When moving overseas, or even if you're moving to another state or city, one decision you'll have to make is if you should rent or buy your new home. This decision may be simple for you - if it's a temporary move, you will probably rent - however, foreign ownership of property is not as simple as purchasing in your own home country. Most countries have rules and regulations surrounding who can own property. Many countries only allow nationals or permanent immigrants, while some will allow long-term leases, and some will permit a full purchase.
As with moving to any location where it's difficult to explore or research the area before the actual move date, I do recommend renting for the first little while - six months gives you time to get to know the city, neighborhood or beach town before you make any firm commitments. Further, this also allows you time to look for professionals to help with other rentals or if you decide to invest in property.
If you're moving because of a job offer, try to negotiate for the company to find you a place to live; some will include this as part of the relocation contract. If a place to live is not included, ask for some help from your future employer; they should be able to get you in touch with rental agents or realtors.
Also, get in touch with some ex-pats before you leave; online forums are a great place to ask questions and to get answers from people who've already made the transition. Check out Preparing to Move Overseas for a list of friendly forums you can join.
If you're thinking of buying, first investigate the country you're moving to. Contact either the associated country's embassy while still in your home country or if you've already moved overseas, then visit your country's consulate or embassy in the new country.
After you've done some research on the country's rules and regulations for owning property, you should hire a real estate agent and lawyer. If you're being transferred or have an overseas job offer, contact your employer and ask for assistance. This may be something you could set up in your contract: the cost of any professional fees that are associated with moving. The embassy may also be able to assist you with a list of lawyers who are reputable.
The last piece of advice is to thoroughly research the laws, know what's involved in the process and be sure to hire inspectors before you purchase. Buying in your home country is difficult; add to that a possible language barrier, different laws and processes and a lack of knowledge of local customs. Do your research and if it looks like a good investment, invest. And you'll probably find that when you buy a house, you'll start to feel just like a local.
