True cost of buying
What it really costs to buy abroad.
The sticker price is never the whole cost. Transfer taxes, notary and legal fees, and annual property taxes vary enormously by country. Here is the honest, all-in breakdown for each market we cover — with a calculator for your exact number.
Cost of buying property in Spain
≈ 10–14% of price (resale, all-in one-off)
What it really costs to buy property in Spain in 2026: regional ITP transfer tax (6–11%) or 10% IVA on new-builds, notary, registry, legal fees, plus the annual IBI and non-resident taxes. Real ranges, no surprises.
Cost of buying property in Portugal
≈ 6–8% of price (all-in one-off)
The real cost of buying property in Portugal in 2026: progressive IMT transfer tax (up to ~7.5–8%), 0.8% stamp duty, notary and registration, plus annual IMI and the AIMI wealth surcharge above €600k.
Cost of buying property in the United Kingdom
SDLT can reach ~19% for a non-resident second home; fees add ~£2–5k
What it costs to buy property in the UK in 2026: Stamp Duty Land Tax with the 2% non-resident and 5% additional-dwelling surcharges, conveyancing, searches, and the leasehold charges most London flats carry.
Cost of buying property in France
≈ 7–8% of price (older property, all-in one-off)
The real cost of buying property in France in 2026: the famous frais de notaire (~7–8% on older property), agency fees, and the annual taxe foncière and taxe d'habitation. Full breakdown with a calculator.
Cost of buying property in Greece
≈ 7–10% of price (all-in one-off, incl. fees)
What it costs to buy property in Greece in 2026: the low 3.09% transfer tax (VAT on new-builds suspended through 2026), notary, lawyer and agent fees, plus annual ENFIA. Real all-in ranges.
Cost of buying property in Türkiye
≈ 5–6% of price (all-in one-off, resale)
The real cost of buying property in Türkiye in 2026: the 4% tapu title-deed fee, the compulsory GEDAŞ valuation, DASK earthquake insurance, the VAT exemption for foreign-currency buyers, and annual taxes.