If You Seek Change, Why Not Exchange?

May 8, 2009 - PRLog -- Many People dream of leaving the UK for a variety of reasons. Is there anyone who hasn’t had enough of the rain and cold by the time they’re five? But of course, it isn’t simply a matter of selling up and taking the plunge. It takes courage to leave behind what you know, after all, for all its faults, the UK is what we know. Over the last ten years or so, people from the UK have been spreading their wings and looking for a ‘new life’, most often, throughout the countries of the European Union. Spain, France and Bulgaria have certainly been ‘Hot Spots’ for ex pats over recent years. For some, it has been the right choice, for others, not. Many have made a fantastic life for themselves and their family, but others are trying to sell up and go back to the UK, disillusioned and disheartened. So why is it? Some are happy and others not?

Of course, there are many reasons why someone may not be content overseas. Unfortunately, people tend to think, moving to another country is easy, it’s not. There are many issues to consider, it’s not like going on holiday. You must be prepared to adjust to changes in food, language, culture and even legalities, especially in more rural areas. What might seem obvious to you, may not be the logic of others. What might seem even ridiculous to you, may be the ‘way it is’ to them. You must also be prepared to take the tortoise angle, not the hare. One of the biggest mistakes when people move abroad? Always in too much of a hurry! Curiously, isn’t that why so many people look for a life elsewhere? To escape the 24/7 of the UK? However, it’s a habit people find hard break, irrelevant of whether they think they want to. When it comes to buying a house abroad, don’t just concentrate on doing it quickly, concentrate on doing it right.

Spain and France have been favoured by the English for years. Recently, Bulgaria was added to the ‘popular destinations’ list. And there are many ready made ‘Brit Resorts’ available. However, what people often forget, you’re still in a foreign country! You will still have to deal with the language, the culture and the laws. This is where the issue of expectation comes in. If you intend to move to a different country, you should EXPECT changes, and not just the weather! If you can do that, you will be well on your way to blissful contentment! The next thing you should expect? You might not choose the right destination for YOU the first time. After all, just because the holiday was great, it doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy living there. I might enjoy a day trip to Blackpool, but wouldn’t want to live there. No disrespect intended, this is relative to anywhere.

In the same breath, people have moved to Spain, France and Bulgaria and hate it, others love it. Be prepared to change your plans and your location, because ‘it’ happens. But is it so bad? No! It’s a learning curve, and its life. When we truly live, we learn. Although it may not always seem so at the time, change is good for you! If you’re sitting on a property and seek change, there are solutions and Permanent Property Exchange  is one of them. One young lady who understands all these issues, and might be able to help, is Rachel.. Today, she’s a wiser and a stronger person from her experiences, and wants to share them with YOU. Her story is available at TheTravelBug website and it’s full of great advice, with regards to living and buying property in Bulgaria. Like many people who’ve decided to live abroad, this girl has certainly had her fair share of ups and downs. But she’s stayed positive and has gained much, as well as lost. If that seems like a similar story to you, it’s definitely worth a look. If you’re thinking of buying property in Bulgaria, it should be compulsory reading!

Around six years ago this plucky girl from Cumbria decided to change her life and move to Bulgaria. She was enchanted by the scenery, the friendliness of the people and the skiing! As you might know, the hype for Bulgaria was huge, and she, like many others, dived in. Initially investing in an off plan apartment in Bansko, before pulling out of the deal, when realising that the location and development did not live up to all the hype and expectation. But it certainly wasn’t just her, and it certainly wasn’t just Bulgaria. Bad deals and over investing has caused serious problems within many of the EU countries. Way too many new properties were built, extortionate commissions were paid, therefore agents being guilty of helping to artificially ‘bump up’ prices. It stands to reason, something had to give, and it has. In the UK, the housing market has crashed, along with the economy, and the same is happening throughout Europe. But what happens now? Is there a solution? Absolutely!

Where ever your property is in the EU, you’ll have seen its value plummet. However, EVERYONE has seen the value of their property plummet. We may not like it, but for sure, we’re ALL in the same boat. Unfortunately, due to over borrowing, some are also finding themselves with negative equity. Again, unfortunately, some have over invested and now find they need to shift property fast, to regain financial stability. Many are considering Permanent Property Exchange/a, which is a great way to get around a slowing market, many are also prepared to sell, or exchange, at a big loss. Although this might be a tough call for them, for those now thinking of moving into the foreign market, this can be EXTREMELY advantageous. After all, it isn’t just about the money. These people have invested a lot of time and effort into renovation projects, even building businesses. Time and effort which they will probably gain no financial reward for.

Rachel built a business in Bulgaria and has learned most things the hard way. Now she’s dedicated to helping people to invest, and also helping those who are willing to consider Permanent Property Exchange. Rachel has spent around three years in central Bulgaria, near Stara Zagora and has quite an extensive personal portfolio of property. A large home with ample gardens can still be got for the same price as a terraced house in the UK. There are many bargains to be had, with a renovation or investment home going for the same price as a good second hand car. Stara Zagora is situated close to the beautiful Balkan Mountains. Summers are long and HOT, and during winter, usually November through March, the climate becomes crisp, at times, even snow. There’s a nature reserve and two large lakes in the area for those who love water sports or fishing. The coast and ski resorts are just two hours away, and there are plenty of fabulous, therapeutic, Mineral Spas around to enjoy. In summer time, you can indulge in all the fresh, local, produce available, vegetables, eggs, home made Rakia (the local fire water!), a crate of strawberries will only set you back a couple of Euros.  Hop in the car and within two hours you could be sipping cocktails on the beach, or doing 60km an hour down the mountain. Bulgaria has a lot to offer and it could, very well be, the offer you’ve been looking for.

If you seek change, why not exchange? If you have property in the UK, and want to move to sunnier climates, why not try exchanging for France, Spain, or why not try Bulgaria? If you’re an investor, looking for bargains, take a look. You may be pleasantly surprised at what’s available!

For more information and advice on Bulgarian Investment and property visit www.thetravelbug.org and for permanent property exchange go to www.permanentpropertyexchange.com

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TheTravelBug.org specialises in advice on the Bulgarian property market and now also offers a permanent property exchange service. For property for sale in Bulgaria and free advice visit http://www.thetravelbug.org and for the permanent property exchange see http://www.permanentpropertyexchange.com