Name: French property purchase contracts: The legal process and pitfalls to avoid
Start: 2023-07-27T16:30:00+01:00
End: 2023-07-27T17:15:00+01:00

Question 1

What are “title deeds” in Cyprus—and should I buy without them?

Accepted Answer

In Cyprus, the title deed is the Land Registry record proving legal ownership. Ideally, you buy a property with a separate title deed already issued.

If a deed isn’t available yet (common in new developments), you’re relying on the contract structure and the developer’s path to issuing separate titles.

Reduce risk by:

(a) confirming the property’s legal status through a Land Registry search,

(b) ensuring the Contract of Sale is deposited at the Land Registry, and

(c) verifying what completion certificates and registrations are still needed before deeds can be issued and transferred.

For more information on buying an off plan property in Cyprus or seeking legal representation please reach out to our in house Cyprus Property Consultants.

Question 2

What are typical buying costs on the Costa del Sol beyond the price?

Accepted Answer

Costs depend on whether the home is resale or new build. Resales typically involve transfer tax (ITP); new builds commonly involve VAT/IVA plus stamp duty (AJD).

Also budget for legal fees, Notary and Land Registry fees, plus practical villa ownership costs like insurance, pool/garden maintenance, and utilities. Your lawyer should provide a written cost estimate before you sign the private contract.

Question 3

What is the property buying process in Spain?

Accepted Answer

A typical Spain purchase follows:

(1) offer accepted,

(2) reservation agreement and deposit,

(3) legal due diligence (Land Registry checks via nota simple, debts, planning/licences, community fees),

(4) private contract (often “arras”) with a larger deposit,

(5) completion at the Notary where funds are transferred and the escritura is signed, and

(6) registration at the Registro de la Propiedad.

You should avoid paying significant deposits before a lawyer confirms title, charges, and planning status—especially for rural homes or properties with extensions.

Download Spain Buying Guide to learn more about the process from start to finish.

Question 4

What is the buying process in Portugal?

Accepted Answer

A typical Portugal purchase goes:

(1) agree terms,

(2) lawyer checks title/charges and key documents (e.g., property registry extracts),

(3) sign the promissory contract (CPCV) and pay a deposit,

(4) arrange finance and final checks,

(5) sign the final deed (commonly referred to as the escritura or equivalent formalised deed) and transfer funds,

(6) register ownership so your rights are protected. The CPCV is important because it’s usually the point where commitments become much harder to unwind.

In most cases an estate agent will assist with this process. We strongly recommend appointing an independent lawyer if you are considering a property purchase or investment in Portugal.

Question 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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.

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