Live and Invest Overseas
FREE REPORT: THE WORLDS CHEAPEST REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
  • Home
  • Countries

    Top Destinations:

    Whether you’re looking for fun and sun, a peaceful retirement, or the chance to earn some extra income, you’ve got a real world of opportunity open to you… In short, we’ve done our best to narrow down your best options, but only you can decide the right country for you.

    • Spain
    • Portugal
    • Panama
    • Belize
    • Colombia
    • Cyprus
    • Mexico
    • France
    • Montenegro
    • Browse All Countries

    Best For:

    • The Best Places To Retire
    • Health Care Abroad
    • Cost Of Living
    • Investing in Real Estate
    • Establishing Residency
    • Gun Laws In The World
    • English-Speaking Countries
    • Safest Places For Retirement
    • Best Places In Latin America
  • Budgets

    How Much Will It Cost You To Live Overseas?

    The only honest answer is, we have no idea. And neither does anyone else. The only one who can answer that question is you. Here’s the most important thing to understand about budgeting your new life overseas…

    Super Cheap

    • Chitré, Panama
    • Santa Marta, Colombia
    • Phuket, Thailand
    • Dumaguete, The Philippines

    Cheap

    • Medellin, Colombia
    • Boquete, Panama
    • Kyrenia, Cyprus
    • Hua Hin, Thailand
    • The Algarve, Portugal

    Affordable

    • Valencia, Spain
    • Cascais, Portugal
    • Las Terrenas, The DR
    • Pisa, Italy
    • La Rochelle, France
    • Mazatlán, Mexico

    Luxury

    • Ambergris Caye, Belize
    • Kotor, Montenegro
    • The Panama City Beaches
    • Paris, France
  • Resources

    Global Living

    • Living & Retiring Overseas
    • Raising A Family Abroad
    • Foreign Residency & Citizenship
    • Offshore & Diversification

    Making Money

    • International Real Estate
    • Banking
    • Employment
    • Investing

    Follow Us:

    • Meet Our Experts
  • Real Estate

    Join our Weekly Newsletter
    Overseas Property Alert

    Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive expert insights on the best international real estate investment opportunities.






      We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.

      Buying Real Estate For Cashflow

      • Discover tips and strategies used by global property investing veterans

      Explore Our Latest Posts

      • Learn how to invest and purchase property abroad…

      Go To The Overseas Property Alert Site

      • How To Become Independently Wealthy And Fund The Lifestyle Of Your Dreams
    • Conferences

      Upcoming Events

      • Explore Our Events Site

      Live and Invest In Spain Conference

      Offshore Wealth Summit

      Greece Workshop

      VALENCIA, SPAIN

      Sep. 17-19, 2025

      PANAMA CITY, PANAMA

      Oct. 15-17, 2025

      VIRTUAL

      Nov. 13, 2025

      LEARN MORE
      DISCOUNT
      LEARN MORE
      PRE-REGISTER
      LEARN MORE
      PRE-REGISTER
      • MORE EVENTS

      Contact Our Events Team

      Toll-Free U.S. and Canada:
      1 (888) 627 8834
      From Outside North America:
      1 (443) 599 1221
      Working Hours
      Monday – Friday 08:00 am – 17:00 pm EST.

      Reach us with your questions by email at: events@liveandinvestoverseas.com

    • Store

      Unlock The World

      • Access Your Library

      Overseas Havens Reports

      • Expats' comprehensive destination guides

      Conference Kits

      • Hours of coverage  from our latests conferences

      Lahardan Books

      • Titles on living and investing around the world
      • Explore Our Store
      Your passport to a life well-lived abroad

      Services

      overseas living letter offers affordable retirement guidance
      The Simon Letter Wealth Protection Insights
      Global Property Advisor Global Investment Opportunities

      Our Customer Service team is here to assist with any questions or concerns CustomerService@LiveandInvestOverseas.com

    • My Library
    Live and Invest Overseas
    • Home
    • Countries

      Top Destinations:

      Whether you’re looking for fun and sun, a peaceful retirement, or the chance to earn some extra income, you’ve got a real world of opportunity open to you… In short, we’ve done our best to narrow down your best options, but only you can decide the right country for you.

      • Spain
      • Portugal
      • Panama
      • Belize
      • Colombia
      • Cyprus
      • Mexico
      • France
      • Montenegro
      • Browse All Countries

      Best For:

      • The Best Places To Retire
      • Health Care Abroad
      • Cost Of Living
      • Investing in Real Estate
      • Establishing Residency
      • Gun Laws In The World
      • English-Speaking Countries
      • Safest Places For Retirement
      • Best Places In Latin America
    • Budgets

      How Much Will It Cost You To Live Overseas?

      The only honest answer is, we have no idea. And neither does anyone else. The only one who can answer that question is you. Here’s the most important thing to understand about budgeting your new life overseas…

      Super Cheap

      • Chitré, Panama
      • Santa Marta, Colombia
      • Phuket, Thailand
      • Dumaguete, The Philippines

      Cheap

      • Medellin, Colombia
      • Boquete, Panama
      • Kyrenia, Cyprus
      • Hua Hin, Thailand
      • The Algarve, Portugal

      Affordable

      • Valencia, Spain
      • Cascais, Portugal
      • Las Terrenas, The DR
      • Pisa, Italy
      • La Rochelle, France
      • Mazatlán, Mexico

      Luxury

      • Ambergris Caye, Belize
      • Kotor, Montenegro
      • The Panama City Beaches
      • Paris, France
    • Resources

      Global Living

      • Living & Retiring Overseas
      • Raising A Family Abroad
      • Foreign Residency & Citizenship
      • Offshore & Diversification

      Making Money

      • International Real Estate
      • Banking
      • Employment
      • Investing

      Follow Us:

      • Meet Our Experts
    • Real Estate

      Join our Weekly Newsletter
      Overseas Property Alert

      Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive expert insights on the best international real estate investment opportunities.






        We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.

        Buying Real Estate For Cashflow

        • Discover tips and strategies used by global property investing veterans

        Explore Our Latest Posts

        • Learn how to invest and purchase property abroad…

        Go To The Overseas Property Alert Site

        • How To Become Independently Wealthy And Fund The Lifestyle Of Your Dreams
      • Conferences

        Upcoming Events

        • Explore Our Events Site

        Live and Invest In Spain Conference

        Offshore Wealth Summit

        Greece Workshop

        VALENCIA, SPAIN

        Sep. 17-19, 2025

        PANAMA CITY, PANAMA

        Oct. 15-17, 2025

        VIRTUAL

        Nov. 13, 2025

        LEARN MORE
        DISCOUNT
        LEARN MORE
        PRE-REGISTER
        LEARN MORE
        PRE-REGISTER
        • MORE EVENTS

        Contact Our Events Team

        Toll-Free U.S. and Canada:
        1 (888) 627 8834
        From Outside North America:
        1 (443) 599 1221
        Working Hours
        Monday – Friday 08:00 am – 17:00 pm EST.

        Reach us with your questions by email at: events@liveandinvestoverseas.com

      • Store

        Unlock The World

        • Access Your Library

        Overseas Havens Reports

        • Expats' comprehensive destination guides

        Conference Kits

        • Hours of coverage  from our latests conferences

        Lahardan Books

        • Titles on living and investing around the world
        • Explore Our Store
        Your passport to a life well-lived abroad

        Services

        overseas living letter offers affordable retirement guidance
        The Simon Letter Wealth Protection Insights
        Global Property Advisor Global Investment Opportunities

        Our Customer Service team is here to assist with any questions or concerns CustomerService@LiveandInvestOverseas.com

      • My Library
      Live and Invest Overseas
       Homes Under $100k
      The World’s Cheapest Real Estate Investments In 2025 Revealed
      FREE REPORT: The World Cheapest Real Estate Investments In 2025
      Simply sign up to receive the FREE daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and our FREE weekly E-Letter Overseas Property Alert and we’ll immediately email you our editors’ latest research report… absolutely FREE






        We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.

        Home Real Estate

        How To Invest In Property 101: The Pitfalls You Should Avoid

        Don't Buy Property Overseas Until You Understand These 5 Critical Concerns

        by Lynn Mulvihill
        Jan 18, 2021
        in Real Estate, Retirement/Living
        0 0

        Among the new trends we faced last summer in Ireland, a country home being snapped up by a foreign buyer “sight unseen” was an all-too-frequent story…

        The sale of a County Cork island for 5.5 million euros was among the biggest transactions. Adding to the drama, the story went that the foreign buyer didn’t speak English and the fate of Horse Island was sealed via WhatsApp with the help of a U.K.-based agent.

        2020 was the year that technology stepped in to bridge the gap like never before. Maybe you embraced this and bought property from a distance. Maybe you were lucky to squeeze in a scouting trip/vacation and did it all in person. Or maybe you stuck to research and making plans for when you could get out there again.

        However last year was, it looks like better things lie ahead in 2021. But whether you’re buying from a distance or going out into the field, there are certain things you need to be aware of as you consider any investment. Things that can make or break it.

        To protect yourself as you size up potential property investments, avoid falling into these common (but easily avoidable) traps…

        Mistake #1—Making Capital Appreciation Your Ultimate Goal

        Capital appreciation is a beautiful thing when it happens—as it can in many of the markets we talk about here at LIOS. But “buying to flip” for some projected profit shouldn’t be the only motivation for going after an investment. Understand the potential for future growth, of course, but remember that trying to predict value growth is speculation. As you weigh up an investment, look at what it can do for you over the time you hold it. In our ever-changing world, focusing on cash flow—and building wealth steadily, year after year—is a safer move.

        In researching potential markets, look for a net yield from a rental investment of 5% to 8%. Don’t make a purchase unless you believe, based on reliable market data, that you can realistically expect a net return of at least 5%. If a property produces more than 8% net a year, count yourself lucky but understand that the situation won’t last. You net more than 8% from a rental only as a result of some market distortion that sooner rather than later will return to the mean. If you’re earning net cash flow of 5% to 8% a year from a rental, that investment is solid. If it falls below 5%, it’s time to consider your options.

        Mistake #2—Underestimating The Importance Of Location

        In seeking higher rental yields, many property investors go after the short-term rental market. Before you commit to buying any rental property, be sure to research the location.

        It can be helpful to speak with property managers in the area to help identify which neighborhoods receive the highest occupancy. You’re looking for a minimum of 70% to 80%.

        If possible, spend time in the area. Walk around to see who is renting… and what they’re renting. Pay attention to the areas that are most appealing to tourists… but don’t ignore those up-and-coming areas that are within reach of amenities. A lower entry price in an area of strong rental opportunity may result in a greater return on investment.

        For short-term rentals, walkability is vital. Foreign visitors in big cities typically don’t want to drive. They want to stroll to shops, cafés, and restaurants. In major cities, proximity to public transport (especially a metro or tramline) is an advantage.

        Ultimately remember that, in this digital age, no matter how attractive your property is inside, you can’t hide a poor location. If you’re far from amenities, some disgruntled visitor (or 10) will call you out on TripAdvisor.

        Mistake #3—Over-Relying On Future Plans

        Buying a pre-construction property can be financially rewarding, but you need to go in with your eyes wide open… and, as always, be prepared to do thorough due diligence. If you’re buying one of the first lots in a new development, what happens if nobody else buys or builds there? Although you’ll pay more coming in later, it’s usually best to wait until some community exists. In pre-construction, remember that the future value of your property is based on a community and amenities developing around it.

        You can minimize your risk here by ensuring that you work with a trusted developer with a strong track-record.

        Mistake #4: Taking Property Title For Granted

        One of the trickiest aspects of property investing overseas is verifying that you’ve got a clean title. In North America, this is something you may take for granted. But overseas, ownership laws vary from one country to the next and can even vary between regions of the same country.

        Senior Real Estate Correspondent Lee Harrison cites titling issues as the biggest mistake he’s made in two decades of buying overseas property. A couple of years after buying a beautiful riverfront property in Vilcabamba, Ecuador, Lee got around to reading the title document in detail. It was only at that point that he discovered that he hadn’t actually bought the property outright, but rather had bought shares of an inheritance from four descendants of the original owner. Lee worked it out in the end, but it could just as easily have gone the wrong way.

        A freehold title, sometimes called “fee simple,” is the highest form of property title. This is the one you want. Freehold titles provide the only absolute form of property ownership, and, generally, it’s the only form of land title that we recommend.

        When buying property in Latin America, it’s critical that you have a comprehensive title review performed in accordance with the laws of the country you’re buying in. You’ve got to engage a qualified local attorney. A local real estate attorney will be experienced in finding liens and judgments and will know the types of local problems to look for.

        Mistake #5: Overlooking Round-Trip Costs

        It goes without saying that you’ll take time to research the local market and ensure that you’re buying in at a competitive price. But when investing with a profit in mind, you need to look beyond the purchase price and also factor in the costs of acquisition and disposal. We like to call these the “round-trip costs” of making an investment, and they go beyond agent commissions and vary dramatically country to country.

        The investor-buyer who underestimates or under-plans for the costs of acquisition and of eventually reselling can undermine his investment before he makes it. Depending on the market, the costs of purchasing a piece of real estate in another country can include, in addition to agent commissions: legal fees, notary fees, registration fees, title insurance, and transfer taxes (sometimes called “stamp duty”).

        Exiting comes at a cost, too. When selling, you may have another agent commission to pay, and you’ll likely have additional attorney fees. These are usually minimal, even negligible. The more significant cost associated with exiting a foreign property investment can be the tax hit.

        Bottom line: in today’s world, there’s no excuse for buying “sight unseen.” The seeing may be with the help of technology. But the necessary research is all within your power.

        Lynn Mulvihill
        Editor, Overseas Property Alert

        Tags: 'real estate overseas''rental market'Buy Real Estatecapital appreciationhow to buy real estateProperty Title
        Share83Tweet52
        Lynn Mulvihill

        Lynn Mulvihill

        A native of Waterford, Ireland, Lynn Mulvihill has written on the topic of retiring overseas for nearly a decade, editing a variety of e-letters, newsletters, reports, and books. Lynn took a sabbatical in 2007 for the birth of her son…and, liking her new career, decided to stay home. Now moonlighting as a freelance writer and editor, Lynn continues to contribute to Live and Invest Overseas covering the beat of living and investing overseas. Though firmly rooted to her native soil, Lynn enjoys traveling…and has spent time in Europe, Asia, the U.S., and Central America.

        Get Your Free Real Estate Report Today!
        Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you our FREE REPORT – The World's Cheapest Real Estate Investments In 2025 Revealed

        We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
        Our Expertise Unlocks The World

        quick links

        • Best Places To Live
        • Best Places To Retire
        • Finding A Job Overseas
        • Real Estate

        LIOS Resources

        • New To LIOS
        • Ask An Expert
        • Media Center
        • Contact Us
        • FAQs
        the 10 best places to retire in 2025
        Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and get your FREE REPORT: The 10 Best Places To Retire Overseas In 2025






          We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.

          As seen in

          US Media Logos

          © 2008 – Live and Invest Overseas™ – All Rights Reserved.

          About Us / Contact Us / Privacy Policy / Terms / Unsubscribe
          Facebook-f X-twitter Youtube Linkedin-in Instagram

          Welcome Back!

          Login to your account below

          Forgotten Password?

          Retrieve your password

          Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

          Log In

          Sign up for FREE and learn how to live the good life on a modest budget, find bargain property, and more. Plus, check out our free report on the 10 BEST PLACES TO RETIRE.

          RETIRE OVERSEAS AND LIVE LIKE ROYALTY






            We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
            Close the CTA
            Close the CTA

            Sign up to receive the FREE daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter and our weekly e-letter Overseas Property Alert we’ll immediately email you our editors’ latest research report…

            POCKET MONEY BEACH
            REAL ESTATE

            FREE REPORT:






              We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
              HOME

              Top Countries

              • Spain
              • Portugal
              • Panama
              • Belize
              • Colombia
              • Cyprus
              • Mexico
              • France
              • Montenegro

              Best For:

              • Health Care Abroad
              • Retirement Living
              • Cost Of Living
              • Investing in Real Estate
              • Establishing Residency
              • Gun Ownership
              • English Speakers
              • Safety
              BROWSE ALL COUNTRIES

              Budgets

              How Much Will It Cost
              To Live Overseas?

              Super Cheap

              • Chitré, Panama
              • Santa Marta, Colombia
              • Phuket, Thailand
              • Dumaguete, The Philippines

              Cheap

              • Medellin, Colombia
              • Boquete, Panama
              • Kyrenia, Cyprus
              • Hua Hin, Thailand
              • The Algarve, Portugal

              Affordable

              • Valencia, Spain
              • Cascais, Portugal
              • Las Terrenas, The DR
              • Pisa, Italy
              • La Rochelle, France
              • Mazatlán, Mexico

              Luxury

              • Ambergris Caye, Belize
              • Kotor, Montenegro
              • The Panama City Beaches
              • Paris, France

              Resources

              Global Living

              • Living & Retiring Overseas
              • Raising A Family Abroad
              • Foreign Residency & Citizenship
              • Offshore & Diversification

              Making Money

              • International Real Estate
              • Banking
              • Employment
              • Investing
              Meet Our Experts

              Real Estate

              Overseas Property Alert 

               

              How To Become Independently Wealthy And Fund The Lifestyle Of Your Dreams

              VISIT SITE

              Buying Real Estate For Cashflow

               

              Discover tips and strategies used by global property investing veterans

              READ MORE

              Explore Our Latest Posts

               

              Learn how to invest and purchase property abroad…

              EXPLORE

              Conferences

              Live and Invest In Spain Conference

              VALENCIA, SPAIN Sep. 17-19, 2025
              LEARN MORE
              DISCOUNT

              Offshore Wealth Summit

              PANAMA CITY, PANAMA Oct. 15-17, 2025
              LEARN MORE
              PRE-REGISTER

              GREECE WORKSHOP

              VIRTUAL Nov. 13, 2025
              LEARN MORE
              PRE-REGISTER
              MORE EVENTS

              Contact Our Events Team:

              Toll-Free U.S. and Canada:
              1 (888) 627 8834

              From Outside North America:
              1 (443) 599 1221

              Working Hours
              Monday – Friday 08:00 am – 17:00 pm EST.

              Reach us with your questions by email at: events@liveandinvestoverseas.com

              Store

              Overseas Havens Reports

              • Expats' comprehensive destination guides

              Conference Kits

              • Hours of coverage  from our latests conferences

              Lahardan Books

              • Titles on living and investing around the world

              Services

              • Overseas Living Letter: Affordable Retirement Guidance
              • The Simon Letter: Wealth Protection Insights
              • Global Property Advisor: Global Investment Opportunitites
              VISIT OUR STORE

              Free Report

              THE 10 BEST PLACES TO RETIRE IN 2025

              FREE REPORT: The 10 Best Places To retire in 2025

              Sign up to receive the FREE daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter and we’ll immediately email you our editors’ latest research report…






                We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.

                LIBRARY

                Follow Us:

                © 2008 - Live and Invest Overseas - All Rights Reserved.