Are you considering the purchase of a property in Australia? Have you been visiting real estate websites so much, you are taking virtual home tours in your dreams?

If you have your heart set on a retirement home in a Australia, and need to send a sizable deposit before another buyer beats you to it, an online money transfer is a fast and secure way to make your down payment. Maybe you’ve negotiated a lucrative price on a property based on a short closing timeframe, or maybe you just don’t want to miss out on your dream home.

Whatever your motivation for buying a property in Australia, the financial and contractual processes don’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, or fraught with legal risk.

Here are five tips for expats (and soon-to-be expats) planning to move to Australia or expand their overseas property holdings.

1. Do Your Market and Regional Research

Whether you are buying your property from a stranger, a lifelong friend, or even a family member, it’s important to enter an iAustralia real estate transaction with your eyes open, your mind clear, and a firm grip on your wallet.

If you were buying a property in your own city, or across the country, you would likely work with a competent real estate agent and spend a significant amount of time touring homes and doing your due diligence. Yet when it comes to a vacation property or retirement home, there are many emotions involved.

Depending on your origin and destination countries, your eligibility and ease of securing a mortgage in a foreign countrywill vary. You may have to make a significant down payment of nearly 30%. Developer or seller financing arrangementsmay help you save on interest.  Be sure to budget for transfer fees or stamp dutyas part of your property purchase.

If you’re preparing to buy a property in Australia, ensure you do as much research as you would on a domestic property, if not more. You can find great resources on websites like RealEstate.com.auor Domain.

2.  Be Cautious about New Builds or Fixer-Uppers

Many countries have new home warranty programs and regulations. If you’re looking at new homes abroad, be sure to do your research on local developers, and understand the implications of builder-responsible defects.

Further, you can find reputable tradespeople through regional contractor associations like the Australian Construction Industry Forum.

These groups can help you navigate the local renovation market, as well as the local rules of law related to home zoning, building standards, and renovations. Or before you start your journey.

If you buy vacant land or a previously occupied home, avoid entering a private property transaction without representation. Get professional purchase advice from a certified local real estate broker, agent or reputable developer. You can also ask real estate professionals in New Zealand for referrals to their counterparts in Australia.

3. Understand Your Tax Responsibilities in New Zealand and Australia

You might live in your vacation home for a few months out of the year, the whole year around, or even use it purely as an income property via leases.  Do your due diligence on your tax responsibilitiesrelative to capital gains, safe-harbor provisions, income tax and any reporting responsibilities your home country requires, and the nation where you buy a property.

4. Hire local legal representation

Rules, laws, and regulations have been mentioned a few times in this blog, yet it can’t be overstated. Mitigating risk when you set up residence in a foreign country is well worth the investment in hiring a local attorney or solicitor.

They can help you get important documents translated (not to mention translate the legalese) and advise you on potential legal exposures in your property purchase agreement.  If you already have legal representation in New Zealand, they might have a relationship with other firms in Australia.

You can contact the Australia Bar Associationfor additional guidance.  When you’ve decided to acquire a vacation property in another country, or you’ve found the retirement home of your dreams overseas, your emotions play a central role in your thought processes. Take the time to research the links offered above. You’ll minimize your legal and financial risk and get more enjoyment from your investment.

5. Mitigate Your Foreign Currency Exchange Costs

When you are paying a significant amount of money for lease payments, maintenance fees or to purchase a home outright, transaction costs can be prohibitive. Many banks and foreign currency brokers charge high fees, bury hidden costs and offer less-than-desirable exchange rates. Before you go to your bank, check out the prices offered by amoney transfer service providerwhich monitors multiple currency sources.

Fee-free, exchange-transparent money transfersare available, and you owe it to yourself to get the best return on your money. When you are buying a home, making your money go as far as possible is critical. Whether you are making a one-time lump sum property payment or incremental mortgage payments, remittances in the local currency can help you realize significant savings.

Marcus Phillips

Director of Affiliates & Partnerships Australasia

Website: https://xe.com/