Buying a Property Abroad

Buying property abroad can be an exciting venture—whether for investment, vacation, retirement, or relocation. But it also carries significant risks if not approached carefully.

The entire process requires strategic planning to ensure it is legally sound, financially smart, and personally suitable.

Making a mistake can be costly, time-consuming and very stressful, with the potential to completely derail your plans for a new life or investment abroad.

Our international property law team understand how UK law interacts with the law in various foreign jurisdictions and any potential issues this can create for you.

We have assisted clients in buying and selling properties abroad valued in excess of €75million.

So what should you be thinking about when buying a property abroad in order to avoid any issues?

The basics are still the same…

The basics of buying a property abroad are essentially the same as buying a property in your home country. The process should look something like this:

1. Searches should be carried out on the property to make sure that the seller owns the property, that the property is legally built and to identify if there are any charges on the property.
2. A contract is then negotiated and agreed between the parties.
3. An agreed percentage of the property purchase price is normally then paid as a deposit with the balance paid just prior to taking Title.
4. A Title Deed is duly signed and then registered at the relevant land registry to reflect the change of ownership.

At that basic level, what you are trying to do is the same as back home but the actual process of each of these items can be very different. A considered approach therefore would be at every stage of your purchase ask yourself “would we do this back home?” If not, then ask yourself and your lawyer why.

…but many things are different abroad

Although at high-level things appear the same as back home, it is important to understand that the legal process, buying costs and even timescales can be very different in foreign jurisdictions. You should therefore try and understand how the process works in your chosen country so that you don’t come across any nasty surprises during the buying process.

At Judicare, we will be by your side to guide and protect you through the process from start to finish.

Always use an independent lawyer

You would always use an independent lawyer when buying a property at home and would never use the lawyer that is “recommended” to you by the seller or the estate agent. So why should things be any different abroad?

You need a Solicitor who is acting in your interests and your interests alone. Your lawyers should be independent of any of the other parties to avoid any conflicts of interest. The two sides in a transaction will have very different objectives.

No matter what you are told, lawyers cannot act for both parties in a transaction and still look after the best interests of everybody. It may seem cost effective to use the services of a lawyer recommended by an estate agent or the seller, however it is always worth seeking your own independent lawyer to ensure your rights are being protected.

Define Your Purpose and Budget

Ask yourself:

• Is this for personal use, rental income, or long-term investment?
• How much can you afford including taxes, fees, and potential renovations?
• Do you need financing (local or foreign mortgage)?

Tip: Factor in ongoing costs like maintenance, utilities, local taxes, and insurance.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Relying on real estate agents only
• Skipping in-person visits (photos and online listings can often be misleading)
• Buying “off-plan” properties without guaranteed protection