If you are thinking of investing abroad, whether it is in a gite in France or a furnished apartment Sydney, there are several issues that you have to look into seriously before making any commitment. Many first time property investors rush into buying a property with their heart rather than their head, often with dire consequences.

You can never look too much at the legal side as this is the most common downfall. Make sure that you are dealing with reputable companies or your money could be at risk.

Make sure that you get the title deeds and any legal agreement checked with a local legal expert and get translations done if necessary so that you know what you are getting into.

If you are buying the property to rent out, look at it through the eyes of someone who might want to rent it rather than your own rose tinted glasses. If it is a holiday home, is it in an area that is easy to reach, with an airport fairly nearby? If it is to rent out to the local market, it might command better prices if it is near a metro or bus route.

There are so many pitfalls so you have to be very careful, especially if you do not speak the local language or you could come unstuck.