Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Often yes, but only if you follow the rules: Aojamento Local must be registered before it can be operated, and advertising/intermediation should reflect the RNAL registration number.

Also note that municipalities can apply local rules to manage AL activity. If rentals matter to your decision, confirm compliance for that specific property and location before signing the CPCV and committing to a property purchase.

Question 2

Can I legally rent out a home in Murcia as a tourist rental?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, but tourist rentals usually require registration and compliance with regional rules (guest reporting, safety/standards, consumer information).

Your biggest “go/no-go” factors are usually:

(1) whether the property type/location is eligible

(2) whether the building’s community rules restrict short stays, and

(3) whether you can meet compliance obligations as a non-resident owner.

Before you buy, ask for written clarity on registration requirements and check if any local restrictions apply to the specific municipality or resort complex.

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

Question 3

What should I know before buying a villa in Valencia Province?

Accepted Answer

Buying a villa in Valencia Province is often about balancing lifestyle and practicality: proximity to Valencia city, transport links, year-round services, and realistic running costs. Do the standard Spain checks (NIE, funds, Notary completion), but add province-specific due diligence: confirm the villa’s legal boundaries match what you’re viewing, verify any renovations/added structures are permitted and documented, and check access/parking (especially in hillside or semi-rural areas).

If you’re comparing Valencia Province to other parts of the Valencia Region, remember that “Valencia Region” also includes Alicante and Castellón—so make sure the location you choose matches your priorities (schools, airport access, beaches, rental demand, and winter livability).

Question 4

What should I check when buying a stone farmhouse in Dordogne?

Accepted Answer

Start with the diagnostics pack, then go deeper: check for damp, roof timbers, insulation, and whether renovations were done to a good standard.

Confirm the septic system has a compliant inspection report and budget for upgrades if flagged.

For rural properties, verify boundaries, access rights, and whether wells, fireplaces, pools, or extensions were properly declared.

A specialist survey can save you from costly surprises common in character homes.

Question 5

What are typical buyer costs on the Costa Blanca?

Accepted Answer

osts depend on whether the property is resale or new build. Resales commonly involve transfer tax (ITP); new builds commonly involve VAT/IVA plus AJD. Add legal, Notary, and Land Registry fees, and then plan for ongoing costs such as IBI, insurance, utilities, and community fees if applicable. For villas, include pool/garden upkeep in your annual budget.

Question 6

Can foreigners buy property in Greece?

Accepted Answer

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

The safest route is to appoint an independent lawyer and ensure the purchase is completed via a notarial deed and then registered with the local Land Registry / Hellenic Cadastre (Ktimatologio), so ownership is legally secured.

Question 7

What’s different about buying property in Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

Lisbon is Portugal’s highest-demand urban market, so buyers should look beyond the apartment and assess the building: condition, upcoming works, monthly charges, and rules that affect renovations or letting.

Lisbon also sits at the centre of shifting housing and short-term rental policy, so if your plan involves holiday lets, confirm the local position for that exact address before committing. The goal is a property that works even if rules tighten—often meaning it should also perform well as a long-term rental.

Question 8

Is the buying process in Tenerife the same as mainland Spain?

Accepted Answer

The core legal process is the same—offer, contract(s), due diligence, notary signing, and land registry registration. The key differences are usually practical (local market norms, property types, and timelines) and tax administration, which can differ from the mainland. If you’re comparing Tenerife with Málaga or Alicante, ask local estate agent for a tailored cost estimate based on whether the home is resale or new build, and confirm exactly what documents will be needed to connect utilities and register ownership smoothly after completion.

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

Question 9

What should I check before buying property in Almería?

Accepted Answer

Start with the Spain-wide essentials—Land Registry checks, debts (IBI, community fees), and a lawyer-led review—then add Almería-specific due diligence.

Many buyers look at villas and rural homes, so verify planning/build legality for pools, terraces, annexes, and any extensions, plus access rights (public road vs private track).

If the home is outside a town, confirm utilities (water source, septic/drainage, electricity connection) and whether the property matches its legal description.

These checks reduce the biggest regional risks: buying a beautiful home with paperwork or access issues that later block resale, renovation, or insurance.

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

Question 10

Can I rent out a Dordogne property as a holiday home (gîte)?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes, but you’ll need to follow local rules for short-term rentals, guest registration requirements (where applicable), and proper insurance.

Some areas have specific declarations for meublé de tourisme and may apply local taxes (often collected from guests).

Before buying “for rental income,” check seasonality, heating, access, and whether the layout works for guests. If the home is remote or needs major works, your first year’s returns may look very different from listing estimates.

Countries

Categories

Property Types

Cyprus property viewing trip checklist for 2026

Holiday home insurance – protecting you, your home and your guests

Countries

Categories

Need Expert Advice?

Countries

Categories

10 of the best international schools in Europe for expat families

Spain, France or Italy: which would suit you?

10 of the best international schools in Europe for expat families

Spain, France or Italy: which would suit you?

Seven surprisingly affordable Mediterranean coastlines

Your Overseas Home Live

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Countries

Categories

Property Types

Cyprus property viewing trip checklist for 2026

Holiday home insurance – protecting you, your home and your guests

Countries

Categories

Need Expert Advice?

Countries

Categories

10 of the best international schools in Europe for expat families

Spain, France or Italy: which would suit you?

Trusted mortgage advice

Get help with your mortage

Your Overseas Home Live

You have Successfully Subscribed!