Foreign Property Buying Guides

If you are unfamiliar with buying property abroad then it can be quite daunting. This section aims to give an idea of the process involved to help you feel more comfortable. Our property advisers are always available for free and happy to talk at the end of a telephone if you have any queries on any part of the buying process (see below).

Our buying guide covers all of the main aspects of purchasing a property abroad broken down into the following categories:

• FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
• Inspection Trips - Get a flavour of the area of your prospective purchase
• Legal Advice - A lawyer will advise and assist with your purchase
• Mortgages - How to fund your purchase
• Taxation - Tax implications of buying property abroad

Country Specific

Where appropriate, the various sections of our foreign property buying guide are split into categories relevant to different countries. This allows us to deliver specific information regarding your area of purchase. Just as is the case here and abroad, different countries have different rules regarding property purchase, all of which are covered here.

The Buying Process

There are around five steps involved between identifying your dream new build property abroad to receiving the keys. These steps are detailed underneath.

Step 1 - Initial Contact

An initial meeting or phone conversation with one of our property consultants to identify if property investment is suitable for you, what type of investor you are and what type of property and geographic location is suitable for you.

Step 2 - Reservation Fee

If you wish to proceed with the purchase you put down a fully refundable £2,000 reservation fee to take the chosen property off sale. This can be done before or after an Inspection Trip (if you choose to visit the area).

Step 3 - Contract

You will receive a contract for your property in the post along with a letter from the lawyer you have chosen to aid you with your property purchase ( see Legal Advice ). The lawyer's letter and contract detail the buying process, timetable and associated costs, plus plans of your chosen development and property.

Step 4 - Deposit

You have 28 days from the reservation date to put down a deposit ( from 10% to 50% of the purchase price ) plus VAT, plus 50% of the legal fees. This will be paid into the lawyers client account for security. If you fail to meet this deadline then we reserve the right to re-sell the property so it is important to have a clear idea where the funds for a deposit are coming from when you reserve a property. The £2,000 reservation fee will be deducted from the amount due at this stage.

Step 5 - Completion

Once your property is built (usually an approximate 18 month process) you will attend a completion meeting with your lawyer, the constructor's lawyer and a notary. The balance of monies due can either be paid in cash or via a mortgage although the mortgage will not cover local VAT and legal/notary fees.