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Guide · step-by-step

Buying property abroad

Buying abroad is not just picking a nice apartment. Legal status, location, management and a realistic plan matter.

  • Steps before reserving
  • Budget + legal
  • Local experts

Below are the checkpoints that save money and blunt post-contract surprises.

1. Intent and budget

Decide personal use vs long-term living vs yield vs mix. Budget must cover fees, taxes, furnishing, utility deposits and a month of ops reserves.

2. Location diligence

Stay for at least a week outside the main tourist season. Test internet, access to healthcare, transport, noise and everyday services. Summer activity can hide problems that only appear in winter.

3. Legal & technical checks

Independent counsel reviews title and encumbrances. A surveyor/engineer hunts electrical, structural and damp issues photos hide.

4. Financing and payments

Home mortgages may not collateralize abroad — have plan B (cash, bridge, local bank). Separate reservation deposits from snag holdbacks.

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FAQ

  • Yes. Independent local review is critical — generic counsel unfamiliar with local notaries/registry is risky.