Buying property in Europe as a foreigner: Complete UK guide

Europe is a popular destination for British expats and investors, and not just because most countries are just a short flight or train ride away from the UK.

The continent also offers an attractive real estate market, well-regulated economies, great quality of life, excellent healthcare, diverse cultures and rich histories.

Whether you’re thinking of moving to Europe from the UK or are solely interested in investment opportunities - we’re here to help.

Read on for a helpful and practical guide to buying property in Europe as a foreigner. This includes info on mortgages, fees and taxes, property prices, where to start your search and the pitfalls to avoid.

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Can you get a mortgage from a European bank as a non-resident?

The first thing you’ll need to think about is how you’ll finance your European property purchase. Unless you have the cash upfront, you’re likely to need a mortgage.

Many banks and lenders in Europe are open to foreign applicants, including British nationals. In countries such as France, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, you’ll find established mortgage markets for foreigners and non-residents.

But in other countries such as Poland and Hungary, the process can be more difficult. You’ll need to pass strict eligibility checks and provide lots of documentation (translated into the local language).

What’s more, you may not be able to borrow as much, so you’ll need a larger deposit. Interest rates are also likely to be higher for non-residents.

If you do need finance for your purchase, it’s important to start shopping around for mortgages before starting your property search in earnest.

It’s a really good idea to use a broker specialising in international buyers, who can help you find the right mortgage for your circumstances. Simply having someone on your side who speaks the language and really understands the system can pay dividends.

Taxes and fees for owning property in Europe

In order to set your budget for the purchase, you’ll need to factor in legal fees, property taxes and other costs. These can vary across the continent, but the main ones you’re likely to come across are:

• Transfer tax (stamp duty) - this can range from 2% to over 10% of the property value,¹ so it’s one of the largest costs you’ll face as a buyer
• VAT - this sometimes applies instead of stamp duty when buying new build properties
• Legal and notary fees
• Property registration and other admin fees
• Mortgage costs - including valuation and arrangement/origination fees
• Real estate agent fees (if using as a buyer)
• Annual property taxes.

To give you an idea of what to expect, here’s a look at how major European countries compare in terms of closing costs for buyers (including the UK for comparison):²

Country	Average closing costs for buyers
Austria	4% to 8.5%
Belgium	4% to 15.5%
Croatia	3.5% to 7.5%
Czech Republic	1.1%
Denmark	2.43% to 2.93%
France	1.82% to 7%
Germany	7% to 12%
Greece	6.37% to 8.77%
Ireland	2.1% to 7%
Italy	7% to 15%
Netherlands	2.10% to 14.4%
Norway	3.6%
Poland	3.25% to 3.4%
Portugal	2.15% to 11.2%
Spain	7.5% to 14%
Sweden	2.6% to 5.85%
United Kingdom	0.6% to 13%

What’s the property market like in Europe?

The health and performance of Europe’s real estate markets vary considerably by country across the continent. But here’s a quick snapshot of recent highlights and trends:

• Across the EU, house prices have risen over the last decade - following cycles of boom, correction and then renewed growth³
• House prices have grown much faster than incomes, leading to a deterioration in housing affordability³
• In Q3 2025, house prices in the euro area grew by 5.1% compared to the previous year⁴
• The highest increases were seen in Hungary (21.1%), Portugal (17.7%) and Bulgaria (15.4%)⁴
• Falls were seen in Finland (-2.2%) and Slovenia (-1.1%).⁴

Can foreigners buy property in Europe?

Yes, in general, foreign nationals are permitted to buy property in Europe. In some countries such as Spain and Portugal, it’s pretty easy - you just need to get a local tax number and arrange your financing.

Citizens of other EU nations will usually find the process very similar to local buyers, but third-country nationals (such as UK buyers) may find that there are some restrictions or extra steps.

For example:

• In Croatia and Hungary, foreign buyers need to apply for permission to buy a property from the government
• In Bulgaria, foreigners aren’t allowed to buy property with land - the workaround is to set up a limited company there and buy land through that
• In many countries, foreigners (and local buyers) aren’t permitted to buy land classified as agricultural, forest or cultural heritage.

Can you buy property in Europe and get residency?

Yes, some European countries have Golden Visa or other residency by investment programmes. These allow foreign nationals to get a residency permit if they make a substantial investment in real estate, a local business, fund or government bond.

This includes Greece, Cyprus, Andorra and Latvia, among others.

So if you’re looking to move abroad and settle in Europe permanently, one of these programmes could be worth looking into.

📚 Moving abroad from the UK

How much are the property prices in Europe?

Now we come to the all important question - how much money do you need to afford a home in Europe?

Of course, it all depends where you buy and what type of property.

To give you an idea, here’s a look at what you can expect to pay per square meter for an apartment in a handful of major countries of Europe - starting with the most expensive:⁵

Country	Average apartment price per sq m - city centre (EUR)	Average apartment price per sq m - outside city centre (EUR)
Switzerland	€20,028	€14,063
Austria	€6,157	€4,218
Netherlands	€5,858	€4,311
Sweden	€5,513	€3,444
Germany	€5,439	€3,650
France	€5,025	€3,327
Ireland	€4,623	€3,643
Spain	€3,785	€2,329
Portugal	€3,491	€2,517
Italy	€3,400	€2,111
Greece	€2,723	€2,131
Bulgaria	€2,087	€1,391

Another thing to note when figuring out the price for property in Europe is that international transfers could get expensive, especially if the bank or provider adds a margin to the exchange rate to convert your pounds to euros (EUR).

Consider checking out Wise to securely handle your large transfers with mid-market exchange rates and low, transparent fees*.

Where is the cheapest place to buy property in Europe?

Looking at average property prices, some of the cheapest countries to buy property in Europe include:

• Georgia
• Belarus
• Bulgaria
• North Macedonia
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Moldova
• Romania.

Buying property in Europe as a foreigner - a step-by-step guide

Before you start your house hunt, it can be useful to know a little about how the process of buying property works in Europe.

While it works differently in each country, here’s a general overview of the steps involved:

1. Verify your eligibility

Before you do anything, you need to ascertain whether or not you’ll legally be able to buy property in the country as a foreign national. You may need to seek professional advice.

2. Get your finances in order

The next step is to work out how you’ll finance your purchase. This means setting a budget, getting a mortgage offer (approval in principle) and getting all your paperwork together.

You might also want to open a bank account in the country, or at least make sure you have an international account in euros.

📚 Opening a European bank account online

3. Find a property and arrange viewings

Now it’s time to start searching for your dream home. You can use online property portals and/or local estate agents to find properties. We’ll run through some tips later on how and where to start your search.

If you’ve found somewhere you like, arrange a viewing as soon as you can, and start researching the area in the meantime.

4. Appoint a solicitor and carry out due diligence

While it’s not mandatory, it’s strongly recommended to find and appoint a property lawyer.

A personal recommendation is a good way to find a solicitor, but you can also find a list of English-speaking property solicitors on the UK Government website.

Your solicitor will act in your best interests throughout the transaction, carrying out all legal work, drafting and checking contracts, and carrying out crucial due diligence.

This will include checking for encumbrances, drafting and reviewing contracts, verifying the property title and ensuring that the property is legally allowed to be sold.

Importantly, it’s good to have these checks carried out before you make an offer on a property or commit to a purchase.

Your solicitor can also help you complete any processes and meet any conditions required of you as a foreign buyer.

5. Get a survey

If you have your eye on a property, you might want to book a building survey. This involves hiring a surveyor to check the property for structural or other issues.

If the survey flags anything up, you may be able to re-negotiate on price.

6. Make an offer

If you’ve found the perfect property and all checks/inspections come back clean, the next step is to submit a competitive offer to the estate agent. You can usually negotiate.

7. Sign the preliminary agreement

If your offer is accepted and terms agreed, the next step is to sign a preliminary agreement - in many countries, this needs to be done in the presence of the notary. The agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the sale, and is often legally binding.

Have your solicitor check the contract before signing, and then arrange a transfer to pay the deposit.

📚 Transferring large amounts of money

8. Closing

Now it’s time to work towards closing, which typically involves:

• Solicitors for both parties completing all remaining legal checks and paperwork
• Signing the final sales contract - this may need to be done at the notary’s office
• Transferring the remaining balance
• Paying registration fees and taxes
• Registering the property title in your name at the land registry

After all that’s done, you’ll get the keys to your new home.

📚 Buying and financing property abroad

How can you find a property in Europe?

The two main routes to find property to buy in Europe are local real estate agencies and online property websites.

Property agencies and agents in Europe

It isn’t necessary to use a real estate agent to find a property to buy overseas. But it is recommended, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local property market or don’t speak the language.

A specialist buying agent or broker will be able to offer helpful advice and insight into the local market, and guide you through the buying process.

However, there will usually be a fee to pay for this service, and you should make sure the agent is registered with a licensing body in the country.

Property websites in Europe

A good way to get a headstart on finding a place to buy in Europe is to look online. Great websites to find a house or apartment to buy include:

• France - SeLoger and Leboncoin
• Germany - ImmobilienScout24 and Immowelt
• Spain - Idealista, Fotocasa and Kyero
• Italy - Idealista, Immobiliare.it and Casa.it
• Netherlands - Funda
• Portugal - Idealista and Casa Sapo
• Ireland - Daft, MyHome and Property.ie.

What are some of the pitfalls of buying property in Europe?

One of the main things to watch out for when buying property abroad are scams.

The very best way to protect yourself when buying property in Europe is to consult an independent real estate lawyer. This is an expert who works just for you and has your interests at heart, rather than working for the seller or real estate agent at the same time.

The UK Government has a handy list of English speaking lawyers around the world.

Other key things to remember for a safe property purchase in Europe:

• Check your eligibility to buy property as a foreign national and make sure you meet the conditions
• Make sure you only work with licensed estate agents
• Have your solicitor carry out full due diligence checks to ensure the property can be legally sold and that there are no zoning restrictions preventing you from building/renovating
• Don’t be bullied by aggressive sales or marketing tactics - take your time, do your research and complete the process carefully
• Get an inspection/survey carried out if you have any concerns about the property.

How do you choose the right property in Europe?

Your dream home in Europe will be the one that closest fits your search criteria. The most important factors will be location, the type of home and of course, how much you can afford to spend.

If you’re not already living there, it’s worth making a few trips to check out the specific town, city or state you’re interested in.

You’ll want to check out the local area and view properties, making sure to pay attention to local transport links and amenities.

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Condition of the property

It’s a good idea to do as much research as possible before committing to purchase a property.

It’s not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended to commission a building survey or inspection. This will flag up any major issues and give you a better idea of what you’re buying.

Type of property

Europe is a large continent, and its countries all have their own unique characters, cultures and architectural style.

This means a broad variety of property types, from modern city centre apartments to beachside villas and rustic countryside houses.

Many expats like the convenience of buying a new build from a developer, but you could potentially get a better deal - and more traditional character - with an older property in a rural area.

Just remember though that older homes are likely to come with high renovation costs.

Moving into your Europe property

Before you can get the keys to your new home, you’ll have a few key tasks to run through. These include taking out insurance and setting up your utilities.

Insurance

It’s strongly recommended to take out a buildings insurance policy starting from your completion date. In fact, it’s likely to be a mandatory requirement for your mortgage.

Setting up utilities and bills in Europe

If you know when your completion date will be, it makes sense to get some essentials set up in advance of moving in.

A prime example is utilities, such as power and water. Get these sorted as early as you can, and the moving process should be a little smoother.

📚 How to pay a bill in Euros

Renovating property in Europe

For some properties, some building work or improvements may be needed before you can move in.

Read our guide below on building and renovating property abroad, covering everything from planning permission to finding a local builder - and some of the main costs you can expect.

📚 Build and renovate property abroad

Save on currency conversion fees with Wise when buying property in Europe

After reading this guide, you should have all the essential info you need to start your property search in Europe. This includes those crucial first steps such as finding a broker and searching online property portals, and getting your finances in order.

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Additional FAQs about buying property in Europe

Is it worth owning a property abroad?

It all depends on your goals, whether it’s moving abroad permanently, snapping up a lucrative investment property or finding somewhere sunny for a holiday home.

You’ll need to do your research carefully - including calculating buyers fees, ongoing property taxes and maintenance costs. You may also need to look into visas, to make sure you’ll be able to actually live in your new home.

What is the best country to buy property in Europe?

The best European country to buy property in depends on what you’re looking for. It may be somewhere you want to live, work or set up a business, or it may be somewhere with affordable property, gradually rising prices and/or high rental demand - all ideal for investors.

Where is the cheapest place in Europe to buy a house?

The cheapest countries in Europe to buy property right now are Georgia,

Belarus, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova and Romania.

Which European country has the lowest property taxes?

Liechtenstein and Malta don’t charge any ongoing property taxes at all, while Estonia only taxes land.⁶

In countries which do charge it, Hungary and the Czech Republic have the lowest rates.⁶

📚 Tax implications when buying property abroad

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Sources used:

1. Currencies Direct - stamp duty ranges across Europe
2. Global Property Guide - average closing costs for buyers across countries
3. SUERF - Europe property market general overview
4. Eurostat - property price stats in Euro area
5. Numbeo - average prices by country per sq m
6. Tax Foundation - property taxes in Europe

Sources last checked on date: 27-Jan-2026