Real Estate Law · European Union
Buying Property Abroad?
Get a Lawyer Who Protects the Foreign Buyer
Buying property in a country where you don’t speak the language or know the rules is where costly mistakes happen. We match you, free of charge, with a property lawyer who handles purchases by foreign buyers in your target country every day — from offer to title registration.
- 155+ legal services, 14 practice areas
- Lawyers across the EU & EEA
- No fee to get matched
No commitment. No hidden fees.
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Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Who this is for
Foreign buyers face the same rules as locals — plus a language barrier and a target on their back
Buying property in a European country is an appealing prospect, whether it is a holiday home, a retirement base or an investment to rent out. But foreign buyers face everything a local buyer faces — purchase contracts, deposits, mortgages, taxes and registration — on top of a language barrier, unfamiliar customs and, in some cases, sellers who assume an overseas buyer will not spot a problem. Depending on the country, you may need a local tax identification number, a bank account, and to understand specific rules on transfer duties, notary fees and non-resident obligations. Getting any of these wrong can cost you far more than the asking price suggested. We match you with a property lawyer who works with foreign buyers in your target country regularly, so every step is explained and protected from the first offer.
Why foreign buyers get burned
The risks a foreign buyer faces are rarely about the price.
They are hidden in the paperwork.
Language barriers, unfamiliar rules and sellers who count on your inexperience are the biggest dangers when buying abroad.
Signing contracts in a language you don’t understand
Purchase and deposit agreements are often drafted in the local language with no translation. Signing something you can’t read can commit you to terms, deadlines and penalties you never agreed to.
Hidden legal and tax obligations
Foreign buyers may need a local tax number, a bank account, and to pay transfer duties and notary fees they were never told about — and non-resident ownership can carry its own ongoing tax duties.
Buying a property with hidden problems
Unpaid charges, unregistered extensions, tenants in place, or a title that isn’t clean can all surface after the money is gone. Without local checks, an overseas buyer is the easiest party to mislead.
What you get
A lawyer who levels the playing field for the foreign buyer
We only match you with property lawyers who routinely help foreign buyers purchase in your target country.
Independent legal advice
You get a lawyer who works only for you — not the agent or the seller — and who explains every document, cost and step in plain English before you commit a single euro.
Full due diligence
Your lawyer verifies ownership, checks for debts and liens, confirms planning and building status, and flags anything that could reduce the property’s value or your rights later.
Tax & non-resident setup
From your tax identification number to transfer duties and ongoing non-resident obligations, your lawyer maps out every cost and requirement so there are no surprises after completion.
Safe payment & registration
Your lawyer handles the deposit, the payment schedule and the transfer, and makes sure the title is correctly registered in your name before the matter is closed.
Coverage
Property purchase lawyers across Europe
Purchase rules, taxes and registration are set nationally, so the right lawyer is one who works with foreign buyers in your specific country routinely. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Buying property abroad — common questions
Can foreigners buy property in Europe?
In most European countries, foreign and non-EU buyers can purchase property freely, though a few countries impose conditions or require approval for certain types of land or for non-resident buyers. A local lawyer can confirm the rules for your nationality and situation.
Do I need to be in the country to complete the purchase?
Not usually. Many buyers grant a power of attorney to a lawyer to sign documents on their behalf, which is useful if you cannot travel. Your lawyer can arrange this and guide you through the process remotely.
What costs come on top of the purchase price?
Beyond the price, you will typically pay transfer or stamp duties, notary and registry fees, and legal costs, which together often add a notable percentage to the total. The exact amounts vary by country, so confirm them before you commit.
Should I pay a deposit before signing the purchase contract?
Deposits and reservation payments are common, but the terms matter — whether the money is refundable, and what happens if either side withdraws. A lawyer should review the terms before you transfer any money.
What is a title search and why does it matter?
A title search verifies who legally owns the property and whether there are debts, liens or restrictions attached to it. It protects you from buying a property that carries problems, and it is an essential step before you complete.
What ongoing obligations does a foreign owner have?
Non-resident owners often owe annual local property taxes and may need to file non-resident tax returns or appoint a tax representative. Your lawyer can explain what will apply to you so you are not caught out after purchase.
Free case review
Buy abroad with a lawyer on your side, not just the seller’s
Tell us about the property you’re considering and we’ll connect you with a lawyer who protects foreign buyers in your target country every day — free of charge, with no obligation to instruct them.