The Ultimate Practical Guide to Buying Property Abroad 2025
- International Property Alerts
- October 8, 2025
Buying property abroad in 2025 offers lifestyle freedom, investment potential, and in some cases, residency opportunities. But it also brings legal, tax, and financial complexities that can catch buyers unprepared.
This International Property Alerts (IPA) guide walks you step by step through what you need to know before making your overseas property investment.
1. Start with Your Strategy
Ask yourself: Why am I buying abroad?
- Retirement → prioritise healthcare, visas, and community.
- Rental income → research tourist demand and licensing.
- Residency/second passport → explore Golden Visa countries.
- Investment diversification → focus on legal stability and capital growth.
Your goal determines your budget, location, and legal approach.
2. Ownership Rules for Foreign Buyers
Different countries have different systems:
- Full Freehold: Spain, Portugal, Greece, France, Italy.
- Leasehold: Thailand (30-year renewable leases), Cambodia (up to 99 years).
- Designated Zones: Dubai and Abu Dhabi limit foreign ownership to approved freehold areas.
- Government Approval: Australia (via FIRB), New Zealand (tight restrictions on non-residents).
Check if your title is freehold, leasehold, or restricted — and whether it can be extended, inherited, or sold to another foreign buyer.
3. Budget Beyond the Price Tag
Expect 7–15% extra in fees across Europe (and more in some regions):
- Transfer/stamp duty taxes.
- Notary and legal fees.
- Land registry costs.
- Agent commissions (Spain: 5–7%, Dubai: 2%).
- Annual property taxes and community fees.
⚠️ Currency risk: Even small exchange-rate shifts can add thousands to your purchase. Many buyers use FX specialists to lock in rates.
4. Financing Your Purchase
Mortgages abroad are possible — but tougher for non-residents.
- Spain, Portugal, France, Italy → up to 60–70% LTV. Deposits often 30–40%.
- Dubai → mortgages available but deposits higher (25–40%).
- Thailand → local mortgages rare; most buy with cash or overseas financing.
Alternatives: Equity release at home, bridging loans, or developer instalment plans (especially common in Dubai off-plan projects).
5. Legal Safeguards & Due Diligence
Hire an independent lawyer (not tied to seller or developer).
- Verify title deeds: confirm no debts, liens, or disputes.
- Translate and review contracts carefully.
- New-builds: check escrow protections and developer history.
- Resale: get a structural survey.
🚩 Red flags: pressure sales, “guaranteed returns” without proof, or refusal to use escrow.
6. Residency, Visas & Golden Visas
In 2025, property links to residency are changing fast:
- Portugal → Golden Visa property option ended (Oct 2023). Other categories remain.
- Spain → €500,000+ property still qualifies for Golden Visa.
- Greece → €250,000+ property investment = residency (EU’s lowest entry point).
- Dubai (UAE) → property visas: 2, 5, or 10 years depending on property value.
Other options: lifestyle visas (Thailand’s LTR Visa, Mexico’s Temporary Resident).
7. Tax Obligations at Home & Abroad
- Rental Income Tax: Spain charges 24% (non-EU) or 19% (EU).
- Capital Gains Tax: Portugal applies 28% for non-residents.
- Inheritance: France, Spain, Portugal apply forced-heirship rules; UK residents face 40% IHT on worldwide assets.
- Double Tax Treaties: prevent double taxation — check before buying.
8. Insurance & Risk Protection
Cover yourself against:
- Natural disasters (flood, wildfire, hurricane risk varies by region).
- Title disputes (title insurance where available).
- Currency swings (hedging or forward contracts).
9. Lifestyle & Infrastructure
Value isn’t just in bricks and mortar:
- Healthcare → Spain, Portugal, France rank highly.
- Schools → international schools boost expat rental demand.
- Transport links → airports, trains, highways = liquidity.
- Digital nomads → fast internet and safety = rental appeal.
10. Technology & Remote Management
Modern tools simplify overseas ownership:
- Smart locks and remote CCTV.
- Property managers with digital dashboards.
- Integrated rental platforms (Airbnb/Booking.com).
11. Regional Highlights (2025 Snapshot)
- Spain → tightening tourist rental licences; stable long-term market.
- Portugal → Golden Visa no longer tied to property, but strong yields in Lisbon/Porto.
- Greece → lowest EU Golden Visa threshold.
- Thailand → leasehold system; high ROI in Phuket and Samui rentals.
- Dubai → high rental yields (5–8%), tax-free, property visas.
12. Pre-Purchase Checklist
✔ Define your buying goal.
✔ Confirm title and ownership rules.
✔ Secure deposit/mortgage pre-approval.
✔ Hire an independent lawyer.
✔ Budget for hidden costs.
✔ Verify rental rules/licences.
✔ Arrange insurance.
✔ Plan inheritance/exit strategy.
13. Think Ahead: Exit Strategy
- Rental yields: is demand sustainable?
- Resale: will there be demand from locals and foreigners?
- Taxes: plan for CGT and inheritance tax before you sell.
Conclusion
Buying property abroad in 2025 can be rewarding — but only with the right preparation. From ownership rules to financing, taxes to visas, every step matters.
At International Property Alerts, we connect buyers with vetted developers, agents, and exclusive opportunities across Spain, Portugal, Dubai, Bali, Greece, Thailand and beyond.
Download our free country guides or join our mailing list today to stay ahead in overseas property investment.
📧 elly@internationalpropertyalerts.com
🌐 www.internationalpropertyalerts.com
📱 WhatsApp: +44 7796 174253
About International Property Alerts
International Property Alerts is a premier global platform connecting real estate investors with handpicked opportunities in emerging and lifestyle-driven markets. Through curated listings, expert guidance, and market insights, we help buyers make confident property decisions worldwide.
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