Buying Property Abroad — Questions Everyone Asks

Anyone thinking about buying property abroad reaches a point where they sit down with a coffee and start writing questions. Dozens of them. And that's exactly what they should be doing. Because the more you ask upfront, the fewer surprises wait for you along the way. After years of working with clients — in Spain, Turkey, Dubai, and Cyprus — I hear the same questions over and over. I've gathered them all. And I'm answering them the way I'd talk to a friend over the kitchen table.

What Does It Actually Cost? Let's Talk Money Honestly

This is always the first question. And rightly so — because the price on the listing is just the starting point, not the end of the calculation.

On top of the property price itself, you need to factor in the purchase tax — in Spain, that's 8–10% of the value. Then there are notary fees and land registry costs, another 1–2%, plus legal fees if you use a solicitor. If you're taking out a mortgage, there are financing costs on top of that. None of this is hidden — a good agent gives you a full budget breakdown right at the start, so you know exactly what you're getting into.

Can a Foreigner Actually Get a Mortgage?

Yes, in most countries you can. Banks typically expect a deposit of 30–40% of the property value, proof of income, and often a local bank account. It's not impossible — it's completely doable with the right support when it comes to putting your paperwork together.

What About Annual Taxes? What Does It Cost Throughout the Year?

In Spain, the property tax — known as IBI — runs at roughly 0.3–1% of the value per year. If you're not a permanent resident, there's also an imputed income tax on ownership. In Turkey, Dubai, or Cyprus, rates are generally lower than in Europe, but every country has its own rules. If you rent your property out, that rental income needs to be declared. My clients often only ask me about this after they've bought — it's much better to know beforehand.

Paperwork, Law and Language — The Stuff That Stresses Everyone Out

I remember going through this myself — a pile of documents in a foreign language, terms that meant nothing to me, a notary speaking too fast. So I genuinely understand why the paperwork side causes the most anxiety.

The good news: you don't need to speak the language. The entire process can be handled in your own language — document translation, being present at meetings with the notary, at the bank, at the registry. You don't sign anything without understanding 100% what's in the contract. That's a principle I never compromise on.

How Many Trips Do You Actually Need to Make?

Usually 2–3 visits are enough: viewing the property and signing the reservation agreement, signing the title deed, and collecting the keys. A lot of the formalities can be handled remotely through power of attorney. If you can't travel on a particular date — there's always a way to sort it out.

Tax Numbers — NIE, NIF and All the Acronyms

This is one of the very first steps, and one that people put off far too long. A tax identification number is required to open a bank account, sign a purchase contract and set up utilities. You can have someone handle the whole thing on your behalf — booking the appointment, filling in the forms, collecting the number. Simple, if you know who to turn to.

Buy as a Private Individual or Through a Company?

Both options are possible. Buying through a company — whether registered in your home country or abroad — can simplify rental accounting and open up tax optimisation opportunities. But it also comes with the additional costs of setting up and running a company, plus more complex paperwork. Which route to take depends on your plans — and it's well worth discussing with a lawyer before you decide.

Off-Plan or Resale Property?

This is a question with no single right answer. There are, however, a few things worth knowing.

Buying off-plan usually means a lower price than the resale market, everything brand new with a developer's warranty, and often the chance to choose your own finishes. The downsides? You have to wait — typically 1–2 years — and you can't see the finished result straight away. There's always some risk of construction delays too.

In Spain, developer insurance is mandatory — your payments are protected in the event of the developer going bankrupt. Even so, it's always worth checking the track record of any company you're working with before committing to anything.

Resale property? Some homes are ready to move into straight away, others need renovation. Before any purchase, I always recommend a viewing with a structural expert and checking all the systems — electrics, plumbing, air conditioning. Hidden defects can end up costing more than any planned renovation.

Contact me on WhatsAppquick reply, no obligations

Rental Income, Returns and Looking After Your Property When You're Not There

My clients often ask me how much they can earn from renting. And here I have to be honest — it depends on the location, the standard of the property and the season. Being close to the beach makes a real difference. Summer in Spain is peak season. On average, short-term rental yields run at around 5–8% net per year. Long-term rental brings in less, but offers more peace of mind and predictability.

If you don't want to manage the rental yourself — you can hand over full property management to someone else. Finding tenants, cleaning between stays, financial reports, tax returns. You receive a bank transfer.

And if you don't want to rent at all and simply want a home ready and waiting whenever you arrive? There's a property care service for that — regular check-ins, airing the place out, watering the plants, paying the bills. The house is ready for you, not the other way around.

Life on the Ground, Healthcare and Settling In

Honestly? The first few months after moving can be tough. A new environment, bureaucracy, a language barrier — it's real. There's no point pretending otherwise.

But in popular areas — like the Costa del Sol or around Alicante — there's a large expat community. Banks, offices and hospitals increasingly have English-speaking staff. And you can always count on someone who knows the ropes — from getting the internet set up to finding a good doctor.

Healthcare is a separate topic that almost everyone asks about. If you have residency, you can access the public health system. The European Health Insurance Card provides basic cover. Private health insurance costs around 50–100 EUR per month and gives you full peace of mind — shorter waiting times, free choice of doctor. Most of my clients go for this option.

How Do I Know I Won't Get Ripped Off?

This question always comes up at some point. And I completely understand it — you're buying property abroad, in an unfamiliar legal system, in a language you don't speak. That is genuinely stressful.

That's exactly why checking the legal status of the property is so important — no outstanding debts, no mortgages, no disputes. Verifying the seller's documents. Checking compliance with local planning regulations. Checking the developer's credibility. All of this can and should be verified before you sign anything. No dodgy deals — only vetted sellers and developers.

And one thing I always tell my clients: you're not doing this alone. You have support — before the purchase, during it, and after. If something goes wrong — there's someone you can call.

Is now a good time to buy? The market has its cycles, that's true. But if you're planning to live there, your finances are stable and you've found a place that genuinely suits you — the right time is when you're ready. Nobody should be pressuring you. Because buying a property is a decision for years to come, and it should be a fully informed one.

Contact me on WhatsAppquick reply, no obligations

The questions you're asking are exactly the right ones. There are no stupid questions when buying property abroad — there are only questions asked too late. I'm writing to you as someone who knows this journey from the inside and wants you to go through it calmly, step by step, without unnecessary stress. Whether you're just starting to look around or you already know what you want — I'm here.