Question 1

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 2

Buying a new build in Paphos—what should I verify before paying deposits?

Accepted Answer

For new build/off-plan in Paphos, verify: the developer’s legal standing, the project’s permits, staged payments linked to milestones, snagging terms, and—most importantly—the roadmap to separate title deeds.

Your lawyer should also confirm how your Contract of Sale will be protected at the Land Registry and whether there are developer mortgages/charges affecting the land.

Off-plan can work well, but only if the contract and legal checks are done properly before you commit significant funds.

If you are interested in new builds and off plan, you can search for off plan properties in Cyprus on our property portal.

Question 3

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 4

Why do buyers choose Altea for property in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Altea (Alicante, Costa Blanca) is popular for its year-round livability, coastal lifestyle, and mix of apartments, townhouses, and hillside villas with views. Many buyers like that it offers a more “lived-in” feel while still being close to major services and transport links in the wider Alicante area.

Question 5

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 6

What’s different about buying property in the Algarve?

Accepted Answer

The Algarve is Portugal’s most established second-home and holiday-rental market, so buyers should plan for seasonality and operational realities (management, cleaning, maintenance).

Coastal exposure can also increase long-term upkeep.

The best Algarve purchases usually balance lifestyle appeal with “easy ownership”: reliable air-conditioning, parking, simple access, and low-friction maintenance if you’ll be abroad for parts of the year.

Question 7

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.

Question 8

Is buying property in Málaga different from elsewhere in Spain?

Accepted Answer

The legal purchase steps are Spain-wide, but Málaga buyers often deal with high-demand coastal stock, apartment communities, and new-build developments.

Due diligence should focus on planning/licences, any renovations or terrace enclosures, community rules (statutes), and whether the property has the correct habitation/occupancy documentation for utilities.

If you plan to rent, check Andalusia’s holiday rental registration requirements and whether the building community restricts short-term lets. A local lawyer should also confirm there are no debts attached to the property (community fees, IBI) before you pay major deposits.

For full buying process in Spain download our Spain Buying Guide.

Question 9

What is a “Codice Fiscale” and why do I need it to buy in Italy?

Accepted Answer

The Codice Fiscale is your Italian tax code and it’s required for key steps in a property purchase—signing contracts, opening utilities, paying taxes, and often for banking. Many overseas buyers apply early because it can delay the preliminary contract (compromesso) and completion if it isn’t ready.

Your lawyer can usually guide the application process, or you can obtain it via the Italian tax office or consulate route depending on your situation.

Question 10

What should I check before buying a villa in Altea (especially hillside homes)?

Accepted Answer

For villas in Altea, confirm legal access and parking practicality, and verify planning/build legality for terraces, pools, extensions, and any enclosed outdoor areas. Ask your lawyer to confirm the villa matches its Land Registry description and that any renovations were properly approved and documented. Views add value—so make sure the terraces/view areas are legally part of the property.

Before you buy a property in Spain download our Spain Buying Guide for full information and what to look out for.

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What’s included in the guide?

Visa and residency options

The 90-day Schengen rule

Income and visa requirements

UK pensions in Italy

Tax residency and inheritance

Healthcare and settling in

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