Where should we have a second home for after we retire?

We have a TV program or I should say a TV station (HGTV) that broadcasts a program on International homes and it is very interesting as to what you get for your money in different parts of the world.

I find that people who buy in France and Italy have to pay a lot of money for very old and run down properties especially in the large cities. There are a lot of variables as to how much people are paying ie. amount of land they want.

I think my DW likes Portugal over Spain. We don't think we like the Caribbean area because of the poverty and crime although buyers get very nice homes there for a reasonable amount of money.

You get a lot of house and modern features in Fiji and the people there seem very friendly to outsiders. Also, home prices on some of the outer islands of Hawaii can be reasonable.

This is a nice dream subject to toss around on these dark gloomy days of winter?

Any comments?

I have no advice, but I wanted to say that I LOVE Househunters International! My mom likes when I'm home to watch it with her so we can comment on it together. I guess my dad isn't too into it. 

I have no advice, but I wanted to say that I LOVE Househunters International! My mom likes when I'm home to watch it with her so we can comment on it together. I guess my dad isn't too into it. 

Us too. Me and DW
Do you know anything about Chile?

Personally, I plan on buying a small (tiny) Caribbean island and retiring to a tiki hut  or maybe the South Pacific.........

Us too. Me and DW
Do you know anything about Chile?

Not a thing. Sorry!

Hi there,

I'll keep this as brief as possible - International property purchasing isn't a decision to take lightly. Research as much as you can if you decide to progress as there's major things to consider.

As a very rough guide, you need to decide what you're looking for - if it's for retirement, investment, renting, holiday home, re-sale. You then need to look into the country and also then it's political system, economic outlook on a high level, and the town/city and local information on a more focussed level.

Broadly speaking again, falls into 2 catagories - Established markets/Countries or Emerging markets/Countries. The 'bargains' are to be had in the emerging countries albeit at much higher risk. The established countries are the safest and also have the higher prices.

I personally am going for the Safe countries/economies - USA, Canada, Australia for me, I've looked at European places - not for me. Plenty do however! -

In your specific question - should you have a 2nd home after you retire?! - only you can answer that, if you mean you'd like to boost your income after retirement, then yes, seriously consider it, unless of course you know of other ways to boost your income that are less risky.

The economies all over the world are shakyand have taken some serious jolts and correctiions and significant losses. 3 years and more ago, people thought they could never lose out on property - so ensure you go in with yoru eyes open!

Plenty more on the subject! but those are some of the main points

Cheers, DtM! West London  & Slough UK!