Buying in an International Golf Community Is Different
A golf home outside the United States is not just a second home. It is a real estate decision, a club decision, an immigration decision and a tax decision - all made in a country where the rules are different and the sales team works for the developer.
Many buyers fall for the view before they understand how they will own the property, whether the golf membership comes with the home, what residency requirements apply, or what the IRS expects every April. This guide helps you ask those questions before you buy.
Whether you're considering a winter golf home in Los Cabos, a seasonal residence in the Dominican Republic, or a full retirement move to Costa Rica or Panama, the International Golf Community Buyer's Guide walks you through what to know before making the move.
You'll learn about international golf communities, real estate ownership, residency, club memberships, taxes, rental considerations and the questions every buyer should ask before purchasing a golf home abroad.
Ready to start exploring? Browse our international golf communities and discover destinations for retirement, seasonal living and second-home ownership around the world.
Know What to Ask Before You Buy Abroad
- Where some of the best international golf communities are, from Los Cabos and Punta Mita to Casa de Campo, Cabot Saint Lucia and the Algarve, and the important tradeoffs to consider in each destination
- How Americans can own property abroad, including Mexico's bank trust and Costa Rica's Maritime Zone, explained in plain English
- What to understand about residency when buying abroad, including why purchasing a villa does not necessarily give you the right to live in a country full time
- Club membership abroad: why buying the home may not include the golf, and how equity, non-equity and deposit memberships can differ
- Pre-construction risks and the questions to ask before placing deposits on a home or community that is still being developed
- Rental programs: what to ask about management fees, owner usage, occupancy and actual rental results instead of relying only on projections
- Tax and reporting considerations that may follow Americans overseas, including foreign accounts, selling property and estate planning
- A destination comparison matrix, printable due diligence checklist and true cost-of-ownership worksheet
- The 20 questions to ask the developer, real estate representative and golf club before you sign anything
Get the International Golf Community Buyer's Guide
Complete the form below for immediate access to the International Golf Community Buyer's Guide.