An American in Paris

Or Cyprus, or Italy or Mexico. More and more Americans are looking further afield than New York for their second or even third home. According to the National Association of Realtors, some 5 to 600,000 foreign properties are owned by Americans living abroad. The most popular locations are Britain, Mexico, Canada, Italy, and Germany. Even though housing prices in many European countries outpace the U.S. market, when compared to large U.S. metropolitan areas there are still bargains to be found in some parts of Europe.

Buying a foreign property can be pleasurable, rewarding, a complete night mare or anywhere in between. The falling value of the dollar is one excellent reason for investing in property in Europe or South America, but steps need to be taken to ensure the process goes smoothly. Laws and regulations vary drastically from country to country and it is vital to do some research before making the plunge. That dream property on the beach in Thailand could all to easily cost you more than you’d bargained for. Here are some resources to use if you are considering buying a property outside of the U.S.A:

Facts about Bulgarian Property
How to buy Property in Spain
Buying Property in the Dominican Republic
How to buy Property in Morocco
Buying Property in Greece
Missing the Lone Star State - Life Overseas

This seems a hot topic at the moment and there is an interesting article here:

Buying in a foreign land
L.A.Times