You’ve made the decision. You’re going to buy a holiday home!
Whether you’ve grown allergic to the same old environment after a long pandemic or you’ve had the idea for a long time, when it comes to making the switch from ‘dream’ to ‘reality’, there are some important elements to keep in mind before you take the plunge.
If you’re not sure where to start, have a look at the ideas that we’ve listed below to get inspired.
1. The Financial Side
First things first: you have to consider the cost.
Figuring out how you’re going to cover the cost of a new property can be a headache, so you’ll have to be creative when thinking of a financial solution. One option that could make a big difference is a home equity line of credit, otherwise known as a HELOC. If you’re not well-versed in economics and don’t know what to use a HELOC for or how to go about it, there is plenty of advice for you to check out online.
It’s also worth having a look at the cost of living in the location you’ve got your eyes on. You’re bound to have a much better time in your new home if you can afford to splash out on activities you enjoy.
2. Pick The Amenities That Suit You
This brings us to our next consideration: the amenities.
It’s important to consider what you actually want from a holiday home. Are you looking for a far-flung corner of the world where you can discover new things, or would you be more comfortable somewhere with a more familiar lifestyle?
Once you’ve figured out whether you’re looking for a seaside retreat or a fast-paced city scene, you can start thinking about the things you’ll most enjoy doing when you’re in your new property. Taking the time to write out a list of these activities is a great step towards visualizing the places you’d be most likely to find your home-away-from-home, and can help you get realistic about the best place for you.
3. Make Sure There’s Year-Round Appeal
Check your weather app!
A key mistake is not considering whether the location is enjoyable all year round. If you’ve spent a lot of money making sure you’ve got the right place, you want to be certain you’ll be happy there all the time. Long rainy seasons can take away from this (unless you’re a rain lover) or too much humidity if you prefer a winter wonderland.
If your heart is set on a place with a big tourist scene, double-check that the area doesn’t shut up shop in the off-season, leaving you stranded.
4. Parlez-Vous Français?
Does your chosen country speak an unfamiliar language? It’s important to assess before setting off whether or not you’re up for tackling this, as struggling to make yourself understood can grow tiring if language learning isn’t your idea of a good time.
If different cultures are your bag, then jetting off to a country with a foreign tongue is a fantastic way of going outside your comfort zone and can be good for your brain too. If you’re buying property to explore a new lifestyle, going somewhere with a different language is a great place to start.
To Conclude
Whatever your motivations, buying a new home is an exciting step that will allow you to ask a lot of questions about the lifestyle you want to create for yourself.
It can even take you in a direction you didn’t expect, such as with a new language or doing new things that take you out of your comfort zone.
Once you’ve got all the logistics out of the way, the only thing left to do is enjoy yourself!
