Name: Country to city properties in Italy, under the microscope
Start: 2024-06-06T14:00:00+01:00
End: 2024-06-06T14:45:00+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 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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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

Accepted Answer

Costs depend on whether the home is resale or new build and the region. Resales usually involve ITP (transfer tax) set by the autonomous community; new builds often involve VAT/IVA plus AJD (stamp duty) (the Canary Islands use IGIC instead of IVA for many items). In addition, budget for Notary fees, Land Registry fees, legal conveyancing, and translations if needed.

After purchase, typical ongoing costs include IBI (property tax), community fees (if applicable), utilities, and non-resident tax obligations if you don’t live in Spain full-time.

Question 7

Does buying property in France give residency or a visa?

Accepted Answer

No—buying property in France does not automatically give you residency or the right to live in France long-term.

Residency depends on your nationality, visas, and income/insurance requirements. Property ownership can support a visa application (by showing accommodation), but it isn’t a guarantee.

If you want to spend extended time in France, plan the immigration route separately from the purchase, and make sure your notary and tax adviser understand your residency status for ongoing tax, rental income, and inheritance planning.

We strongly recommend speaking to visa, expat specialist to ensure that your route to France is smooth and done properly. Visit our France Experts directory for further assistance.

Question 8

What is the property buying process in Italy?

Accepted Answer

A typical Italy purchase follows:

(1) offer accepted,

(2) due diligence (title, mortgages/charges, planning and cadastral conformity),

(3) preliminary contract (compromesso) with deposit (caparra),

(4) mortgage/finance (if needed) and final checks,

(5) completion at the notary signing the deed (rogito) and transferring funds,

(6) notary registers ownership with the land registry and updates cadastral records.

In Italy, verifying urban planning + cadastral conformity (often with a geometra) is a major risk-reducer, especially for older homes.

To fully understand the process of buying a property in Italy download our Italy Buying Guide.

Question 9

Can non-residents get a mortgage in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Often yes—many Spanish banks lend to non-residents, typically based on income, age, credit profile, and the property valuation. Non-resident mortgages commonly require more documentation (proof of income, tax returns, bank statements, ID) and may offer a lower loan-to-value than resident mortgages.

Expect the bank to commission an official valuation and to review the property’s legal status before final approval. If speed matters, get a mortgage assessment early and coordinate timelines with your lawyer so the financing conditions match the purchase contract dates.

We recommend speaking with a mortgage broker to understand the application process and get access to the latest mortgage deals in Spain.

Question 10

What property checks and diagnostics are required when buying in France?

Accepted Answer

Most purchases in France include a seller “diagnostics” pack, commonly covering items like energy performance (DPE), lead/asbestos (where relevant by age), gas/electric safety (where relevant), natural/technological risks (ERP), and local requirements such as termites in certain zones. These reports inform you but don’t replace a deeper inspection—especially for older rural homes.

If you’re buying a character property, consider an independent surveyor to check structure, damp, roof condition, drainage, and renovation quality before you commit.

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