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 are the typical costs and taxes when buying a villa in Spain?

Accepted Answer

The main tax depends on whether the villa is a resale or a new build. Resales typically involve transfer tax (ITP); new builds commonly involve VAT/IVA plus stamp duty (AJD) (the Canary Islands use different indirect tax rules).

You’ll also budget for Notary fees, Land Registry fees, legal conveyancing, and often translations if needed. After purchase, ongoing costs may include IBI (local property tax), insurance, utilities, maintenance (gardens/pool), and community fees if the villa is in an urbanisation with shared services.

For more information and to connect with local experts visit our Spain Experts Directory.

Question 3

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 4

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 5

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

Accepted Answer

Buyer costs commonly include IMT (property transfer tax), stamp duty (Imposto do Selo), plus legal, notary, and registration costs.

Portugal’s Tax Authority notes that stamp duty is calculated at 0.8% on the value used for IMT, and if you use a mortgage, the loan can also be subject to stamp duty.

Always request a written “total to complete” estimate for your exact property and buyer profile (home vs investment, mainland vs islands, financing, etc.).

Search our Portugal Experts Directory to connect with tax and legal advisors.

Question 6

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 7

Is buying property in Paphos a good choice for overseas buyers?

Accepted Answer

Paphos is one of Cyprus’s most popular markets for overseas buyers because it blends lifestyle, expat services, and strong holiday demand.

The key buyer checks are Cyprus-wide: independent lawyer, Land Registry search, and contract protection at the Land Registry.

In Paphos specifically, pay extra attention to coastal zoning/planning, road access to hillside homes, and whether the property is genuinely “rental-ready” (layout, cooling, internet, management options).

If you’re buying for winter living, confirm insulation and heating—comfort impacts both lifestyle and off-season letting.

Question 8

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 9

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 10

Does buying property in Portugal give residency or a Golden Visa?

Accepted Answer

Buying property in Portugal does not automatically grant residency.

Portugal’s ARI (Golden Visa) route still exists for eligible non-EU nationals, but the official ARI pathways focus on options like job creation, research funding, cultural/heritage support, and investment funds—and real estate purchase is not listed as a qualifying route on the current ARI requirements page.

If residency is part of your plan, treat eligibility as a separate compliance step before you buy.

Countries

Categories

Property Types

How to use a student visa to live in Europe long term

New-build or resale – which is right for you?

Countries

Categories

Need Expert Advice?

Countries

Categories

‘Forced heirship’ – steering through the inheritance minefield

Top overseas property destinations in 2026

‘Forced heirship’ – steering through the inheritance minefield

Top overseas property destinations in 2026

Travelling to Europe in 2026 – what the new EES and ETIAS rules mean for you

Top Tips: on the Portuguese legal process and your visa options

You may also like

You may also be interested in…

‘Forced heirship’ – steering through the inheritance minefield

Top overseas property destinations in 2026

Travelling to Europe in 2026 – what the new EES and ETIAS rules mean for you

Why wait? The benefits of viewing property in winter

Bigger, better, faster: new trains to Europe offer hope to home owners

10 great places to buy less than an hour from London

Buying land to build your own home in the UK

Halloween around the world – how different countries celebrate spooky season