Name: Learn more about the legal process when buying in France
Start: 2022-09-08T17:00:00+01:00
End: 2022-09-08T17:30:00+01:00

Question 1

Can foreigners buy property in France?

Accepted Answer

Yes—foreigners can buy property in France with no general restrictions on non-residents.

The purchase is handled by a French notary (notaire), who verifies title, prepares the deed, collects taxes, and registers ownership. You’ll typically need valid ID, proof of funds, and (if financing) lender documents.

Most buyers sign a preliminary contract first, then complete at the notary a few months later. If you’re buying from abroad, you can often complete using a power of attorney arranged through the notary.

For complete information on buying a property in France, download our France Buying Guide.

Question 2

What are the typical costs and taxes when buying a villa in Spain?

Accepted Answer

The main tax depends on whether the villa is a resale or a new build. Resales typically involve transfer tax (ITP); new builds commonly involve VAT/IVA plus stamp duty (AJD) (the Canary Islands use different indirect tax rules).

You’ll also budget for Notary fees, Land Registry fees, legal conveyancing, and often translations if needed. After purchase, ongoing costs may include IBI (local property tax), insurance, utilities, maintenance (gardens/pool), and community fees if the villa is in an urbanisation with shared services.

For more information and to connect with local experts visit our Spain Experts Directory.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Buyer costs in Cyprus typically include a mix of: VAT (commonly for new builds), Land Registry transfer fees (commonly for resales), legal fees, property insurance, surveys/inspections, and local/utility set-up costs.

Whether you pay VAT or transfer fees depends on the property and transaction structure, and there can be reductions/exemptions in some cases.

Also budget for ongoing ownership costs such as municipal fees, utilities, and maintenance/management (especially in complexes).

Because rates and rules can change, get a written cost estimate for your exact property before you sign.

Question 4

What’s the safest way to buy on the Costa Brava as an overseas buyer?

Accepted Answer

Use an independent lawyer, avoid paying significant deposits until the key checks are complete, and make sure contracts include clear conditions and deadlines (especially if finance is involved).

If you’re buying a renovated home, ask your lawyer to verify the renovation was properly documented—this protects you at resale and reduces the risk of future disputes.

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

Question 5

Can foreigners buy property in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Yes—foreigners can buy property in Spain, including as non-residents. The process is the same as for locals, but you’ll typically need an NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), a Spanish bank account for payments, and clear proof of funds for anti-money-laundering checks. The purchase completes when the title deed (escritura) is signed in front of a Spanish Notary (Notario) and then registered at the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad). For some properties (e.g., in rare designated security zones), additional authorisations may apply—your lawyer can confirm during due diligence.

We recommend consulting with a local lawyer to understand any restrictions that may apply to your situation.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Buyer costs commonly include IMT (property transfer tax), stamp duty (Imposto do Selo), plus legal, notary, and registration costs.

Portugal’s Tax Authority notes that stamp duty is calculated at 0.8% on the value used for IMT, and if you use a mortgage, the loan can also be subject to stamp duty.

Always request a written “total to complete” estimate for your exact property and buyer profile (home vs investment, mainland vs islands, financing, etc.).

Search our Portugal Experts Directory to connect with tax and legal advisors.

Question 7

What is the buying process in France?

Accepted Answer

A typical France purchase follows:

(1) offer accepted,

(2) sign the preliminary contract (often compromis de vente or promesse de vente) with key conditions (e.g., mortgage approval),

(3) buyer cooling-off period (commonly 10 days for non-professional buyers),

(4) notary due diligence (title, charges, planning, pre-emption rights),

(5) arrange finance/insurance and transfer funds,

(6) sign the final deed (acte authentique) at the notary and receive keys,

(7) registration is completed by the notary. Avoid paying large deposits before the notary confirms terms and protections.

Most estate agents in France will be equipped to assist you with this process. We strongly recommend seeking an independent legal assistance such as a lawyer who specialises in French property purchases.

Question 8

Is buying property in Paphos a good choice for overseas buyers?

Accepted Answer

Paphos is one of Cyprus’s most popular markets for overseas buyers because it blends lifestyle, expat services, and strong holiday demand.

The key buyer checks are Cyprus-wide: independent lawyer, Land Registry search, and contract protection at the Land Registry.

In Paphos specifically, pay extra attention to coastal zoning/planning, road access to hillside homes, and whether the property is genuinely “rental-ready” (layout, cooling, internet, management options).

If you’re buying for winter living, confirm insulation and heating—comfort impacts both lifestyle and off-season letting.

Question 9

Can foreigners buy property in Italy?

Accepted Answer

Yes—foreigners can buy property in Italy, including non-residents. In many cases the process is straightforward, but some non-EU buyers may need to meet Italy’s reciprocity principle (your notary/lawyer can confirm based on nationality).

The purchase is completed before an Italian notary (notaio), who verifies the legal title and registers the deed. Buying property does not automatically give you residency, so plan visas/residency separately if you want to stay long-term.

Question 10

What should I check when buying a coastal home on the Costa Brava?

Accepted Answer

Prioritise:

(1) the Land Registry description matches what you’re buying (boundaries and m²),

(2) planning compliance for any terraces, retaining walls, pools, or added rooms, and

(3) practical risks—access, parking, drainage, and ongoing maintenance from coastal exposure. If the property is in an apartment building, review the community’s finances, fees, and planned works.

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