Name: Your essential contacts for a safe, successful property purchase in France
Start: 2024-05-23T15:00:00+01:00
End: 2024-05-23T16:00:00+01:00

Question 1

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 2

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 3

Are buying taxes different in Alicante compared with other Spanish regions?

Accepted Answer

The overall categories of costs are the same across Spain, but the rates for transfer tax (ITP) and some duties can vary by autonomous community, so Alicante (Valencian Community) may differ from Andalucía or Catalonia.

Whether you pay ITP versus VAT/IVA + stamp duty depends on whether the home is resale or new build. In all cases, budget for Notary and Land Registry fees and conveyancing support. The “right” figure is the current rate that applies to your exact property and buyer profile, so confirm with a local lawyer before signing the private contract.

Question 4

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 5

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 6

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 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

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 9

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 10

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.

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