An international job offer is the start of an incredible adventure. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in a new culture, to accelerate your career, and to experience the world from a completely new perspective. But along with all that excitement comes a massive and often overwhelming to-do list, from navigating visa applications to figuring out a new banking system.
Of all the items on that long list, none is more important for your personal well-being and a smooth transition than finding the right place to live. The process to buy a new house or to rent an apartment in a new country can feel like a daunting task, filled with unfamiliar laws and a completely different real estate market. The key to a successful search is to be patient, to do your homework, and to partner with a local expert who can be your trusted guide.
To help you find your perfect home base in your new country, here are some essential tips.
1- Rent Before You Buy
This is the single most important piece of advice for any international move. It can be incredibly tempting to want to buy a property right away and feel “settled.” Resist this urge. The smartest and safest strategy is to rent a furnished property for at least the first six to twelve months.
This rental period is an invaluable “discovery phase.”
- Learn the city in person. You can explore the different neighborhoods and get a real, on-the-ground feel for their unique personalities, which is something you can never get from an online map.
- Understand the local market. You can take your time to learn the nuances of the local real estate market before making a massive financial commitment.
- Confirm the long-term fit. It gives you a low-commitment window to ensure that the new job and the new country are a great long-term fit for you and your family before you put down permanent roots.
2- Partner with a Local, Reputable Real Estate Agent
A great local real estate agent is your single most valuable asset in an international home search. They are far more than just a person who shows you properties; they are your cultural guide, your translator, and your expert navigator for a complex and unfamiliar process.
- Help you understand the unique customs and procedures of the local rental or purchasing market.
- Advise you on which neighborhoods will be the best fit for your lifestyle and your commute.
- Connect you with other trusted professionals, like a local real estate lawyer.
3- Do a “Rush Hour” Commute Test
Before you sign a lease or make an offer on a property, you absolutely must test the commute to your new office during the actual time of day you will be traveling. A route that looks like a simple, 20-minute drive on a map on a Saturday afternoon can easily be a stressful, 90-minute nightmare during the Tuesday morning rush hour.
This “commute test” is a critical part of your due diligence. A painful daily commute can have a massive negative impact on your work-life balance and your overall happiness in your new city.
4- Understand the Local Laws and the Lease
The legal process of renting or buying a home can be wildly different from one country to another. The standard lease agreement, the tenants’ rights, and the purchasing process can all have unique and unfamiliar clauses.
It is crucial that you do not sign any document that you do not fully understand. Have your local real estate agent and, for a purchase, a local real estate lawyer, walk you through every single line of the contract. Government resources can also provide a high-level overview of international laws.
Moving to a new country is an incredible adventure. While the process of finding a new home can be a challenge, it is also the exciting first step in building your new life. By being patient, doing your research, and partnering with a trusted local expert, you can find the perfect home base for your next great chapter.
