If you love to travel, buying a bolthole abroad may seem like a fantastic idea. For many people, having a vacation home is a dream. But it’s not always plain sailing. Here are some pros and cons to consider if you’re thinking of buying a holiday hideaway.
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The pros
Convenience
Do you love to visit the same places time and time again? If so, what could be more convenient than taking a vacation at your own holiday home? All you have to do is work out when you want to go, and how you’re going to get there, and your vacation is planned and sorted.
Value for money
Investing in real estate can often be hugely beneficial for your bank balance. You’ll be buying something that is likely to increase in value in years to come. You’ll also be saving money on hotels and condos every time you go away.
Lifestyle
Have you fallen in love with a vacation spot because it offers you a more relaxing lifestyle? Do you enjoy being close to the sea or up in the mountains? If you have a retreat to escape to, this can improve your mindset and help you to deal with stress and anxiety in day-to-day life. Having something to look forward to can make a massive difference to your mood.
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The cons
Upkeep and maintenance
If you’re planning to use a holiday home a couple of times a year, you’ll have to think about upkeep. How are you going to make sure that everything is ok? Who is going to take charge of those maintenance tasks? If you’re renting your property out, you could enlist the services of an agency that will take care of everything for you. As you spend more time there, you may find that you can ask friends to take care of jobs like mowing the lawn and collecting mail.
Travel limitations
Are you a self-confessed globetrotter? Do you love to experience different countries and cultures? Have you got a wish list of destinations as long as your arm? If so, buying a vacation home may affect your ability to travel. Your finances may be a consideration. But also, you might feel that you’ve got to go to your second home rather than somewhere new. You may feel pressured to get the most use out of it now that you’ve completed the purchase.
Novelty factor
When you buy a house somewhere you’ve holidayed before, there’s always a risk that it won’t live up to expectations. When you’re on vacation, it’s different to living somewhere for a period of time. For starters, you’ll be running a household, rather than staying in a hotel. In many hotspots, the seasons can also have an impact. You may find that if you visit a beach resort in winter, for example, the town is deserted.
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If you love to travel, it may make perfect sense to buy a vacation home. However, this is not always the best option for everyone. Weigh up the pros and cons, and make sure you visit several times before you buy. You need to get a proper feel for the place and make sure it is somewhere you want to return time and time again.
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