International Mortgages    

If you require finance to purchase an Overseas Residential property, then Mortgage-Plus have many years experience in arranging this type of mortgage facility. Commercial loans also considered on a case-by-case basis. You can download an AIP (Agreement in Principle) form and have your mortgage in principal ready before you start looking for your property abroad.

• Fully Independent with more lenders and more choice
• Can pre-qualify an application before you find a property
• Competitive lending terms
• Can save you time and costs (ie: phone, fax and postage) in both exploring and finding a possible lender
  
• In house processing which saves time with receiving a final offer, especially as we are normally aware of what documentation the lender requires, their lending criteria and how to present the application
  
• Offer you the use of our extensive database of other relevant professionals such as Lawyers, Currency Exchange and Offshore Company Formation Experts - where required.

Countries Covered:

• As buying abroad is becoming more popular, we continue to negotiate deals with foreign lenders and will add more countries to our list. We currently offer mortgages for the following countries.

Australia, Azores, Bahamas, Balearics, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Canada, Canary Islands, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Dubai, France, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Madeira, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, St. Lucia, Sardinia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, USA (special sterling schemes for Florida). 

Top Tips for Buying Abroad:

• Never sign a contract that you do not understand (for example - if it is in a foreign language).
• Always ensure that you seek specialist advice from independent Solicitors, Architects and Surveyors before considering a purchase overseas. They should be proficient in your chosen country's laws and processes and also know the specifics involved in buying a property there.
• Ensure you do not inherit a debt on the property before you purchase, which a solicitor should be able to check - ie: If the developer has borrowed money to build the development and this amount has been allocated against each plot as additional security to the developer's bank.
• Always give yourself a `cooling off` period if you see a `must-have property` and are tempted to put down a deposit there and then.
• If you are arranging finance on the property, ensure that this is stated in any contract and you have an 'opt-out clause' if the loan is not agreed (which will ensure any deposit paid is refunded).
• Try to arrange your mortgage finance 'in principle', before agreeing to purchase the property, or before signing any contracts and paying over a deposit.
• Arrange your mortgage in the currency that you earn in where possible, unless you are going to receive rental income from that property in the local currency and then this may be a possible alternative option, dependent on the lender's criteria.
• Think about combining your cash with friends or family: it could bring a Villa with pool within your financial reach, rather than simply an Apartment.
• Check with the Estate Agent or vendor that you are aware of the costs charged by the legal and government authorities for purchasing a property in your chosen country.
• Open a bank account in your chosen country and ensure you get a Certificate of Importation for the money you bring in from your home country.
• Set up standing orders in a local bank account to meet bills and taxes. Failure to pay your taxes in some countries, such as France, Portugal and Spain, could lead to court action and possible seizure of your property.
• Remember that bills do not end at the asking price. Lawyer's fees, Taxes, Insurance etc must all be met in your host country and can often be more expensive.