Name: How to buy property abroad: a beginner’s guide
Start: 2023-08-24T16:30:00+01:00
End: 2023-08-24T17:00:00+01:00

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Buyer costs typically include purchase taxes, notary and registration fees, legal/technical checks, and (if applicable) agent fees.

A key item is the Property Transfer Tax, which is 3% on the taxable value for many transactions (your adviser will confirm how the taxable value is calculated for your property).

New-build taxation can differ, so always request a written “total cost to complete” estimate before committing.

Question 2

Is off-plan buying common on the Costa del Sol, and how do I reduce risk?

Accepted Answer

Off-plan purchases are common around Málaga and Costa del Sol, but you should treat the contract stage with caution. Confirm the developer has the correct building licence, that deposits are protected (often via bank guarantee/insurance), and that completion is tied to clear milestones and documentation.

Your lawyer should review the specification (what’s included), delivery dates, snagging process, and penalties for delays. Also ask what document confirms the home can be occupied and connected to utilities after completion, and verify how the deed signing at the notary will work if you’re abroad.

If you are looking for help with new build or off-plan properties in Spain, please contact our in house property consultants

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Potentially, but don’t assume. To operate Alojamento Local (AL) you must register the establishment first, and the registration is a condition of operating legally.

Platforms and adverts typically need the RNAL registration number displayed, and municipalities have tools to regulate AL activity in specific zones. Treat short-term letting eligibility as a yes/no item to confirm before you sign the CPCV.

Question 4

Can foreigners buy property in Cyprus?

Accepted Answer

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

The key is to run proper legal checks through an independent Cyprus lawyer (not the seller’s/developer’s lawyer) and to make sure your purchase contract is properly protected at the Cyprus Land Registry.

Buying a property does not automatically give residency, but ownership can support longer-stay planning when combined with the correct visa/residency route. Always confirm any nationality-specific requirements (especially for non-EU buyers) before you pay major deposits.

For full buying process download our Cyprus Buying Guide.

Question 5

Is Almería a good place to buy for value compared with Málaga or Alicante?

Accepted Answer

For many buyers, Almería can offer strong value because pricing is often less “heated” than some headline coastal markets, while still providing beaches, sunshine, and lifestyle appeal.

The best fit depends on your priorities: year-round services, airport access, and the type of community you want (resort-style vs quieter towns/villages).

To buy confidently, compare total ownership costs—maintenance, utilities, community fees, and travel—alongside purchase price, and prioritise properties with clear legal status and easy day-to-day management if you’ll be overseas.

If you are undecided on a location of your next property purchase, speak to our team of in house Spain Property Consultants.

Question 6

Does buying property in Greece qualify you for residency i.e. the Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Buying property in Greece does not automatically grant residency, but Greece offers a Golden Visa (investor residence permit) for qualifying non-EU investors.

The minimum real-estate investment level can depend on location (commonly higher in high-demand zones like Attica/Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini, with different thresholds elsewhere) and there are specific rules/exceptions (e.g., certain conversions/restorations).

Important: recent reforms also introduced restrictions for some Golden Visa property use (for example, limits on short-term letting for properties used for the permit), so treat Golden Visa eligibility and usage rules as a compliance step to confirm early—before you buy.

Question 7

What should I check when buying in an urbanisation in Alicante (Costa Blanca)?

Accepted Answer

Alicante has many properties in urbanisations with shared pools, gardens, and maintenance. Before buying, request confirmation of community fees, any planned major works, and whether the seller is up to date on payments. Your lawyer should verify title in the Land Registry and check for charges and debts attached to the property.

Also review community statutes for rules on pets, noise, renovations, and rentals—these can affect resale and your day-to-day use. For the property itself, ensure any extensions or terrace enclosures were authorised and properly documented.

If you are looking to buy a property in Spain, download our Spain Buying Guide for more information.

Question 8

Can foreigners buy villas in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Yes—foreigners can buy villas in Spain, including non-residents.

In most cases you’ll need an NIE (foreigner ID number), proof of funds for compliance checks, and a lawyer who can verify the villa’s legal status before you pay major deposits.

The purchase completes when you sign the title deed (escritura) in front of a Spanish Notary (Notario) and ownership is registered at the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad).

If you’re buying from abroad, you can often complete via power of attorney once your legal checks are in place.

For full buying process when buying a villa in Spain download our Spain Buying Guide.

Question 9

What is the buying process in Cyprus?

Accepted Answer

A typical Cyprus purchase follows:

(1) agree price and terms,

(2) your lawyer completes due diligence, including a Land Registry search for mortgages/charges,

(3) sign the Contract of Sale,

(4) lodge/deposit the contract at the Land Registry (often a crucial buyer protection step under Cyprus “specific performance” protections),

(5) pay any applicable taxes/fees and complete payments,

(6) transfer of ownership and title deed into the buyer’s name when available. If you’re buying new build/off-plan, the “title deed timeline” becomes a major point to verify upfront.

Most estate agents and developers in Cyprus will be able to assist you with this process, however we recommend using an independent lawyer for any property purchase or investment in Cyprus.

Question 10

Can foreigners buy property on the Costa del Sol?

Accepted Answer

Yes—foreigners can buy property on the Costa del Sol, including non-residents. You’ll typically need an NIE, proof of funds, and a lawyer to run due diligence before you commit to major deposits. The purchase completes when the escritura is signed at the Notary and ownership is registered at the Land Registry. For overseas buyers, power of attorney is common once legal checks are complete.

To fully understand the buying process in Spain download our free Spain Buying Guide.

Countries

Categories

Property Types

How to get a mortgage in New Zealand in 2026

Everything you need to know about moving to Italy

Countries

Categories

Need Expert Advice?

Countries

Categories

Spotlight on the Cyprus property market

New build vs resale property in France: which should you buy?

Spotlight on the Cyprus property market

New build vs resale property in France: which should you buy?

5 top places to retire to in Cyprus

How to buy property abroad: a beginner’s guide

Details

Countries

Categories

Property Types

Countries

Categories

Need Expert Advice?

Countries

Categories

How to buy property abroad: a beginner’s guide

Details

Related Events