Name: Buying property in Italy: legal questions answered
Start: 2023-09-14T16:30:00+01:00
End: 2023-09-14T17:00:00+01:00

Question 1

What’s different about buying property in Dordogne compared with other parts of France?

Accepted Answer

Buying property in Dordogne often means older stone houses, farmhouses, and rural plots, so condition and utilities matter as much as location.

Beyond the standard notary checks, focus on septic systems (assainissement non collectif), roof and damp issues, and whether barns/outbuildings were legally converted.

Many Dordogne buyers also target gîtes or holiday rentals, so confirm what’s realistic for access, internet, and year-round liveability before you commit.

Question 2

What taxes and fees should I budget for when buying property in Italy?

Accepted Answer

Buyer costs in Italy depend on whether you’re buying a resale or new build, whether it’s a primary residence or second home, and the seller type.

Typical items include purchase tax (registration tax or VAT/IVA depending on the transaction), cadastral and mortgage taxes, notary fees, and often agency fees.

You may also need a geometra/surveyor check and translations.

Ongoing costs can include IMU (often relevant for second homes), local services taxes, building insurance, and condominio charges for apartments.

Visit our Italy Experts directory for further information on various experts to assist you with your property purchase in Italy.

Question 3

Can I legally rent out a home in Murcia as a tourist rental?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, but tourist rentals usually require registration and compliance with regional rules (guest reporting, safety/standards, consumer information).

Your biggest “go/no-go” factors are usually:

(1) whether the property type/location is eligible

(2) whether the building’s community rules restrict short stays, and

(3) whether you can meet compliance obligations as a non-resident owner.

Before you buy, ask for written clarity on registration requirements and check if any local restrictions apply to the specific municipality or resort complex.

For full buying process in Spain, download our Spain Buying Guide.

Question 4

Can I rent out my Algarve property short-term (Alojamento Local)?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, but only if you follow the rules: Aojamento Local must be registered before it can be operated, and advertising/intermediation should reflect the RNAL registration number.

Also note that municipalities can apply local rules to manage AL activity. If rentals matter to your decision, confirm compliance for that specific property and location before signing the CPCV and committing to a property purchase.

Question 5

What should I check when buying a stone farmhouse in Dordogne?

Accepted Answer

Start with the diagnostics pack, then go deeper: check for damp, roof timbers, insulation, and whether renovations were done to a good standard.

Confirm the septic system has a compliant inspection report and budget for upgrades if flagged.

For rural properties, verify boundaries, access rights, and whether wells, fireplaces, pools, or extensions were properly declared.

A specialist survey can save you from costly surprises common in character homes.

Question 6

Can foreigners buy property in Greece?

Accepted Answer

Yes—foreigners can buy property in Greece, including non-residents.

The safest route is to appoint an independent lawyer and ensure the purchase is completed via a notarial deed and then registered with the local Land Registry / Hellenic Cadastre (Ktimatologio), so ownership is legally secured.

Question 7

Is the buying process in Tenerife the same as mainland Spain?

Accepted Answer

The core legal process is the same—offer, contract(s), due diligence, notary signing, and land registry registration. The key differences are usually practical (local market norms, property types, and timelines) and tax administration, which can differ from the mainland. If you’re comparing Tenerife with Málaga or Alicante, ask local estate agent for a tailored cost estimate based on whether the home is resale or new build, and confirm exactly what documents will be needed to connect utilities and register ownership smoothly after completion.

For full buying process in Spain, download our Spain Buying Guide.

Question 8

What’s different about buying property in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

Lisbon is Portugal’s highest-demand urban market, so buyers should look beyond the apartment and assess the building: condition, upcoming works, monthly charges, and rules that affect renovations or letting.

Lisbon also sits at the centre of shifting housing and short-term rental policy, so if your plan involves holiday lets, confirm the local position for that exact address before committing. The goal is a property that works even if rules tighten—often meaning it should also perform well as a long-term rental.

Question 9

Can I rent out a Dordogne property as a holiday home (gîte)?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes, but you’ll need to follow local rules for short-term rentals, guest registration requirements (where applicable), and proper insurance.

Some areas have specific declarations for meublé de tourisme and may apply local taxes (often collected from guests).

Before buying “for rental income,” check seasonality, heating, access, and whether the layout works for guests. If the home is remote or needs major works, your first year’s returns may look very different from listing estimates.

Question 10

What is the property buying process in Greece?

Accepted Answer

A typical Greece purchase follows:

(1) agree price/terms,

(2) due diligence (title, claims, planning/cadastral checks),

(3) pay required purchase taxes (commonly before signing),

(4) sign the final notarial deed (often via power of attorney if buying from abroad), and

(5) register the deed with the local Land Registry / Cadastre to formalise ownership.

For full buying process in Greece download our Greece Buying Guide.

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