Buying a home 1982 vs 2016

[milanbenes]

the saddest thing is, there wouldn't be these problems if we all lived with the same values as our parents and grand parents

not rocket science is it

property has been and always will be the safest long term and inter-generational investment - safe as houses

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this is the problem...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEe3hBXZEyI

buying crap they don't need with money they don't have

Milan.

[NotAllThere]

... maybe get something in Switzerland.

Are you sure?

Unless you're resident, in most areas you need permission from the local authorities - there may also be restrictions on size of property. Stamp duty is payable by both the buyer and seller - sometimes the buyer pays both sides' stamp duty. Stamp duty may be waived if the property is held for a minimum period (e.g. five years). There is an annual wealth tax on the value of the house and capital gains tax when the house is sold (starts off at 100% of the profit, then tapers off, reaching a minimum after twenty years). There is a distinct chance that the real value of property will fall over time. The market is not very vibrant, there's not a massive amount of stock available at any one time. You need 50% deposit if you're going to BTL but again, if you're not resident, you may simply not get permission. 20% deposit is minimum if you're going to live in the property, but you must have a residency permit first (some exemptions for holiday homes).

On the plus side:
Property transaction are much simpler and easier than in the UK.
Maintenance and refurbishment is usually fully tax deductible.
Interest payments are also tax deductible.

[sasguru]

Are you sure?

Unless you're resident, in most areas you need permission from the local authorities - there may also be restrictions on size of property. Stamp duty is payable by both the buyer and seller - sometimes the buyer pays both sides' stamp duty. Stamp duty may be waived if the property is held for a minimum period (e.g. five years). There is an annual wealth tax on the value of the house and capital gains tax when the house is sold (starts off at 100% of the profit, then tapers off, reaching a minimum after twenty years). There is a distinct chance that the real value of property will fall over time. The market is not very vibrant, there's not a massive amount of stock available at any one time. You need 50% deposit if you're going to BTL but again, if you're not resident, you may simply not get permission. 20% deposit is minimum if you're going to live in the property, but you must have a residency permit first (some exemptions for holiday homes).

On the plus side:
Property transaction are much simpler and easier than in the UK.
Maintenance and refurbishment is usually fully tax deductible.
Interest payments are also tax deductible.

Yes aware of the issues - have family living there.
But TBH was looking for more like a ski chalet or somesuch - more a lifestyle choice.
And as a cash buyer for a holiday home there are slightly more options.
But like you say it's not an easy or obvious investment.