Moving Abroad? Here’s Why You Should Always Rent First Before Buying

A friend of mine recently made what she thought was the perfect move abroad. She fell in love with a coastal town, found not one but two gorgeous condos, and closed quickly so her family could “start their new life” right away.

On paper, everything looked perfect; ocean views, modern amenities, and friendly neighbors. But within weeks, things started to unravel.

While there were no official rules against families, the building was full of retirees who weren’t thrilled about having children around. Every laugh, splash, and footstep from her kids drew complaints. What should have been a dream turned into daily tension and frustration.

Within months, she wanted to sell.

That story is more common than you’d think and it’s exactly why I tell every client who’s considering moving abroad: rent first before you buy.

When you relocate internationally, you’re not just buying a home. You’re buying into a community, a culture, and a completely different way of living.

Here’s why renting first can save you money, stress, and regret:

1️⃣ You’ll learn the rhythm of the neighborhood.
Every area has its own culture and unspoken rules. Renting lets you experience that before committing long-term.

2️⃣ You’ll uncover hidden lifestyle factors.
Noise levels, festivals, water outages, local politics — these are things you only discover by living there.

3️⃣ You’ll understand what “home” really means for you abroad.
Maybe you love city energy or maybe you crave quiet countryside. Renting gives you freedom to test that without being tied down.

4️⃣ You’ll buy confidently — not reactively.
It’s easy to fall for a listing or a view online. But living in the area for a few months gives you insight into what you really want and what to avoid.

At PAC Realty Group, we specialize in helping international buyers navigate these kinds of transitions wisely. I always tell clients: moving abroad isn’t just about finding a property — it’s about finding your place.

So before you sign those closing papers, take a step back. Rent first. Learn. Explore. Then buy with clarity, not curiosity.

Your dream life abroad is worth the patience.