emigrating and house selling

[mimififi]

Hi there you guys,
it's ok, I'm perfectly safe now and no longer in a mood and am in fact asking a sensible question:

There is a strong possibility that my husband and I may be moving to Japan to live, however we own a house here with a relatively large mortgage on. It is a five bed, rural house not really that close to any amenieties (none that you could walk to anyhow but only a few minutes in the car)

Now do you suppose this house would be easily rentable? or do you think it would be best to cut our losses, put profits into some kind of growth fund which we can add to whilst in Nihon?

What would you do and why?

many thanks
mimififi
smiley smiley

[plant boy]

i would sell without a doubt. you have to consider the costs of hiring a management/maintenance company for the property if you are not around. 15% of your rent is typical

[Sherry1]

I tend to agree with plant boy. You will have headaches following you in your new life. Couldn't you sell it and buy a small flat nearer town and 'company' or better still 'military' let it as an extra income and a pied a tere.
Just a thought
Good luck in your new home
Sherry x

[turboped]

Should you come back to the UK after another massive housing boom you may find it difficult to buy again. I would invest as much as possible in properties that would be easy to let.

[qapmoc]

With the worlds oil supply situation as it is and the fact that future energy supplies are going to be more and more expensive and scarce, then any property which is a longish way from anything is going to become less and less popular as time progresses and the cost of transport become a major factor in everybodies life.

[mimififi]

thank you for your answes. I have to say, I was thinking of selling and buying somewhere more rentable as i am worried about reentry into the market on our return (if indeed we do?)however, I also see what you mean about the fees and the headaches.

I think we will probably clear every single tiny piece of borrowing and then invest the left over profit and possibly add to it using a loan in Japan as the interest rate on borrowing in japan is currently 0.5% That may be an answer. Anyhow, I really hope it all works out. I'm a bit fed up with UK stuff and the thought of Asia pacific appeals - my childhood playground. Also, it'll be nice to rent for a while and have someone else responsibile for the building.

Thank you for you help, I am greatly appreciative.