How buying property works, country by country.

Andorra

Buying Property in Andorra

In Andorra, buying property involves a structured process including offer and acceptance, due diligence, and completion with the involvement of a notary. Buyers should budget for additional costs such as transfer tax and legal fees, which typically add around 5.1–6.1% to the purchase price.

Bulgaria

Buying property in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, foreign buyers can purchase apartments and buildings with relative ease. Budget for taxes, fees, and legal costs on top of the property's price, potentially adding up to 8–9% overall.

Cyprus

Buying property in Cyprus

The process of buying property in Cyprus requires careful planning and involves several legal steps. Foreign buyers should budget for associated costs such as stamp duty, legal fees, and transfer fees, which can vary based on the property's value and other conditions.

Germany

Buying Property in Germany

When buying property in Germany, foreign buyers can follow a structured process involving a notary for contract drafting and registration. Buyers should budget for the purchase price plus approximately 7% to 11% extra for taxes and fees.

Spain

Buying property in Spain

Spain welcomes foreign buyers with no nationality restrictions. The buyer needs an NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) before completion, and most buyers open a Spanish bank account to handle the deposit and ongoing charges. An independent lawyer (abogado) is strongly recommended — the notario only checks the deed, not the wider title.

France

Buying property in France

France places no restrictions on foreign property ownership. The notaire (a public official, not a lawyer for either side) handles the conveyance and is paid by the buyer. A French bank account is strongly recommended for completion funds and ongoing charges.

United Kingdom

Buying property in United Kingdom

Purchasing property in the UK involves several steps, from securing a mortgage to exchanging contracts. Foreign buyers should anticipate additional costs, such as legal fees and possibly Stamp Duty Land Tax surcharges.

Greece

Buying Property in Greece

Purchasing property in Greece involves multiple legal steps including obtaining a Greek tax number, engaging professionals, and completing due diligence checks. Buyers should expect to budget for various fees, approximately 6-10% on top of the purchase price.

Croatia

Buying Property in Croatia

Purchasing property in Croatia involves a structured legal process to ensure clear ownership transfer and compliance with local laws. Buyers should budget for additional costs such as a 3% real estate transfer tax, legal fees, and notary charges on top of the property's purchase price.

Ireland

Buying Property in Ireland

The process of buying property in Ireland involves several key steps from selecting a property to finalising the purchase. Buyers should budget for additional costs such as stamp duty, legal fees, and surveyor fees, alongside the property's purchase price.

Italy

Buying property in Italy

Italy is open to most foreign buyers under reciprocity rules (EU/EEA buyers always; non-EU buyers from countries with bilateral agreements, which covers the UK, US, Canada, Australia and most major markets). A codice fiscale is required, and a notaio handles the conveyance as a neutral public official. An independent lawyer or geometra is strongly recommended for due diligence.

Montenegro

Buying property in Montenegro

Buying property in Montenegro as a foreigner is relatively straightforward, with no restrictions on purchasing residential properties. However, buyers should budget for additional costs such as legal, notary, and tax fees, which vary depending on the property value.

Malta

Buying Property in Malta

Purchasing a property in Malta involves a formal process guided by legal professionals, including a preliminary agreement and due diligence. Buyers should budget for additional costs like stamp duty and notary fees, which can amount to 6–10% of the property's price.

Portugal

Buying property in Portugal

Portugal is open to foreign buyers with no restrictions on ownership. A NIF (tax number) and Portuguese bank account are required, and most buyers engage an independent lawyer to handle searches, contracts, and the public deed.

Romania

Buying Property in Romania

Buying property in Romania involves legal documentation and due diligence. Key costs include notary fees and VAT on new builds, so plan for these on top of the purchase price.

Turkey

Buying Property in Turkey

Purchasing a home in Turkey involves several legal and financial steps, including dealing with local authorities for deed transfers and compliance checks. Buyers should budget for taxes, appraisal, and potential legal fees on top of the property price.

Brazil

Buying property in Brazil

Purchasing property in Brazil involves several legal steps and administrative processes. Foreign buyers should prepare for additional costs that include municipal taxes, notary, registration, and legal fees which can cumulatively add a range of 3% to 6% onto the property's value.

Canada

Buying Property in Canada for Foreign Buyers

Buying property in Canada involves several steps such as financial planning, engaging professionals, and complying with regional tax regulations. Budget for additional costs such as legal fees, taxes, and insurance on top of the property price.

Colombia

Buying Property in Colombia

Purchasing property in Colombia involves conducting a title study, executing a public deed, and registering the property. Expect additional costs, including registration taxes and legal fees, typically totalling around 1–2% of the property's value.

Dominican Republic

Buying Property in Dominican Republic

Foreigners can purchase property in the Dominican Republic with rights equivalent to citizens. Expect to budget for a 3% transfer tax and 1–1.5% in legal fees on top of the property's cost.

Ecuador

Buying property in Ecuador

Purchasing property in Ecuador involves several legal steps including making an offer, conducting due diligence, and executing a sales agreement. Buyers should budget approximately 2–5% of the property value for additional costs like taxes, notary, and legal fees.

Honduras

Buying Property in Honduras

Purchasing property in Honduras involves several legal steps, including title verification and deed registration. Foreign buyers should budget approximately 4–7% of the property's value for taxes and fees on top of the purchase price.

Jamaica

Buying property in Jamaica

Foreign buyers in Jamaica are required to engage a local attorney to navigate the property purchase process. Anticipate additional costs including legal fees, registration fees, and stamp duty, generally amounting to several percent of the property's purchase price.

Mexico

Buying Property in Mexico

The process of buying property in Mexico involves several legal steps including due diligence, involvement of a notary public, and registration with the Public Registry of Property. Costs include taxes, notary fees, and potential legal fees, amounting to several percent of the property price.

Panama

Buying property in Panama

In Panama, purchasing property involves a structured legal process requiring due diligence and contract registration. Buyers should expect to budget approximately 3–5% of the property's value for additional fees and taxes beyond the sale price.

Trinidad And Tobago

Buying property in Trinidad & Tobago

Purchasing property in Trinidad & Tobago involves several legal steps and fees, especially for foreign buyers. Buyers should anticipate one-off costs for legal fees, stamp duty, and potentially, a Foreign Investment License fee.

United States

Buying property in United States

Buying property in the United States involves engaging a real estate agent, making an offer, and completing several legal and financial steps. Additional costs include legal fees, title insurance, and possibly state-specific transfer taxes, which should be budgeted in addition to the price.

Indonesia

Buying property in Indonesia

Buying property in Indonesia as a foreigner involves adhering to specific legal frameworks, including the use of the Hak Pakai title. Expect to pay significant costs beyond the purchase price, including taxes and various legal and administrative fees.

Sri Lanka

Buying Property in Sri Lanka

Foreign buyers in Sri Lanka are primarily allowed to purchase condominium units, while direct ownership of land is prohibited but can be leased. Buyers should budget for additional costs such as stamp duty, VAT, and legal fees, which can add significant amounts above the purchase price.

Philippines

Buying Property in the Philippines

When buying property in the Philippines, foreigners can own condominium units but are generally restricted from owning land. Expect additional costs such as taxes and legal fees amounting to approximately 7-10% of the property value, and allow several months for the complete process.

Thailand

Buying property in Thailand

In Thailand, foreign buyers can purchase condominium units but not land. Buyers should budget for additional costs like legal fees, transfer fees, and taxes, which can add roughly 5-8% on top of the purchase price.

Cape Verde

Buying property in Cape Verde

Buying property in Cape Verde involves a series of legal steps from selecting a property to registering it in your name. Potential buyers should budget for additional costs, including taxes and professional fees, which can amount to 5-8% of the property's value.

Egypt

Buying property in Egypt

Foreign buyers in Egypt can own limited residential properties and must navigate several legal steps, including obtaining security clearance and property registration. Buyers should budget for various fees and taxes, approximately 5–10% of the property's value, on top of the purchase price.

Morocco

Buying Property in Morocco

The process of purchasing property in Morocco involves several legal steps, beginning with a preliminary agreement and concluding with registration. Additional costs, such as taxes and legal fees, should also be considered when budgeting for the purchase.

South Africa

Buying Property in South Africa

Buying property in South Africa as a foreign buyer involves a series of legal and financial steps. It is recommended to budget for additional costs, such as transfer duty and conveyancing fees, which vary based on the property's value.