What You Should Know Before You Choose Your Next Expat “Home”
The number of expats and digital nomads has been on the rise in recent years, and not without a good reason. With the world becoming increasingly interconnected and with new tech empowering remote work, more and more people are reconsidering their lifestyle options.
The global phenomenon is pioneering remote work that can be done from any geography, boosting cultural immersion in the process. It’s no wonder that expat communities are popping up left and right, and new expats certainly can benefit from connecting with them.
For one thing, finding a home abroad can be a difficult task, especially if the expat is visiting it for the first time. In this article, we’ll provide some actionable tips to help you not overlook any important aspect in this regard.
Defining a Budget
Here’s the thing: the expat lifestyle is thrilling, but not cheap. Just consider expat taxes in Germany to get an idea, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Before embarking on the search for accommodation, you should set a realistic budget. Once you know how much money you can spend t get started (keep in mind that you can change accommodations later on), consider the types of accommodations available. Typically, you’ll be able to choose from apartments, houses and shared living spaces, and the prices can vary greatly.
Next on, research neighborhoods. Amenities can vary greatly depending on the neighborhood and safety should also be considered. Start by defining if you’re better off living in an urban or suburban neighborhood and start your research based on these parameters.
At the very least, you should settle on a neighborhood that has nearby amenities such as supermarkets, public transportation access, and a healthcare facility or two. If you’re moving with children, a school should be in the vicinity of your home.
Finally, if you’re pursuing an active lifestyle, you might want to research the cultural ambiance of the neighborhood. Should it be family-friendly or bustling with vibrant nightlife?
Consider Temporary Accommodation
For expats moving on their own, opting for temporary accommodation initially just may be the best option.
The practice allows for exploring the city, connecting with the local expat community, and pinpointing the best neighborhoods.
There are various options to choose from, including serviced apartments and temporary rentals. Short-term rentals can be booked online before even relocating and they tend to be cheaper than serviced apartments.
In addition, temporary accommodation can help expats gradually adjust to the local culture and lifestyle, without suffering a culture shock.
Transportation and Connectivity
Access to transportation is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing your new home.
Depending on whether you’re planning to use public transportation, ride a bike, or rent/buy a car, you may want to consider a couple of suitable neighborhoods.
Look for places with proximity (optimally, within walking distance) to public transportation hubs such as bus stops or subway stations. Access to major roads and highways is ideal if you’re planning to use a car regularly and travel for work or leisure.
If you’re planning to ride a bike, look for neighborhoods with biking and pedestrian-friendly areas.
Language and Cultural Considerations
Language and cultural considerations just might be the trickiest part of expat life. Unless you’re relocating to a country where your mother tongue is the norm, you should get ready to take your time adjusting to the local culture and language.
If you’re planning on staying long-term, obviously, the best solution is to learn the language. However, if you’re country hopping, learning the common phrases and such should be able to sustain you.
Things stand differently with cultural awareness, however. Local customs and societal norms may be very different from the ones you’re used to. It is critical to adapt to the local cultural practices and embrace local customs if you want to make friends among the locals or work locally.
If you don’t speak a single word of the local language, look up neighborhoods populated by expats.
Visit Properties in Person
When choosing accommodations for a long-term stay, it is crucial to visit it in person. What many expats will tell you is that photoshopped images of apartments far away can be very different from reality.
That’s why choosing temporary accommodation is recommended. From there, you can take your time visiting apartments of interest.
In this way, you can “feel the neighborhood” firsthand and evaluate the condition of the property. One important thing photographs can never show is the noise levels of the property.
The practice will also help you visualize your living space, especially if you’re planning to furnish it yourself.
Finally, if you’re looking for shared accommodation, you’ll get to meet housemates and see whether they’re a good fit.
Check Utility Costs
Make sure to inquire about utility costs. You should negotiate which utilities are included in the rent.
Typical bills you should take into account include electricity, heating/cooling, water and sewage fees, trash collection fees and internet and cable services. Inquire about any miscellaneous fees.
Hire a Professional to Assist You With Housing
Navigating a foreign property market can prove difficult, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local language and local laws. That’s why it’s recommended to list a reputable relocation expert or real estate agent (the expat community can help with recommendations) to finalize this complex process.
As a rule, local real estate experts know every nook and cranny of the local housing market, including availability and pricing. They can also help when selecting the best neighborhood with a limited budget, so don’t hesitate to ask away.
Further out, rental laws and tenancy regulations can be complex, so having an expert who can explain the nuances is tremendously helpful. Real estate agents will help you with completing the necessary paperwork, which is one of the biggest obstacles who don’t speak the local language.
Negotiate Lease Terms
Once you’ve come this far, it’s time to negotiate lease terms. Rental prices may not be set in stone, especially if you’re looking to stay long-term.
Negotiating lease duration is the next step, so consider your options carefully and make sure you’re familiar with all options before closing a deal.
Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, read and review the contract and consult the real estate agent if in doubt.
Quite a lot to consider, as it were, but believe us, it’s worth it!
