Buying or Renting Property Elsewhere in Europe

Why buy or rent abroad?

Europe offers diverse real estate opportunities: a holiday home by the sea, a rental investment in a university town, or preparations for an upcoming move. Prices and tax regulations vary significantly from one country to another, making it crucial to compare your options carefully.

Storeuro offers property listings across 27 countries, ranging from studios to family homes, with free direct contact with sellers and landlords.

• Perfect for holiday homes, rental investments, or expatriation.
• Prices and tax regimes vary greatly by country.
• Access listings across 27 countries on Storeuro.

Defining your budget and financing

Beyond the advertised price, always account for notary fees (which vary significantly by country), local taxes, and ongoing management costs if you intend to rent out the property. Getting a mortgage abroad is possible, but terms differ; compare both local and domestic banking offers.

• Anticipate notary fees and local property taxes.
• Compare local and domestic mortgage rates.
• Factor in rental management costs if applicable.

Verifying the property and the seller

Demand all official documents: property deeds, cadastral maps, and local mandatory property reports (such as energy performance or structural inspections depending on the country). Verify the seller's identity and ensure there are no undisclosed mortgages or easements. For rentals, always request the lease agreement and a property condition report.

• Obtain property deeds and cadastral maps.
• Review mandatory local property diagnostics.
• Check for existing mortgages or legal encumbrances.
• Ensure a formal lease and inventory are provided for rentals.

Signature and legal formalities

Sales must be processed through a local notary or the legal equivalent. Do not transfer any funds before the official signing takes place. If you are renting from afar, have a local legal expert review the lease agreement before signing anything.

• Mandatory signing before a local notary.
• Never transfer funds before the official contract is signed.
• Have lease agreements reviewed by a local expert for rentals.
• Registration in the land registry is required after the sale.

Taxation and precautions

Rental income earned abroad is generally taxable in the country where the property is located and must be declared in your home country, subject to international tax treaties. Familiarize yourself with local council taxes and potential capital gains tax in the event of a future resale.

• Rental income is taxable in the country where the property is located.
• Declare income at home according to tax treaties.
• Factor in local council and municipal taxes.
• Be aware of capital gains tax implications for future resales.