Greg M. Says:
How do I find a long-term rental overseas?
IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says:
Hi Greg,
Looking for a rental overseas can seem daunting, but the process in most countries is pretty similar to the way it is at home—albeit using different websites and often a different language.
Property management companies and real estate agents in most countries have extensive listings of rental homes, condos, and apartments online. Simply Googling “long term rentals [the region you’re interested in]” is a great way to find these types of sites. And you’ll save a lot of time on the ground, too.
Scan the properties available and create a list of potentials. Once you get to your chosen country, meet with your local contacts and tour the properties in person. It’s a good idea to let the property agency know your competence with the local language, so they can send a representative with reasonable English to meet you if needed.
One thing to remember is that sometimes website listings are out of date or another agency has rented out a property, so always check that a property is still available.
I also recommend joining region-specific Facebook groups. I’m in one, for example, for Costa Rica’s Southern Zone, and members are constantly posting descriptions of what they’re looking for in housing, and agents and owners in there, in turn, post properties they have on offer. Same with a Greece Expat group I’m in. Members with questions will post them and property managers and such will reply and message them with ideas. So those groups can be a nice space for networking.
Of course, keep in mind the best deals can often be found “on the ground.” Local newspapers and magazines have listings. And you can get a lot of leads by networking with expats and locals on the ground. Go to a “meet up” with expats already there and mention what you’re looking for—some properties are snatched up before they make it online because they’re such great deals.
The most important thing to remember is not to put down a deposit or send money without seeing the property.
Yes, this might mean the extra expense of staying in a hotel or an Airbnb while you narrow down your search. But better that than discovering the photos on the website don’t match up with the reality… the supposedly “beachfront” property is anything but… or your neighbors play loud music into the night.
Most property managers and owners are honest folks but better safe than sorry.
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