Buying Process

Practical guidance on purchasing second properties in the UK and overseas. Articles address location choices, legal requirements, rental options, and different property types.

A Home from Home: House Swaps

House swapping lets you travel cheaper by staying in someone else's home instead of paying for hotels and accommodation.

Bricks and Mortar vs Mobile Home

Mobile homes offer an affordable alternative to buying traditional property for a holiday retreat or retirement home.

Buying a Holiday Home

Buying a holiday home means you'll always have familiar comforts waiting, reliable accommodation, and potential rental income when you're not using it.

Buying with an Offshore Company to Save Money

Using an offshore company to buy property abroad can save money, but you need professional advice on local taxes and laws first.

Legal Costs of Your Second Home

Understand the legal and financial costs involved in buying a second home, from deposits to conveyancing fees.

Local Tax Implications

Second home owners in the UK face Capital Gains Tax and other levies during ownership and at sale, with strict deadlines for claiming exemptions.

Planning Ahead When Buying a Second Home

Think through all your costs before buying a second home, from upfront fees to ongoing expenses and rental gaps.

Renting Out Your Second Home

Turn your second home into rental income by setting clear rules, screening tenants carefully, and protecting your investment from the start.

Top Ten Places to Buy a Second Home

Here are ten of the best places around the world to buy a second home, from Normandy to Florida.

What Mortgage Do I Need to Buy a Home for My Parents?

Buying a home for your parents involves different mortgage types and tax rules depending on whether they'll live there or you'll rent it out.