As a UK Resident, Have You Ever Thought About Buying a Property Abroad?

For many Britons, buying a home abroad is about more than owning a second property — it is about waking up to a different way of life. Many ambitious property buyers look for a villa in the Spanish sun or an apartment in a European city. The appeal of overseas property remains strong despite Brexit and amid a shifting tax and residency landscape. Britons remain among the world's most active overseas homebuyers, often driven by lifestyle rather than pure investment, seeking good weather, English-friendly communities or favourable residency routes, and in some cases, a pathway to longer-term residence.

So, where are Brits spending their money?

Europe still dominates. Spain recorded 139,102 home sales to non-residents, and UK buyers led that group with around 11,900 purchases, about 8.6% of the total. The realities of making that dream happen remains a favourite, with roughly 275,000 UK nationals officially resident there, according to Spanish government figures, in 2024.

However, post-Brexit rules mean UK visitors can only stay 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa, as cited by House of Commons Library briefing, and Spain's Golden Visa route was abolished in April 2025, so long-term residence now requires a separate visa application, such as the non-lucrative visa popular with retirees.

Portugal is a close rival, with foreign nationals making up around 12% of the population by early 2025, and British buyers accounting for roughly 11% of luxury sales in the first five months of that year. Its Non-Habitual Residency tax scheme has long attracted pensioners and remote workers, though Golden Visas no longer cover most urban property purchases.

France continues to lead in actual transaction volume among UK overseas buyers. Thanks to enduring cultural ties and the appeal of its wine regions, the Alps, and the Riviera. Italy offers affordability alongside history. Unforgettable destinations like inland Tuscan village houses can start from around €95,000 in addition to an elective residence visa route for those with sufficient foreign income.

On the other hand, Greece has surged thanks to low prices and one of Europe's cheapest Golden Visa thresholds, at €250,000.

However, while seeking land beyond Europe, the US places no ownership restrictions on foreign buyers (though ownership grants no residency rights), while Dubai's freehold zones and golden visa scheme for qualifying purchases continue to attract many international home buyer’s interest..

The practical realities

Buying property in another country is very different from buying a house in the UK. Local legal systems, contracts, and buyer protections in your target country may differ substantially from those in the UK. Official government guidance recommends appointing an independent, English-speaking lawyer who is licensed locally and not recommended by the seller or developer, since conflicts of interest are a common source of disputes. Always get contracts and documentation independently translated, and ensure agreements are confirmed in writing with paper receipts for any money paid.

Key checks before signing anything include:

• Verifying that the seller actually holds the title deeds.
• Ensuring the property is not tied up as loan collateral.
• Checking that utilities are properly connected and past bills are fully paid.
• Protecting any deposits on off-plan builds with verified bank guarantees and clear refund terms if construction gets delayed.

Costs, mortgages and currency

Beyond the purchase price, buyers need to budget for extra expenses, including legal and translation fees, surveyor costs, mortgage arrangement fees, international transfer charges, and in many countries, legally required local wills, since inheritance law abroad can differ significantly from the UK. Ongoing costs typically include local property tax, community association fees and non-resident income tax if the property is later sold or let.

Financing is often the biggest hurdle. Overseas mortgage products vary widely, so it's worth comparing lenders rather than accepting a developer's recommendation, and paying close attention to interest rates, repayment terms and early repayment penalties. Moreover, currency fluctuations deserve equal attention: because purchases can take months from agreement to completion, even a small shift in exchange rates can add or remove thousands of pounds from the final cost. Many buyers now use currency specialists to lock in rates via forward contracts rather than relying on high-street bank transfers. Haus of Estate can help buyers navigate this part of the process too, offering guidance on the international property-buying journey and connecting clients with trusted specialists where needed.

Buying property abroad can deliver a rewarding lifestyle change or a sound portfolio of assets, but it demands more diligence than a UK purchase. Do your homework, understand the costs and rules, and get the right advice along the way. With the right preparation, that dream of owning a home overseas can feel a lot more achievable. Factor in independent legal advice, careful budgeting for hidden costs, and a clear-eyed view of visa and tax implications as essential foundations before locking in your deal.