Are expat mortgages harder to come by?

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If you are an expat based overseas and are seeking a mortgage, it has proved more difficult to obtain a mortgage. New rules were introduced in 2014 and this made things trickier for potential borrowers whose income and expenditure had to be evidenced after this time. Following European rules introduced in 2016, individuals that are paid in a foreign currency now come under closer scrutiny during the mortgage application process. In addition, lenders operating within this sector need to conduct enhanced due diligence on each application which, in turn, means more detailed administration. This has caused some lenders to withdraw […]

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Managing the cost of moving to Australia or New Zealand 🇦🇺🇳🇿

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For those moving home domestically in the UK, it can be one of the most stressful and potentially expensive times of their life. There’s a host of tasks to complete on what seems like a never-ending to-do list. But if you’re moving thousands of miles away to countries like Australia or New Zealand, common emigration destinations for Brits, the stresses and costs of moving naturally multiply. If you’re thinking of making the move, follow our tips for planning ahead and cut down on costs. Visa processes First of all, you’ll obviously need to establish your visa options to assess if […]

How much does it really cost to move abroad?

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Thinking of emigrating overseas? Before you make your decision on whether to move abroad or not it’s a good idea to consider all the costs associated with doing so. Looking at all the costs helps you decide on where to move and whether you have enough income to live comfortably. Understanding what you’ll need to pay for and what payment method you can use also allows you to reduce the overall cost of your move, meaning you can get more out of your new home. We’ve put together this guide on some key costs you’ll need to pay, and how […]

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Moving abroad? Here’s the checklist to help you plan smarter

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Deciding to move abroad will not be a split-second decision for most people. If you’re thinking of becoming an expat you probably have a destination country in mind, but you’ll also be thinking how you make the move a success and how you make sure it doesn’t cost you your life savings. With the help of our handy checklist and a little smart planning, moving abroad doesn’t have to be difficult. 1. Choosing the right destination A really important part of moving abroad is choosing the right place to move to. You may have already fallen in love with a […]

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Managing currency when buying property abroad

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Buying a second home abroad continues to be a popular investment option. It provides a holiday haven when you want to get away from it all and can be a useful second income through lettings. If you’re considering buying property abroad, you’ve probably been thinking about where the best places to buy are and how to go about paying for your new home, without getting stung by the weak pound. We’ve put together these tips to help you get the most out of your new home abroad. 1. Look at the best value destinations Before you begin your property search […]

Best value destinations to buy a second home overseas

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In the first study of its kind, we’ve revealed the best value destinations to buy a second home overseas. Buying a second home abroad continues to be a popular investment option. It provides a holiday haven when you want to get away from it all and can be a useful second income through lettings. We’ve compared the costs associated with buying a second home, to help you narrow down your search on where you would like to buy. In the FairFX Property Abroad Cost Calculator we compare the average price of a property in over 30 countries, based on the […]

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FairFX Property Abroad Cost Calculator

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The FairFX Property Abroad Cost Calculator compares the average price of a property in over 30 countries, based on the average cost of a two-bedroom apartment. The cost calculator also factors in the cost of buying a car overseas and a year’s worth of petrol, utilities and daily essentials such as food and drink. Buying a second home abroad continues to be a popular investment option. It provides a holiday haven when you want to get away from it all and can be a useful second income through lettings. The FairFX Property Abroad Cost Calculator is designed to make it […]

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Are more people moving abroad Post-Brexit vote?

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Guest Post: Irvine Moving Solutions is a professional home and office removals company.   The Brexit vote hit the pound hard and put UK businesses in unchartered territory. The decision created much uncertainty for individuals living in the UK too, with newspapers reporting that Remain voters created a surge in citizenship applications in other EU countries. But have we seen people following through on these initial reactions? Summer 2016 certainly was a busy one for everyone at Irvine Moving Solutions! Since the announcement of Brexit in June, our moving team have consistently been on the road week on week.   […]

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Buying a property overseas? Watch out for these pitfalls

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The key thing to remember when buying a property abroad is not to leave your money transfer until the last minute, as you could get stung. Allow yourself enough time to shop around and get the best deal. Many people make the mistake of going straight to their bank without considering other options but this is often the most expensive way to transfer money. Making payments abroad? Ensure you avoid these pitfalls: Transferring money overseas to buy a property doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Follow these steps to avoid any last minute problems when securing your dream home […]