Selling a place in the sun: international property mediation as production of lifestyle mobility

Abstract

Buying property abroad is not a new phenomenon, but academic research into the complexities of international property mediation is underdeveloped. This paper adopts a wide perspective on lifestyle-driven mobilities, including the semi-permanent relocation of Swedes to warmer destinations in the Mediterranean and other regions, and explores the functions of international property mediation. On the basis of data gathered from interviews with property agents, the objectives are to describe the organization of the international property sector, to understand the mediating roles of property agents, and position property mediation as production of lifestyle mobility. Property agents are understood to play a crucial role as intermediaries, influencing the client's decisions by combining instrumental, interactionary, communicative, and social functions of mediation. Because of their superior expertise on property transaction procedures and regulations, area characteristics and contact networks, agents may influence clients' decisions; however this also depends on their skills in interpreting client expectations and experiences, and the ability of the client to manage the process themselves.

Keywords:

• lifestyle mobility
• multiple dwelling
• property mediation
• international migration
• intermediaries