How To Find Your Perfect New Home Abroad

The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned. – Maya Angelou

Are you considering to relocate to Berlin for your internship? Coming to Madrid to become an English teacher? Looking to live in France, Barcelona, London or even Istanbul? We can guarantee you CAN find your new home abroad!

After living in about 17 properties all around the world, I learned the tricks of the trade and figured out the magic formula of how to find your perfect new home abroad.

It goes without saying that “home is where your heart is”, but where is your heart?

What are you really looking for in your new home abroad? Is that the party people, a romantic nest, an idyllic villa on the hills or what? Before even dipping your eyes in the market, you must always ask yourself what you are looking for and set your priorities straight.

Once you’ve made your mind up and you are sure about where you want to live for the next 6 months, 1, 2, 10 years, it’s time to check the followings:

Can you afford your home abroad?

Make sure you can afford not only the rent – you also need to remember that you might need to purchase a few things to make your new apartment or room feel like home. Have you thought about live expenses? Don’t forget you will need electricity, water, internet – they are all going to add up to your monthly costs. Cities like London also require council tax – its prices depend on the neighborhood you live in.

Make sure you thoroughly do your research!

Madrid: 1 Bedroom apartment with AC for rent near IE Business School. Price: €950 per month. 2-month deposit. Available NOW!!

What’s the neighbourhood like?

Don’t only fall in love with the property itself, but make sure you get to know the neighbourhood and the buildings next door.

Do you have a restaurant below?

Is there a brand new skyscraper being build next door?

I always suggest checking out Google maps to check the surroundings – go into street view and take a virtual walk with your neighborhood.

Is there a good school nearby?

Yes, even if you don’t have children or they are gone to an university. I realised that good schools are normally surrounded by great and safe communities. Have a look online or ask local friends.

Barcelona: Studio apartment with balcony for rent with sea views – La Barceloneta, Barcelona. Price: €850 per month. Availability: NOW!

Go and talk to your new neighbours!

You can buy some wine or chocolate and introduce yourself to your potential new neighbours and flatmates while chatting about the community and the area. It will also great to find out if there are any issues such as loud screaming kids!

Look past the furniture and that massive queen-sized bed!

If you are in love with a beautifully-decorated house, my advice is to look past the furniture. I also made the mistake to fall in love with a house in London because it had that “feel” and vibe and it was truly beautiful. But is the location worth it?

Looking for a room or an apartment to rent? Book with Spotahome today!

Never make your home in a place. Make a home for yourself inside your own head. You’ll find what you need to furnish it – memory, friends you can trust, love of learning, and other such things. That way it will go with you wherever you journey. – Tad Williams

Looking for an apartment or room to rent? Check out Spotahome’s selection of apartments and rooms available in Italy (Rome and Milan), Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Belgium (Brussels), UK (London) and Ireland (Dublin)!