When you go to a new country, it’s easy to think that you’ll pick up the language while you’re there. And while it’s certainly true that being surrounded by people speaking the language can help you pick it up quickly, it’s often not the most realistic option. You may have found yourself picking up words and phrases while on holiday in a foreign country, but remember, there’s a pretty big difference between ordering a cup of coffee and trying to open a bank account.

Therefore, you really should learn the language before you move. It will make life much easier. You’ll fit in quicker. You’ll be able to talk to your neighbours. They’ll appreciate that you’ve made an effort and you’ll find your transition much more seamless if you’ve put in some effort beforehand.

But what’s the best way to learn?

Group lessons
Lots of colleges offer language evening classes for adults. The downside is that if you’re trying to squeeze learning a language in around your daily life, you’ll probably find you can only fit in one or two lessons a week. Gaps between lessons mean you’ll be more likely to forget things, and the whole learning process will take much longer. This can be very disheartening. You will pick up the basics, but unless you practice, practice, practice, you’ll never remember. But, if you think you can keep it up, and you’ve got the patience to dedicate the time required, you’ll find that lessons are a cost-effective and fun way of learning.

Personal tuition
If you’re not sure about learning in a group, or if you’re hoping for quick results, then perhaps you should consider personal tuition. Of course, it will be pricier, but one-on-one learning should deliver.

Listen and learn
Listening tapes, CDs and downloads have become increasingly popular over the last couple of years. You can practice when you want, where you want (athough the repeat-after-me nature of them might make you want to confine practice to your own home!). But is learning where and when you want necessarily a good thing? You’ll have to keep yourself motivated to make sure you keep it up. Listening to the thing once and then never again is an expensive way to learn nothing.

Language holiday
It’s probably the most expensive, but possibly the easiest, way to learn a language. You’ll be immersed in the culture, which means you’ll constantly be able to put what you’re learning into practice. Often these holidays organise for you to stay with a local family while you are there, which means there’s no escape, even in the evenings! Also, if you’re learning on an extended trip, you’ll be experiencing daily life, rather than just a holiday, which will help you determine if you’re really ready for the move.

If you can master the language, it really will make everything much easier. Don’t just rely on other ex-pats in the area you’re moving to. You’re missing out on a whole other side of the country if you do.

I’m not trying to put a downer on buying somewhere abroad (anyway, let’s face it, Home Alone is still a brilliant film) but remember that if you’re leaving your home back in the UK empty for an extended period of time, it might attract the attention of some less-than-savoury characters.

If you’re going abroad to search for a holiday home to buy, chances are you’ll be pretty excited and all your focus will be on that. But you’ll be leaving your home here empty for weeks, possibly months. Returning to find it burgled would be a really nasty experience. So how can you keep your UK home safe while you’re abroad?

- Ask someone to look in every so often. If your house is being staked out as a potential target, seeing someone come and go will deter would-be burglars from breaking in. Even better, get someone to house sit for you.

-  Cancel your papers. Yes, having your paper sticking through the letterbox and piling up outside the front door for three weeks straight is a bit of a giveaway that you’re not there. 

- Don’t tell everyone you’re leaving! Talking about your holiday to all and sundry might seem like fun, but if you’re telling strangers on the bus (or talking loudly on your phone) then you don’t know who is listening. I’m not suggesting you don’t talk about it, but just think sometimes who you’re talking to. The dodgy builders up the road probably don’t need to know that you’ll be abroad for a month buying a house on the Costa Brava, now, do they?

- Watch your tweets! Unless you’ve got a protected account, you don’t know who is reading your tweets. It’s very easy these days to find out when people are going on holiday – you can even do searches to find out. So a social-media friendly burglar looking to break in knows exactly when you leave, when you board your flight, when your friend is going to feed your cat. They might even know when your housemate is at work. Think before you tweet. 

- And while you’re at it, keep your Facebook private too.

This might seem like drastic action when you’re meant to be enjoying yourself, but wouldn’t you rather that you didn’t have to come back to a nightmare?

There are a number of important aspects to consider when you’re house-hunting in the international buy-to-let market.

The bigger issues, like unfamiliarity with the country’s buying process, language barriers and complicated legal processes, can, and should, dominate, but make sure you give the simpler issues the time they need too. They may sound obvious, but they’re fundamental considerations, so that’s what we’re looking at here.

It’s so important to address any potential issues at the outset, because if anything goes wrong further down the line, you’re not going to be there to sort it out. The only flying back and forth you should be doing is to enjoy the holiday home for yourself. It can’t be rented out all the time, right…?

Here are some things to consider:

• Location really is everything. You might think you’ve found the perfect beach-front villa or countryside hideaway, but how good is the location really? Make sure you do your research. It’s often a good idea to visit the location at different times – not just during different seasons, but also at different times of the day and week. You’d be amazed at how quickly an area’s atmosphere or suitability can change at night.

• Is there a good tourist scene here? ‘Up-and-coming’ often means great deals on property, but how long will you have to wait for the area to become a fashionable destination? You need to make sure that you’re not going to have an empty property in the meantime. If you’re willing to take the risk and you can get a good deal, it might be worth it, but remember that popular tourist areas are popular for a reason.

• Do your research! Take a look at other rental properties in the area to see what the market is like. If similar homes aren’t being rented out for very much, but the price of the property you’re looking at is quite high, you’re going to have problems.

• Is there someone to look after your home? This is important. If something happens, it will need to be seen to right away or you’ll face some very disgruntled holiday-makers. Having a property with maintenance fees, using a property management company or hiring a caretaker might not be such a bad idea. From plumbing emergencies to break-ins, problems can be sorted out without you.

• Who are you renting to? A property in a party town might seem like a safe bet popularity-wise, but you’re going to find a large proportion of the interest comes from young groups. Do you want stag parties renting out your house? If you’re willing to risk it, you can make a lot of money, but don’t be shocked if the furniture ends up in the pool.

• Will you rent to your friends? This sounds like a silly question but it’s something to consider. Your friends will want freebies. You’ve got to decide straight away whether or not you’re going to give this to them. Say yes and you’ll be losing money, but say no and you risk offending them. Having a clear ‘friends policy’ from the outset should help you avoid any tricky situations.

In a couple of hours, I’m flying to Berlin. I’m very excited, so I thought I’d make this post all about that wonderful city. It boasts stunning architecture, a vast and interesting history and excellent and unusual shopping areas. It’s got everything.

Although I’m not planning to make a permanent move out there (I’m only going for a couple of days), having a nose at some of the properties on offer might just change my mind!

Grunewald
This property is very swanky indeed. It’s set in the Grunewald (which means forest by the way) – the most sought-after area in Berlin.

The area is surrounded by lakes and parks and it’s got excellent access to shopping areas and lively parts of the city. So you get to live in a peaceful area without losing any of the fun of city life.

The house itself has a whopping ten bedrooms, and it’ll set you back a cool £2.8 million.

Old Town
There’s always something appealing about the name ‘Old Town’, isn’t there? Doesn’t every historical city have an Old Town?

The area is always special, even though they’re always named the same. It means that every property is going to have history and character.

And this two-bedroom property is no exception. But the area itself is also stunning with picturesque timber homes and tiny streets.

Luckily, Berlin’s Old Town is still excellent value for money. This property is on offer for £164,986.

Wittelsbacher
This apartment building was built in the 1920s and has really stunning architecture.

The neighbourhood is very popular and there are some great attractions on your doorstep (including Berlin Zoo).

The property itself is just a one-bedroom, but it’s got to be one of the best-value apartments I’ve ever seen. It’s on the market for just £43,570. A Berlin bargain!

British expats who have moved abroad are gaining a better quality of life and becoming financially better off.

That’s the view found by the latest NatWest International Personal Banking Quality of Life Index, carried out in conjunction with the Centre for Future Studies.

They surveyed British expatriates from across the world and discovered that, despite the global economic downturn, 98 per cent said they had made a good decision when they chose to move abroad.

For 62 per cent of people, the move abroad was triggered by a feeling of dissatisfaction at home. Life abroad is better than expected for 86 per cent, and 92 per cent claim to be happier living abroad than they were back home in the UK. Encouraging news for anyone thinking about doing the same.

It’s good news on the financial front too, as 87 per cent of expats said they believed they were better off now, despite the recession. Sixty three per cent of people had left the UK with less than £5,000 in savings, but working abroad doesn’t seem to have posed too much of a problem – seven out of 10 people now earn between £50,000 and £85,000 per year.

The research also looked at the countries offering the best quality of life. The number one spot was taken by New Zealand, which was rated top-notch for its low cost of living, low property prices and favourable tax regime.

It’s not often that HM Revenue and Customs wants to give money to holiday-home owners, but in this case it’s true. If you own and let out a holiday home in Europe, then you could be eligible for a retrospective tax break – but you’ll have to act fast, as the deadline is approaching.

Any Brits who have furnished holiday lets in Europe have only a few weeks left – until 31 July 2009 – to claim a tax rebate that could be worth thousands.

Previously, the rebate only applied to those with UK-based holiday lets, but a change in the legislation this year means that it temporarily applies to European properties too. Make the most of it though, as the benefit will be scrapped completely from 6 April 2010.

To be eligible for the tax rebate, the European property must be available for holiday lets for at least 140 days during a 12 month period. Letting periods must also be shorter than 31 days. The exact requirements can be a bit confusing, so if you think you could be eligible, it’s best to get an accountant to check if you qualify.

Claims can currently be accepted by HM Revenue and Customs for late amendments to 2006-2007 tax returns. They’ll even accept, by letter, claims dating as back as far as 2003 and 2004.

Time is running out though, so don’t delay your claim, or you could miss out on a tasty payout.

It was the setting for blockbuster films Troy and Gladiator and it’s a popular place for holiday-home buyers and retirees. So if Mediterranean island life sounds good to you, how about giving Malta a try?

The island of Malta, which is located about 60 miles south of Sicily, is part of an archipelago of islands in the Mediterranean Sea; the others are Comino, Gozo (where Sean Connery and Billy Connolly own holiday homes) and two small, uninhabited islands.

Malta’s a relatively small island, measuring a mere 17 miles by nine miles, and the population stands at about 400,000.

Its location in the Mediterranean means that Malta is blessed with fantastic weather and its island situation brings heaps of benefits for anyone who loves beach and sea living – it’s perfect for boating, yachting, diving, swimming or simply relaxing and enjoying sea views.

The island offers a lively cultural experience, is rich in history, and has a good standard of living and a low crime rate.

Malta has become a popular destination for tourists, with over one million people visiting the island each year, so there are definite opportunities for anyone considering purchasing a buy-to-let holiday home on the island.

Tourism has been helped along further in recent years by the introduction of low-cost flights to the island, making travelling there less expensive from the UK than it used to be.

Since 2004, the island has been a member of the European Union and it finally adopted the Euro as its currency in 2008.

Property buyers here get a number of perks, aside from the gorgeous weather, including reasonably priced property and a good residency scheme tax benefit. Under this scheme, if you live permanently in Malta for three years, you then gain from reduced tax on income and no inheritance or capital gains tax.

Foreign buyers are happily welcomed by the Maltese, but there are certain rural non-designated areas where non-residents aren’t allowed to buy more than one property. This is a good idea, as it means people can’t buy up lots of properties in one village leaving hardly anything for the locals. New developments are limited too, which is aimed at helping to prevent Malta from becoming too built up.

Maltese is the primary language here, but English is widely spoken too, helped along by the presence of British expats. You’d certainly get by speaking in English – but you’d win some extra Brownie points by having a go at Maltese!

Homes for sale in Malta

Here’s a taster of homes for sale in Malta:

A five-bedroom farmhouse in Lija is priced at £882,665.

A traditional four-bedroom villa in the quiet village of Mosta is for sale for £578,124.

A luxury three-bedroom apartment in Mellieha is priced at £445,860.

Search for properties for sale in Malta.

If you’re serious about a change of scene, you couldn’t get more different than Barbados. Blue seas, golden sand and magical palm trees – there’s nowhere more idyllic. The downside? Barbados isn’t very budget friendly. But you do get a high quality of living so it can be well worth it.

So here are some fabulous homes there to tempt you.

Show-stopping
This home is nothing but spectacular. If you’re looking for somewhere to make a big impact, this place will do it.

The front of the house makes a real impact, but it’s even better inside. It’s got six bedrooms, and eight bathrooms. Yes, more baths than beds. For all of that primping and preening you’ll want to do.

There’s nothing this home doesn’t have. Of course, it also comes with a price tag to match. Have a spare £10,140,273? Then it’s all yours.

Fabulous
If you’re looking for a villa that looks stunning, but doesn’t cost as much as the previous property, this home might be perfect. It looks great, but at £3,072,810 it’s somewhat cheaper than the previous home (yes, it’s still waaaaaaay out of my price range).

So what do you get for your cash? Five bedrooms, a pool, a stunning gazebo and some great gardens. I’ll put an offer in just as soon as I win the lottery.

Lovely
If nothing else, waking up to that view every day would be worth every penny. The apartment boasts some of the best views on the island and the property itself is stunning with polished floors and vast windows. It’s great for open-plan living.

So how much for the apartment with just about the best view in the world? £1,352,036.

Charming
If you’re looking for somewhere that has oodles of charm, then this home might be the one for you. You get access to the private beach and golf club, but also a really pretty home.

It’s split across two levels, and everything in this property is in the detailing. Chandelier lights, interesting wall features. Unusual things that will make you fall in love with the place and call it home.

How much? It’s £611,489 and my favourite of the bunch.

If you ask anyone where the most beautiful parts of Italy are, you’re likely to get one of three answers. Florence, Venice and Rome are the major players, both historically and aesthetically. They’re the jewels in Italy’s crown and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re more attracted to Rome’s grandeur, Florence’s gardens and architecture or the canals of Venice, there’s no doubting that they’re all very special cities. So let’s take a look at homes in each of them.

Florence
This property has everything! It’s in the Tuscan countryside, but it’s just 20 minutes from the centre of Florence. You get the benefit of a beautiful home built in medieval stone, but you’re just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the city too. Perfect. It’s a stunning three-bedroom home with great views and a swimming pool. And it’s on the market for just €550,000.

If you’re looking for a home in the countryside, but don’t want to give up life in the city, this could be the perfect property.

Rome
This villa in residential Rome is just 15 minutes away from St. Peter’s.  Rome is such a sprawling city, but this home looks like it should be set much further out from the centre than it is.

It’s stunning and those landscape gardens are a real treat. It has a pool as well (it appears that if you’re lucky enough to have a garden in Italy, you tend to get yourself a pool too – lucky you!). But, this wonderful home does come at a price – you’re looking at between €1.2 and €1.5 million.

Venice
Apartments in Venice tend to either be very grand, or… not so. There doesn’t appear to be many that sit nicely in the middle. And if you’re going to live in Venice, you want somewhere as pretty as the rest of the city.

This property might be on the grand side of things, but it does have the benefit of being light and airy (some of the smaller apartments don’t have this luxury). There are five bedrooms and the property boasts a stunning view of Rio della Fornosa.

It will set you back €2 million, and it’s unfurnished, which gives you a great excuse to go shopping.