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Majority of the building trade will be regulated like the GAS trade (CORGI) which will weed out the cowboys soon. However, potential profit makers usually employ the cheapest builders going to avoid biting into their outlay, so as a result, the cheaper you go for, the shoddier the work will be. The more professional work you have done, the little return on your eventual 'profit'

Employ Polish/Czech tradesmen, they work for less and do a better job.

Here are some useful links for details of houses in Euro countries:





Good source for rental in US is

You will need to reside in the property to avoid paying Capital Gains Tax at 40% on any profit you may make upon sale as it will be classed as a "Second Home" if you aren't living in it.

However there are ways around this problem. The revenue will want to see proof that you actually lived in it so a few utility bills showing you at the address in question will be necessary. Another good tip is to mock up some photographs of you in the place, Christmas shots for instance or any old bollocks as long as it clearly shows you and the property.

I know of several people making a living in exactly the way you mention so it can be done. In fact an Uncle of mine has done it for as long as I can remember and he budgets on pocketing ?100,000 a year minimum. Mind you he does a LOT of the work himself thereby cutting out a lot of costs and he has years of experience.

It certainly beats working for somebody else!!

you might want to consider buying property abroad, some amazing bargains in some of the old communist areas. Look a Bulgaria and Slovakia, still very cheap but will rise fast with EU membership and increased tourism