Where

In the world there are about 250 countries

WHICH is the ONE 4 U ? To be honest most of you will have a favourite country where you have been on holiday and this is probably where you will buy your 2nd home.

Political stability: Certain countries are always in the news for coups, bombings. If you were a US citizen I think you could eliminate IRAQ and AFGHANISTAN instantly. Here you can find travel warnings issued from the UK and US governments: http://www.travel.state.gov and http://www.fco.gov.uk. The last thing you want to do is wake up on holiday with the foreign Army knocking at your door.

Religion: EG. If your wife is keen on topless sunbathing make sure it won’t offend the locals on the beach.

Weather: Look at the local weather site to see that the required amount of sun will happen. Also check on rainfall and humidity. Make sure you are happy with all 12 months - remember you won’t get lettings in 6 ft of snow unless you are in a ski-resort. If the winter is mild then you stand a chance of getting winter bookings if you are near a golf course. Here is a site to check out what it’s like today and all year round: http://www.worldweather.org/. Just remember the hotter it gets the drier it becomes and the less green it is. The ideal weather is the Sahara dessert but not much can survive there. Are there Hurricanes Tsunamis etc possible where you are looking to buy?

Transport: Getting there: We all dream of a deserted Caribbean Island but if it takes 6 changes of plane and lastly a local ferry to take you to your island taking a total of 26hrs and costing £ 2,000 pounds per head you and your family will not be able to visit often and there’s certainly not many renters prepared to do the same. Transport when you are there: If you are on holiday how far is it to the nightlife and tourist areas (don’t forget you might not want it but renters will). Are there busses and taxis available?

Food: Make sure you like the food from the area and that the ingredients are available to make your favourite meals.

Area: It's all well and good saying you are going to move to AAAA but do you want to be in a tourist area? Are you a beach person (on the beach is easier to let but will cost you more to buy)? A rural retreat but kids can get bored easily. A mountian retreat with stunning view is great but if its a 2 hour drive over bumpy tracks you will curse the day you bought the place and so will the renters

The way of life: Some countries have a more laid back attitude to life the the UK. In fact this can drive you mad especially when it comes to the paperwork necessary to survive. If you intend eventually to move abroad for your retirement.

Language: Just ask yourself are you prepared to learn a new language. If not pick an English speaking country or one where tourism has been around for years and most locals speak our lingo

Children: If you moved abroad permanently and you have young children is there an English speaking school? Or are you happy to bung them in at the deep end in a local school? The younger the child the easier it will be for them to adapt and within 6 months or so they will be fluent. Remember if they intend to go to a UK University the exams they take might not be suitable for entry qualifications

Health Care: If there are not suitable healthcare facilities and you are not 100% fit you could have problems in the future. Sound out private health care insurance

Cost of living: A lot of countries are cheaper than UK but some are more expensive. Check out your area on the web. Check out local salaries, whilst on holiday things might be cheaper but if salaries are low then cost of living could be the same if you were to move there.

Shopping: Make sure that there are decent shops. You don't want to be in a 2hr queue just to buy bread as there is only 1 shop 20 minutes drive away. Or on an island that has a poor supply system where you will be without the basics for a month when they sell out.

Coastal, rural or mountain: Some of you prefer towns others villages or even the coast. You will probably want the same for your 2nd home

SO NOW YOU HAVE LOTS OF THINGS TO TALK ABOUT TO FIND OUT WHERE TO BUY

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