacation home from a foreigner, you automatically take over the license.
As in the Netherlands, it is wise to have your house checked by an expert first for any hidden defects, to avoid a cat in the bag. Also inquire about local regulations. Sometimes strict conditions apply, for example, to the height of planting or the height of the roof or walls. Especially if you want to remodel the house, this can be important.
Opinion
Opinion
Bear in mind also that in some countries, such as Italy, the surface area given may differ from reality. Therefore, visit the land registry, or similar authority, before making an offer.
If you want to buy a house abroad, take your time and get advice from an expert who knows the local market and speaks the language.
Offer Spain
