10 Core Principles of Real Estate Investment

John Howell 10th December 2018

John Howell’s investment principles – outlined below – have been simmering nicely for nearly 40 years. Many of them were deeply unpopular for many years. These days they are recognised as common sense.

A General Guide to Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”)

John Howell 16th November 2018

What is Alternative Dispute Resolution? Is it right for your problem? What types of ADR exist? How are they used?

A General Guide to Foreign Wills

John Howell 16th November 2018

Do you have assets in another country? If so, do you have a Will for that country? If not, it’s something you should seriously consider. Find out how in this guide.

Choosing Commercial Property

John Howell 13th September 2018

This guide covers… This guide deals with the special things that you will need to take into account when choosing commercial property. By commercial property, we mean things such as offices, shops, bars, restaurants and warehouses. It is best read in conjunction with our country specific guides to Choosing Commercial Property but we have produced this global version to deal …

Insuring your Car in Spain

John Howell 14th August 2018

Insurance for your car is critical not just because the law requires you to have it but because of the devastating consequences of having an accident whilst not insured.

What is available and how do you get it?

Social Security in Spain

John Howell 8th August 2018

Social security arrangements in Spain are extensive and expensive. They are also rather complicated and, very likely, different from those to which you are accustomed. Yet it is well worth getting to grips with them before you need to make use of the services provided.

Property and Rental Management for International Real Estate

John Howell 3rd August 2018

You’ve decided to invest in international property – or perhaps you’ve already bought it. Sensibly (at least in my view) you have chosen to buy real estate that will generate income, rather than relying solely on the turbulent game of capital gains.

Trusts for the International Person

John Howell 30th July 2018

For nearly 1,000 years Trusts have offered a useful tool to people who operate internationally.

They address some very practical problems in a straightforward and practical way and, at the same time, can offer opportunities for saving tax and getting round inconvenient legal restrictions in the place where you happen to be living.

A statue of Lady Justice - blindfolded, scales in one hand and sword in the other

Choosing a Lawyer for International Work

John Howell 30th July 2018

If you need to see a lawyer, you need to see a good lawyer: not just someone who’s going through the motions and racking up fees.

International Wills

John Howell 30th July 2018

This guide deals with international Wills – Wills specifically written to be valid in multiple countries around the world. How do you make one? Where will it be recognised? Are they a good idea?

Powers of Attorney – a Global Guide

John Howell 30th July 2018

Powers of Attorney are much used in international transactions where somebody who would normally have to attend to sign a document finds it inconvenient or impossible to do so.

The aftermath of a car crash - a silver car has rear-ended a blue car.

Insuring a Car in a Foreign Country

John Howell 27th July 2018

Insuring your car is completely necessary. Not only is it illegal not to have car insurance in almost every country, it protects you from some of the most expensive mishaps you can experience – those to do with your vehicle!

A curved, Spanish building in Malaga, standing alone against a blue sky

Insuring Investment Property in a Foreign Country

John Howell 27th July 2018

If you have bought a property that is purely for investment, you should be aware that it comes with its own sets of risks. For that reason, insurance is generally more complicated and almost always more expensive.

A Spanish villa, the photo taken from a low angle, against a blue sky

Insuring a Holiday Home in a Foreign Country

John Howell 27th July 2018

Holiday home insurance may not be mandatory in many countries, but it is extremely important that you buy it. If you do not, you are leaving yourself open to thousands of dollars, euros or pounds in repair, loss of income or even litigation.

Tax: the Taxation of Companies in Spain

John Howell 27th July 2018

In Spain, companies are taxes in a variety of ways. Understanding the system – and how it will work best for you – is essential if you want to do business in Spain via a company. This is an area where detailed professional advice is a must but it is still helpful to have a basic understanding of the system before you see your accountant.

A chocolate cake with a slice being taken from it

Tax: the Taxation of Individuals in Spain

John Howell 27th July 2018

Spain has what looks like a relatively simple tax system, particularly if you are not tax-resident in Spain, but it is still important to understand how it works. It also offers lots of opportunities for fine tuning your tax position in order to reduce the taxes you will have to pay in Spain or elsewhere.

Property (Real Estate) Insurance in a Foreign Country

John Howell 27th July 2018

Property (home) insurance is what protects you when things go wrong. Flooding, theft, your building inexplicably sinking three feet into the ground – all of this can be covered by property insurance. It’s very important. Many people do not buy it and deeply regret it.

Life Insurance for People Moving Abroad

John Howell 27th July 2018

Life insurance will probably not be at the top of your list of things you must do if you’re relocating to a foreign country, but it is worth using your move as an opportunity to check that your current arrangements are adequate and change them if necessary.

Rescuing Failed Property Developments Abroad

John Howell 26th July 2018

This guide is about what happens when a property development goes wrong: when it fails before the homes are delivered to their buyers and the buyers risk losing a lot of money. These situations arise at various times in almost every country and, whilst the solutions vary a little depending upon the legal framework in the country concerned, the main principles apply worldwide.

International Property Development – the Worldwide Guide

John Howell 26th July 2018

This guide is an overview of the worldwide possibilities available to small and first-time property developers. It looks at the opportunities and challenges facing property developers working in a country that is not their own.

Man holding a magnifying glass to his face

Due Diligence for Foreign Property Buyers

John Howell 26th July 2018

I have a lot of experience with due diligence, having worked in international real estate law for well over 30 years. I know how important it is, and how badly a property deal can go wrong if it isn’t done properly.

Flats in Amsterdam with balconies painted blue

Investing in International Property

John Howell 26th July 2018

Real estate has long been a popular option for those wishing to invest their money. It is tangible, you can use it yourself and many of us have heard stories about people making their fortune through property investment.

A bowl full of coins with a young plant, signifying a growing investment

Investments for the International Person

John Howell 26th July 2018

When you live and work in only one country and just go abroad for the odd short vacation, deciding on your investment strategy is complicated enough. When you are travelling the world and spending a lot of time in other countries it becomes much, much more complicated.

Worldwide Retirement Guide – Top Places to Retire

John Howell 26th July 2018

Retiring to a foreign country is a dream for many people around the world. Is it for you?

Renting a Property in Spain

John Howell 26th July 2018

We all need somewhere to live. Find out the rules about renting a property in Spain – and how to do it. Whether it is a holiday home, a permanent residence or something that falls between the two, the Spanish system can give you some surprises!

Letting (Renting Out) Your Property in Spain

John Howell 26th July 2018

Whether you are a professional landlord or somebody who lets their home when they are not using it, there is quite a lot to learn about letting property in Spain. It can be very expensive if you get it wrong. This guide looks at the essentials.

Who Should Own Your House?

John Howell 26th July 2018

The issue of who should be the legal owner of any property you buy may not be an obvious one but not asking the question can be a big mistake. By putting the property in the most appropriate names you can save tens of thousands of whatever currency you use to measure your wealth.

Debt Collection in Spain

John Howell 25th July 2018

For any business or individual, debt collecting is sometimes a tedious necessity. In Spain, it can be very slow and, all too often, unproductive. You can maximise your chances of success by taking some basic and inexpensive precautions and planning ahead. This guide covers what to do and how to do it.

Matrimonial Regimes in Spain: the Law

John Howell 24th July 2018

Whenever you are married, certain rules govern how your finances are going to be treated. These are the rules in Spain. They may be very different from the rules in your country – and failure to understand them can prove very costly.

an elderly woman on the bus, wearing sunglasses

Preparing to Retire to a Foreign Country

John Howell 24th July 2018

Retiring to a foreign country is a dream for many people around the world. If you are going to live that dream, your life will be made much easier if you take some basic steps before moving to retire abroad.

A handshake between two business people, with a third looking on smiling

Buying an Existing Business in Another Country

John Howell 24th July 2018

Many people consider taking over an existing business rather than starting their own, brand new one. There are several advantages to doing this but there can also be significant risk.

Three young people around a table - they are board members at a company.

Starting a Company in in a Foreign Country

John Howell 24th July 2018

More and more people are doing business internationally – either operating solely within their home country or with additional premises and staff in foreign countries.

Currencies from different countries lined up in rolls

Funding Your International Business

John Howell 23rd July 2018

Funding international businesses – especially small international businesses – can be tricky. Some would say nearly impossible. Funding them without falling into the hands of the crooks and charlatans who populate the internet is harder still.

Group of people holding a cut-out of a globe

Starting a Business in a Foreign Country

John Howell 23rd July 2018

This guide is intended for the person who wants to start up a business based in a foreign country. This might be their only business or a branch of a business “back home”.

Businessmen from various countries talking together

Doing Business Around the World

John Howell 23rd July 2018

It is not long ago that most business operated locally or nationally. What they made – or their services – were consumed within a few miles or, at most, within their own countries.

A globe suspended in a modern white room

Preparing to Work in a Foreign Country

John Howell 23rd July 2018

This guide is about the steps you need to take when preparing to work in a foreign country. It covers both people seeking international jobs and people being sent overseas by their employer. It details the preparation needed by the employee and also looks at the things that should be done by the family of someone who will be working abroad.

Moving Money Abroad

John Howell 20th July 2018

Should you take your money with you when you go abroad long-term? If so, how should you do it? What should you do with the money when it arrives?

Foreign Exchange (Forex or FX)

John Howell 20th July 2018

This guide deals with moving money from one country to another.

To help you understand the opportunities, it also gives a brief explanation of how the foreign exchange (Forex or FX) market works and looks at the most secure and cheapest ways of moving money from one country and currency to another.

International Banks & Banking: the Basics

John Howell 20th July 2018

The concept of international banking gives rise to a lot of confusion. As is so often the case when you work in several countries, the terms used can means different things to different people.

Transport Links to and within Spain

John Howell 18th July 2018

As one of the world’s major economies and the world’s third largest tourist destination, Spain is well served when it comes to all types of transport.

Taxes Around the World

John Howell 18th July 2018

Tax is a subject that seems to be of endless fascination to those people who live, work or do business in more than one country. In fact, it is a topic of almost equal fascination and concern to people and companies who do not have to pay tax in more than one country!

Immigration Around the World

John Howell 18th July 2018

Immigration, and its sister emigration, have never been of greater interest. As I write this guide (July 2018) we remain in the throes of a huge global migration triggered by the various wars and conflicts in the Middle East.

Public holidays in Spain

John Howell 18th July 2018

You’ll find a full list of national and regional holidays here. However, don’t forget that each municipality will have two additional public holidays; often celebrating the local saint or an event of local importance. Some notes about the major holidays, mainly for our readers in the East:

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

John Howell 18th July 2018

Cards are issued by your national health insurance provider. How do you obtain a card? You obtain a card by contacting the health insurance institution where you are insured and which is therefore responsible for assuming your healthcare costs. For more information, see this website. Who can benefit from the card? To be eligible for a card, you must be insured by or covered by a …

The World’s Economies

John Howell 18th July 2018

This short guide looks at the relevance of the global economy to people living, working or doing business in a country that is not their own. It also looks at reliable places where you can obtain further information about the countries of interest to you.

Business Issues in Spain

John Howell 17th July 2018

Every country has special issues when it comes to doing business. Spain is no exception. This guide focused on some of the issues that can catch out the unwary.

Glossary of Legal Terms

John Howell 17th July 2018

Common legal terms and their meanings: Abstract (Of Title) A summary of the public records relating to the title to a particular piece of land. An attorney or title insurance company reviews an abstract of title to determine whether there are any title defects which must be cleared before a buyer can purchase clear, marketable, and insurable title. Acceleration Clause …

Learning Spanish – in Spain or ‘back home’

John Howell 17th July 2018

Despite what some expats will tell you, learning Spanish is important if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in Spain. It makes you life much easier and your time in Spain both more productive and more fun.

Cultural Differences in Spain

John Howell 17th July 2018

The cultural differences between various countries are fascinating and, often, surprising. Understanding them is hugely important if you want to survive – and thrive – in a country that is not your own. Recognise them. Understand them. But don’t be frightened by them.

Countries in the EU

John Howell 17th July 2018

EU policies aim to ensure the free movement of people, goods, services and capital within its internal market. Twenty-two member-countries – plus four that are not members of the EU – have abolished passport controls for movement between those countries. The area covered by these arrangements is known as the Schengen area. Nineteen member-countries have adopted the euro as their currency. …

Video Tour of the Costa del Sol

John Howell 17th July 2018

This guide gathers together film showing various parts of the Costa del Sol. It is intended to give those who do not know the area a quick impression of what it is like.

Transport links within the Costa del Sol in Spain

John Howell 5th July 2018

Getting to the Costa del Sol Getting to the Costa del Sol by air If you’re flying into the Costa del Sol, chances are you’ll be landing in Malaga International Airport (AGP). The airport is made up of three terminals. It handled over 14million passengers in 2015. You’ll find plenty of places to load up on shopping or feed and water …

A Spanish flag waving in the wind against a blue sky

Spain – Facts & Figures

John Howell 28th June 2018

Spain is a hugely popular destination for both expats and tourists. It has been a world power for over 500 years. Its huge empire has left its mark across the world. More than 400 million people speak Spanish as a native language – a number surpassed only by Mandarin.

Press & Media in Spain

John Howell 28th June 2018

Spain is still well served by media, both in Spanish and in other major languages. find out what’s available

bars of blue-white light coming down from the ceiling

The Internet in Spain

John Howell 28th June 2018

Introduction Spain is fairly well served by internet providers, though service can be patchy outside of urban areas. Shopping around is paramount if you want to get a good deal – many providers offer promotional prices for new customers, or waive installation fees for a limited time. Internet penetration in Spain According to Internet Live Stats, 82.2% of the Spanish population …

Clubs, Associations & Support Groups in Spain

John Howell 28th June 2018

In Spain there are lots of clubs, associations, support groups and sources of information to help foreigners living in the country.

The Climate in Spain

John Howell 27th June 2018

Spain is the most climatically diverse country in Europe and in the world’s top ten. Generally, on the coast, it enjoys warm weather all year round and, inland, hot summers and cold winters, especially at higher altitude.

Autonomous Communities in Spain

John Howell 27th June 2018

“Autonomous communities” (comunidad autónomas) are the political and administrative regions of Spain into which the whole of Spain is divided. There are 17 of them – plus two “autonomous cities” – Ceuta & Melilla in North Africa.

Throwback Thursday – Interviewing an Irish Expat in Spain

John Howell 14th June 2018

This interview, with retired headmaster and experienced expat Gerry O’Brien, did not go as planned.

Religion in Turkey

John Howell 8th June 2018

Religion in Turkey is as old as Turkey itself – which is very old. Islam is still a massively important part of Turkish culture, even though increasing numbers of Turks (and, in particular, of younger Turks living in the western part of the country) are becoming more secular and less strict in their observance of religion. At the same time, many in the centre and east of the country are becoming more religious and conservative.

Sex & Sexuality in Turkey

John Howell 8th June 2018

As befits an old country right in the centre of the old Mediterranean civilisation, Turkey is pretty much on the centre-ground of gender politics.

Healthcare in Turkey

John Howell 7th June 2018

Healthcare is right at the top of people’s concerns when moving to – or even visiting – a new country. Will it be of a good standard? How do I access it? What will it cost? Will the doctor – and the nurses and other health workers – speak my language?

Cultural Differences in Turkey

John Howell 6th June 2018

Moving to or doing business in another country always throws up issues arising from the basic cultural differences between your ‘home’ country and the ‘new’ country. Turkey is no exception.

Business Culture in Turkey

John Howell 6th June 2018

Whatever your reason for doing business in Turkey, you will probably find that there are some big differences in business environment and culture.

Shops & Shopping in Turkey

John Howell 1st September 2017

Shopping – love it or hate it, it’s a big part of life. It can be confusing in a new country, but Turkey isn’t complicated.

Four piles of coins next to a simple wooden model of a house

Investing in Property in Turkey

John Howell 11th June 2017

When you’re looking for property in Turkey, the first thing you need to know is what’s available: not the specific houses or apartments but the types of property commonly found. Just as important are the typical prices you will have to pay for any given type of property.

Learning Turkish – in Turkey or ‘back home’

John Howell 6th June 2017

Learning Turkish is important if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in Turkey.

The good news (if you’re a Westerner): it is written in the (slightly modified) latin alphabet. You won’t have to learn a completely new script.

The bad news: the language may not seem intuitive to most Europeans and Americans. Turkish base words can stand alone – prefixes are not part of the language – but are built in complexity by the addition of suffixes. Words can therefore get very long!

Bringing Your Pet to Turkey

John Howell 5th June 2017

Many people worry more about how they’re going to take their pet to Turkey than they do about any other aspect of their move.

Fortunately, the rules aren’t complicated and most people don’t experience any major problems when importing a pet into Turkey.

Bringing Your Boat to Turkey

John Howell 5th June 2017

Many expats keep a boat in Turkey. There are several ways in which they can do so.

Bringing Your Car to Turkey

John Howell 5th June 2017

In Turkey, cars and fuel are expensive. The price of a car, both new and second hand, is likely to be much higher than ‘back home’.

It therefore looks an attractive option, especially if you live in Europe, to drive or otherwise import your car to Turkey. An added advantage is that you can take some of your possessions with you. Can this be done?

Bringing Your Possessions to Turkey

John Howell 5th June 2017

When moving – especially when moving to another country – having your personal possessions with you can be comforting. Moreover, it can be less daunting to bring stuff with you than it is to sell or find storage old possessions – and buy everything again!

Buying a New Property on the Costa del Sol

John Howell 15th June 2016

For this see our Guide to Buying Off-Plan Property on the Costa del Sol. It describes, in particular, how to buy a new property in the area of Andalusia/Andalucía – which contains the Costa del Sol. See a map here. Please note that certain aspects of the law in Spain vary from one “autonomous community” (comunidad autónoma) to another. For …

A lightning storm over a beach and distant city. The sky is purple and orange.

World Climate Guide

John Howell 14th January 2016

This guide is about the world’s climate and how it can impact upon your plans. Frankly, it will tell you little more than you could have found out yourself by spending a day on the internet, but it could save you a lot of time.

Posts by John Howell