Ask Elly: Your Overseas Property Questions Answered
ASK ELLY
Overseas property. Straight answers.
Buying abroad can be exciting. It can also be bloody confusing.
Then give it plenty of white space.
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Been there. Asked the questions.
I've spent more than 20 years around international property and have lived overseas myself.
I've seen the good, the bad and the things buyers don't realise they need to ask until it's too late.
Thinking about buying property overseas? Ask me before you buy.
Buying a property overseas should be exciting. But when you actually start looking into it, the number of questions can become overwhelming very quickly.
Which location is right for you? How do you find a good independent lawyer? What are the real buying costs? How should you transfer your money? What about residency or visas? Is the developer established? And who can you ask when you don't know whether the advice you're receiving is genuinely right for you?
That's where I can help.
I'm Elly Herriman, founder of Overseas Property Insider, and I've worked around international property for more than 20 years.
My own international property career started in Spain two decades ago, and having lived overseas myself, I understand that buying abroad isn't simply a property transaction.
It's often a completely different legal system, language, currency and way of life.
And sometimes you just need someone to ask.
I'm not an estate agent. I'm not here to sell you a property.
That's important.
You don't need to be ready to buy anything before you contact me.
I'm not going to try to book you onto a viewing trip because you asked me a question about Spain.
I'm not going to chase you because you wanted to know how buying in Portugal works.
And there's no obligation to buy a property through anybody I introduce you to.
Ask me because you need an answer, not because you're ready to be sold to.
What can you Ask Elly about?
Pretty much anything connected with buying and living overseas.
You might want help understanding:
🌍 Where to buy
Spain or Portugal? Mainland or island? Resort or city? I can help you research locations and understand the differences.
⚖️ Finding a lawyer
Independent legal advice is one of the most important parts of an overseas purchase. If I know reputable professionals operating in your chosen market, I can point you in the right direction.
💷 Foreign exchange and transferring money
Exchange rates and transfer costs can make a significant difference when moving large sums internationally. I can explain what to consider and introduce you to specialist FX providers if appropriate.
🛂 Visas and residency
Rules vary considerably between countries and can change. Where specialist immigration or residency advice is required, I can help you find an appropriate professional.
🏗️ Developers and developments
Seen a development you're interested in? I can help you understand what questions you should be asking before making a decision.
🏡 The buying process
Deposits, reservation agreements, legal checks, taxes, completion and everything in between can look very different overseas.
✈️ Relocating overseas
Sometimes the property is only one part of the move. Schools, healthcare, banking, residency, insurance and everyday life matter too.
And if you have a question that isn't on that list?
Ask me anyway.
Think of me as your overseas property concierge
Over the past 20+ years, I've built relationships across the international property industry.
That includes developers, agents, lawyers, foreign exchange specialists, residency and immigration professionals, relocation companies and other specialists working with overseas buyers.
I don't pretend to be a lawyer, financial adviser, immigration specialist or tax expert.
When something requires regulated or specialist professional advice, I'll tell you.
But there's a good chance I'll know where to start looking for the person who can give you the answer.
And if I don't know?
I'll say that too.
Real information without the sales pressure
Overseas Property Insider was created to provide useful information for people considering buying, investing, relocating or spending more time overseas.
You'll find country guides, destination information, market insight and contributions from professionals who understand their respective markets.
OPI also works commercially with selected businesses through advertising, sponsored editorial and media partnerships.
We believe those relationships should be transparent.
If content has been sponsored or there is a relevant commercial relationship, we'll make that clear.
My aim with Ask Elly is simple:
Help you find the information you need to make your own informed decision.
You don't have to be a millionaire. And you don't have to be ready to buy.
You might be buying a holiday apartment.
You might be looking for somewhere to retire.
You might be considering relocating your family.
You might be looking at an investment.
Or you might simply be sitting at home wondering whether moving to Spain one day is remotely realistic.
You can still ask me.
There doesn't need to be a transaction at the end of every conversation.
Sometimes an answer is just an answer.
Why ask me?
I started my international property career in Spain 20 years ago and have lived in several countries myself.
I've spent years working around overseas property, international marketing and the businesses that support people buying abroad.
Today, alongside founding Overseas Property Insider, I'm Director of Marketing, Communication & Innovation at International Property Alerts, giving me access to a much wider international property network.
That means I'm constantly speaking with people on the ground in different markets and hearing what's actually happening.
But Ask Elly isn't about persuading you to buy.
It's about helping you ask better questions before you do.
Ask Elly
Where are you thinking about buying?
What stage are you at?
What are you unsure about?
I'll help if I can.
No obligation. No sales pitch. Just tell me what you need help with.
Elly Herriman
Founder, Overseas Property Insider
20+ years in international property
Information provided by Overseas Property Insider and through Ask Elly is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, tax or immigration advice. Where specialist advice is required, we recommend consulting an appropriately qualified professional.