Hoping to make money quickly by reselling property abroad...

This option is the hardest to achieve, but of course it would be or everyone would be at it.

Many property developers overseas have caught on to the notion of investors wanting to buy property off-plan, selling it on prior to completion (thereby making a profit without the associated completion costs) and now include clauses into the purchase contracts to prevent it. Many are uncomfortable when others make money out of their development - often more than the developers themselves. It also means greater costs to the developer as contracts need to be re-written for the purchaser etc.

Of course, some developers are happy for clients to sell their overseas property before completion, although they may make a small charge for changing the paperwork. The lesson, if you intend to purchase for early re-sale, is to make it clear from the outset, ensuring you don't get tied into a contract that can't be sold on.

A major consideration should be the possibility of not finding a buyer for your overseas property before completion, which would force you to complete or lose any deposits paid so far.

It is advisable, therefore, to have a plan B in place in case just in case, as well as ensuring that you have finances available to pay for completion.

Another point to consider is that, although the majority of off-plan developments do appreciate in value greatly up to the point of completion, many increase even more after completion, when the snagging list and associated problems have been sorted out. After all, most people looking to buy abroad prefer a property which is finished and ready to move into.

On large developments, it may be advisable to wait until say 6 or 12 months after completion, when the site will be finished, utilities fully connected and neighbours occupying their properties.