Name: How to buy property in Greece, from making plans to moving in
Start: 2024-05-30T15:00:00+01:00
End: 2024-05-30T16:00:00+01:00

Question 1

Can I rent out my Tenerife property as a holiday let?

Accepted Answer

Possibly, but holiday rentals in Tenerife often require registration and compliance with local rules, and some properties (especially in certain complexes) may have additional restrictions. Before buying, confirm:

(1) whether the property can be registered for short-term rental

(2) whether the building/community rules permit it, and

(3) what your ongoing obligations are (guest reporting, standards, local taxes).

If a listing highlights “great Airbnb returns,” treat it as a marketing claim until you verify eligibility in writing—this is one of the most important checks for investment buyers.

Question 2

Should overseas buyers consider Greater Lisbon (Cascais, Oeiras, Sintra, Setúbal) instead?

Accepted Answer

Often yes—Greater Lisbon can offer more space and different price points while staying close to the city.

The due diligence is the same, but your “fit checks” change: commuting links, parking, heating/cooling costs, and whether the home works year-round (not just as a city break).

If you want rental flexibility, favour properties that appeal to long-term tenants as well as tourists—this tends to protect value when regulations shift.

Our in house Portugal Property Consultants can guide you through areas that are best fit for your &#8220;wish list&#8221;. You can contact them here.

Question 3

Are there local risks to consider in Dordogne (termites, flooding, etc.)?

Accepted Answer

Dordogne purchases often require careful attention to local risk disclosures (ERP) and any area-specific diagnostics (such as termites in designated zones).

Also check for flood exposure if you’re near rivers, and confirm drainage and foundations for hillside properties. These risks don’t mean “don’t buy”—they mean you should price in mitigation, insurance realities, and renovation scope early, before you make an offer and pay deposit.

For further assistance with property search in France contact our in house France property consultants.

Question 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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.

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