Why settle for a country house when you can settle in a foreign country? Carolina Buia reports on making yourself at home in nine to-die-for destinations

Fine print: Properties available to non-Bermudians must have an assessed annual rental value of at least $126,000. For those prices, you can bet on a great view, a guest cottage, tennis courts, and more. While many banks limit lending to established clients, it is possible for qualified newcomers to obtain a 15- to 25-year mortgage. The standard broker fee is five percent.

Hidden costs: As a non-Bermudian, you will be required to pay the government a license fee of 22 percent of the purchase price for a house, 15 percent for a condominium. Bermuda's extensive background checks (Interpol, bank references) could delay a closing for up to six months.

Rental prospects: Non-Bermudians are allowed to rent their homes only with government permission and only for periods of up to a year. Generally speaking, you cannot remain on the island once you lease your home. In recent years, new legislation has permitted hotels to develop portions of their property for sale as condominiums; these may be rented, with the proceeds split equally between the owner and the hotel. Bermuda has no income tax.

Suggested real estate agents: Cris Valdes-Dapena at the Property Group (441-234-6900; www.property-group.com) and John Sinclair at Sinclair Realty (441-296-0278; sinclairrealty.com).

Want a home (far) away from home? Follow Carolina Buia's directions through swamps of bureaucracy and knotty financing:
Buying the Dream: Introduction
Buying the Dream: Bali
Buying the Dream: Barbados
Buying the Dream: Costa Rica
Buying the Dream: England
Buying the Dream: France
Buying the Dream: Italy
Buying the Dream: Mexico
Buying the Dream: Spain