Questions I’m asked about living Italy as a Brit abroad
When asked about living in Italy, I tend to answer based on my own experience. As a Brit abroad, questions about weather, taxes, food costs, healthcare, heating, safety and whether Italians speak English, often pop up. To help you on your journey to becoming an Italian homeowner, I’ve written down some FAQs and answered them as best as I can.Read more...
Beth’s life in France on year on: “The move is the best thing I ever did”
Last year, we spoke to reader Beth Nicholson about her move to the beautiful Charente, fulfilling a long-held dream to return to France. Back then, she told us about finding the ‘right house, the right village at the right time’. Now, one year on, Beth is firmly ensconced in her ‘beautiful and joyful’ life in this tranquil corner of Aquitaine.Read more...
How can you earn an income in France?
Moving to France is a huge and exciting leap, and, for many people, part of the process of starting a new life out here will be finding ways to continue to make an income. There are so many possibilities, even in rural areas – and you may find your niche in a completely unexpected area! So what are the main ways to earn money in France?Read more...
How to pay for an Irish property
Many of us would love to buy a home in Ireland but don’t have the cash to buy. Or rather, we think we don’t. The truth, however, is that for many potential buyers in Ireland there are all sorts of ways to raise the money, some involving little sacrifice – simply using your assets better. Here are some potential ways to raise finance for an Irish property.Read more...
Can you still buy a home Down Under?
Buying a home in Australia has always been a little tricky, with restrictions on overseas buyers. Now New Zealand has followed suit. But the fact is that thousands of us have bought Aussie property, finding ways to work through the rules. Can we do that with New Zealand too?Read more...
The 10 Best Contacts for Expats in Portugal
New expats in Portugal really benefit from having a strong support network, This article discusses the key people to get in touch with to make your move easier: the ten best new friends when you move to Portugal.Read more...
Your ten best new friends when you move to Italy
Settling successfully into Italian life isn’t just a question of what you know, but who you know. There are some people that you just can’t do without making friends, says our resident writer in Italy.Read more...
Foreign buyers rush into Greek property market
Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream may be about lovers in Athens, but in the midsummer of 2019 it’s property buyers who are feeling the love in Athens. As prices rise by nearly 6% in the capital and not much less in the islands, no wonder that international buyers are flooding in. Greek property prices are rising fast.Read more...
Your ten best new friends when you move to Spain
Moving to a new area can be quite daunting so when you decide to change countries, it’s good to know that help is at hand. In Spain particularly you don’t need to find your way through a forest of bureaucracy alone as there are many people here to help smooth the journey for you. Don’t be afraid to ask though as you might appear to be finding your way when, in fact, you would just love someone to clear your path.Read more...
Enjoying the good life in the Languedoc-Roussillon
There are many reasons why the Languedoc-Roussillon area of the south of France is eternally popular. The very name conjures up an image of sun, blue skies, golden light, miles of sandy beaches, beautiful towns and villages, tremendous history, Mediterranean food… But it is not just an image: this area really does have it all!Read more...
Building your own Canadian home; part 2, finding an architect
If you’re dreaming of a new life in Canada, don’t settle for second best – and that includes on your home. If you choose to self-build, you can get everything exactly as you want, and our guide tells you exactly how to do that. We’ve already looked at finding a plot, and this week, we’re exploring how to find an architect and what to expect from them.Read more...