Second homes
Photo: Glyn Baker, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
- This article is about purchase or long-term rental of second homes. See vacation rentals for limited stays in vacation homes.
A permanent vacation home, holiday home or second home is usually a long-time investment, for decades, or even generations to come. In a low-income country, or a less busy countryside, it does not need to cost a fortune.
Second homes of strangers or friends may be available for short-time rent, either directly or through some rental agency, as vacation rentals.
UnderstandPeople have second homes for a variety of reasons. In general, ownership becomes more economic the more time you want to spend at a place.
Get inYou should consider transportation when buying your second home.
Type
Pros
ConsOwning a piece of real estate involves a lot more paperwork (and risk) than simply going to a place for vacation:
CostsWork out what the running costs of your property will be. Things to allow for include:
Buy or leaseAll countries have different laws, regulations and tax systems for property. Sellers and real-estate agents might not tell the whole truth, and some fraud schemes are associated with holiday property sales.
EatSmaller vacation homes have a very basic kitchen, if any at all.
DoRights for fishing or foraging might, or might not, come with property ownership, sometimes depending on how you write your contract.
Which home is secondIf the second home is in the same country as your main home (or a country in which you hold citizenship), you may be able to choose which property is regarded as your main residence for tax, voting and other purposes.
ConcernsSome real estate may be far away from the comforts of modern life, like running water, electricity or even mail service.
LocalsGood relations with the neighbors can help immensely to prevent problems deteriorating and to find people or firms to do maintenance and repairs.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Second homes" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Glyn Baker, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons