Tips to buy property in Finland

Sure, Finland features as the fourth best countries to live in. Interestingly, if you remember, Finnish policy even reduces barriers to employment by ensuring all families with young children have access to a subsidised childcare place. Attractive, isn't it?

A lot of European citizens invest in a holiday home in Finland, but living there permanently may need some adjustments to do -- for example, the extreme winters and days at length of ‘no sun’ or nights of only the white sun! But then I am sure you are already aware of all that, and are prepared to make that move.

So here you are, a few top tips to buying property in Finland

             Location.

The most popular locations to buy property in are its major cities, Helsinki, Tempere and Turku. Lapland, at the northern part of the country is also popular with a lot of foreigners, due to it’s vast expanses of green forests and for being renowned as the home of Santa Claus!

Solicitor/Lawyer.

It is advisable to make to of the services of a lawyer or solicitor who can go through the sale agreement or read survey reports and sign for completion of contracts. 

Fees.

Transfer tax must be paid and is at the rate of 4 per cent, and is paid at the time of registering the deed.

Tax.

In Finland, you are required to pay taxes on several heads, so it’s advisable to check where taxes are applicable. For example, there is a separate municipal tax on real estate, and so on.

Foreign nationalities.

Though there are no restriction anymore on foreigners buying property in Finland, they are restricted from acquiring property from the Province of Aland. Even this can be one, with a writ permission from the Finns to buy property int his province!

Days taken.

You may be pleasantly surprised to note that it take 14 days to complete all the required procedures to register a property in Finland.

It is indeed relatively easy and quick to buy property in Finland. 

Best wishes from this side of the world. 

Be sure to visit us to get a peek at homes across the world.

Much Love and happy house hunting,

MILO

P.S: Follow me to my next post: Property Buying tips in Netherlands.

Tips to buy property in Belgium

Interested in Belgium, are you? Go for it, I would say. Buying a property is straightforward, more than anything. But be warned, it can be laborious !Living in Belgium is not an easy thing, say some of my friends in Brussels! The one thing that I heard most from those who I asked about life in Belgium, is ‘Be prepared to face bureaucracy!”There are three local languages -- French, Dutch (Flemish) and German, and it’s important that you do not speak the wrong language to the wrong people. Relax, the good news is that,  English is widely accepted and used. Ready to make that move?

Now for the tips

1. Choose and sign.
Once you have selected the property, it is important to sign an agreement to commit to purchasing the house. A final contract is signed a few months later, once the legal work and mortgage issues are done.

1. Notaire. 
All of the above happen via notaries, known as notaire. both the seller and the buyer have a notaire, each. Pick a notaire on recommendation and ensure that s/he is conveniently located. Also, find a notaire, before you find a house.

1. Price.
Assuming that you will do all the necessary research involved in buying a house, remember that the price that you agree with the seller and the price you finally end up paying will differ hugely. There are several factors contributing to this -- huge property taxes, notary fee, taxes on loans and so on. 

1. Structural Surveys.
These are not a legal part for getting a mortgage. You must do it for your own benefit. A must do before you sign up on that agreement.

1. Property Insurance.
You are liable for it from the minute you sign on that dotted line of that agreement. Be aware of these implications and stay alert.

1. Mortgages.
You have a whole plethora of choices in Belgium. make a wise one. What might help you is the services of a mortgage broker. Typically a  mortgage broker helps you find the best deal, the best source for a loan, etc.

Now, what you need, I am sure, is loads of luck! 

Be sure to visit us to get a peek at homes across the world.

Much Love and happy house hunting,

MILO

P.S: Follow me to my next post: Property Buying tips in Finland.

Tips to buy property in Switzerland

Here is something you simply must know before you start property search in Switzerland -- the costs involved with property buying in Switzerland is higher than anywhere else in Europe. Not just that, general cost of living is also higher in Switzerland than in any other country in Europe. But then I assume you already know that, right? So here goes, some great tips to get that house you so want!

Some hot tips

1. Laws: Non Swiss citizen have several laws to abide by before a property is bought. You must obtain an authorisation from the Cantonal Authorities and from the Federal Department of Justice and Police, through a notary. This is because there is an annual quota for sale to non Swiss citizens. Also, it’s worth knowing that if either you or your spouse is an EU citizen, Swiss residency is most likely to give you almost all rights as a Swiss citizen.
2. Holiday home or permanent house?  It is very imperative that you decide what you are planning on buying. If it’s a holiday home, where you will stay on for a few months in a year, there are rules, and quotas. If it’s a permanent house, you will definitely have to show your stay permit, especially if you do not hold an EU/EFTA passport. However, this may lead you to a wild goose chase. Be warned.
3. Price payable: This is usually done in stages, which is specified in the purchase agreement. Do go through it thoroughly.
4. Location dependant. Remember the price you will have to pay depends on the location of your house. Of course, this is true in any part of the world.In Switzerland, the property market being small, the location of the property assumes greater importance.
5. Loans: Do remember that local banks can loan up to two thirds of the purchase price.
6. Agent: A piece of good advice -- identify and pick a good, trustworthy and experienced real estate agent early in this process. It eases out a lot of hassles and quickens the process, too.
7. Taxes and rates. It is important to do a thorough research on the property taxes applicable in each town/ canton.. It may serve you well to know that the Canton of Zug, for example, has the lowest tax, and therefore, highest property price in all of Switzerland!

Hope this has helped you in some way. Do drop in a line if you need to know more.. or simply visit our website

Much Love and happy house hunting,

MILO

P.S: Follow me to my next post: Property Buying tips in Belgium.

Tips to buy property in Sweden

Here are some good news if you’re planning to buy property in Sweden:

• There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Sweden.
• House prices have fallen considerably in 2011. 
• The real estate transfer process is easy, swift and quick. 

So, looks like it’s the right thing to  buy property in the biggest Scandinavian Nation. However, you could visit there on a holiday and check out... After all it has been reported as the 7th best country to live in!

Here goes my tips for you...

1. Agent. Most house hunting, negotiations and preparing relevant papers are managed by real estate agents. It’s best you appoint one for your self.
2. Deposit. In Sweden, there is a norm that the buyer places 20% of the property price as deposit, as soon as the buying price is agreed upon. 
3. Conduct a survey. It’s a common practise in Sweden. A friend who had recently moved to Sweden recommends that it’s best to hire the services of an independent surveyor, who will do a profession job of it.
4. Hire a solicitor. Though it's is not a must, it’s definitely advisable to hire a legal person to carry out all your legal work. It eases your work and helps a great deal to have a professional work at legal issues.
5. Deeds of Title. You have to apply for this within three months of the sale transfer. the deeds of Title will need to be submitted for registration. 
6. Charges and fee: Stamp duty is charged on the registration of Deeds of Title at about 1% of the purchase price. Agent fees are approx. 3.5 % and are usually payable by the seller. You also have to pay the property tax, wealth tax and so on. Do find out and be prepared.
7. All the best

Hey, by the way, I assume you will follow my standard instructions diligently -- RESEARCH. It’s a must.

Much Love and happy house hunting,

MILO

P.S: Follow me to my next post: Property Buying tips in Switzerland