23 Nov 2010 12:45 PM:

 The lessons here are that a holiday home in a foreign country is not such a good idea.

It would have been better to buy a ready built investment property in the UK instead, which could have been rented out from day one and all year round.

The rentals then would have paid for many holidays either in San Juan or anywhere else as you're not tied to one place. 

It's understandable for people to complain about losing money in exchange rates, declining property values, loss of several years rental income and not being able to enjoy the place...

...BUT...

people are very fortunate to be in a position to be able to afford a second property in the first instance. Many people struggle to pay for one.

Overseas property investment is a risk - if you don't realise this or are not prepared for the downsides then don't play the game and put the money in a 'safe' bank account. Or donate it to the homeless! 

Community thread: Bad news for those waiting for return of deposits

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