Articles on building and renovating property abroad
Short articles addressing common questions and assumptions around building and renovating property abroad.
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These pieces are written to clarify how overseas systems work in practice — and where risk typically appears before decisions become difficult to reverse.
Who actually protects the client when building abroad?
An explanation of how responsibility is structured in most overseas systems — and why clients often assume protection exists when it doesn’t.
Why “minor works” abroad often aren’t minor
How seemingly straightforward renovations can quietly trigger planning, technical or legal obligations.
Do I need an architect before I buy a property abroad?
When early advice helps, when it doesn’t, and why advice and design are not the same thing.
Why overseas property projects feel more stressful than they should
How unfamiliar systems, fragmented responsibility and hidden decisions combine to create avoidable pressure.
What independent advice actually means (and what it doesn’t)
Clarifying the role of independent, client-side judgement — and why it matters more abroad.
Why the best overseas property opportunities are rarely turnkey
New-buld developments may not always be in the best location - looking for space, seclusion or front-line properties? Maybe renovation or self-build is the best solution for you.
Renovation or new build abroad — how to choose the right route
Your journey to finding the perfect home abroad may start with the choice of whether to renovate an existing property os start from scratch with a new-build project.
If you’re considering a property or project abroad and want clarity before committing, Habitar offers independent advice at the point where assumptions still matter.
Some clients use this for an early sense-check. Others value having an experienced, independent advisor they can return to as decisions arise.