Purchasing in London from overseas?
Let us help you:
- Understand the ins and outs of buying in the UK
- Understand where you can you afford to buy
- Choose the right area
- Identify all the costs involved in buying a property
- Appreciate the difference between leasehold and freehold properties
- Select a team of lawyers, surveyors, financial advisors and tradespeople to help you with your purchase
Buying when you are based overseas can be a very daunting process, especially if you have never lived or bought in London before. It will be important to consider the pros and cons, and affordability of different areas and types of property.
As London property finders, we recently helped a couple from Hong Kong, who were looking for a London base that they could use for half the year in their retirement, spacious enough to accommodate their children on occasion. Not having lived in London before, they were uncertain as to which areas would work for them. After several conversations we narrowed it down to Bayswater, Westminster and Marylebone. After a detailed search, we came up with a short list of 10 properties that the family visited over a long weekend. They are now the proud owners of a three-bedroom lateral flat, overlooking a lovely garden square in W2.
It is also important to understand the implications of buying a freehold v share of freehold v leasehold property and the associated long-term implications.
Ownership of property in the UK is complicated by the leasehold system. All apartments will have an underlying lease whether or not they are leasehold or share of freehold. For many buying from overseas it can be a minefield to understand the various options. As London buying agents, we have helped many clients from overseas buy all different types of freehold and leasehold properties including many short leasehold properties, properties that they would not have considered without our professional input.
Buying from overseas
“As an American navigating the UK property market for the first time, I was initially overwhelmed by the unfamiliar processes and terminology. From our very first conversation, Olivier put me at ease with his supportive, knowledgeable and hands-on approach. Olivier went above and beyond, accommodating my hectic travel schedule, even attending viewings on my behalf when I couldn’t be there in person. His insights and perspective were invaluable throughout, and I always felt like I had a trusted advisor in my corner.
What truly sets Olivier apart is his ability to uncover opportunities others might miss. He found me my dream property off market, a place I would never have discovered without him. From negotiating the price to navigating the complexities of the local search process, he was with me every step of the way, smoothing out bumps and ensuring everything moved forward with speed. His deep understanding of the market and unwavering commitment made all the difference. I couldn’t be more grateful, and I wouldn’t hesitate to work with him again.
“
Kate Vacovec
Pizza Hut