Europe remains one of the top destinations for international real estate investors, offering a mix of lifestyle perks, tax advantages, and strong ROI potential. Whether you’re looking for a holiday home, a rental investment, or a pathway to residency, buying property in Europe can be a smart move—but it requires careful planning.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ Key factors to consider before buying abroad
✔ Tax implications & legal requirements
✔ Maintenance & property management tips
✔ Country spotlights: Spain, Greece, and Cyprus
Why Buy Property in Europe?
1. Lifestyle & Climate
From Spain’s sunny Costa del Sol to Greece’s idyllic islands and Cyprus’s tranquil beaches, Europe offers diverse, high-quality living environments perfect for retirees, expats, and investors.
2. Strong Rental & Resale Market
Tourist hotspots like Barcelona, Mykonos, and Limassol provide excellent rental income, while long-term demand keeps property values stable.
3. Golden Visa & Residency Programs
Many European countries offer residency-by-investment schemes, including:
- Spain – €500,000+ investment grants residency
- Greece – €250,000+ investment (one of the cheapest in EU)
- Cyprus – €300,000+ (with potential EU passport after 5-7 years)
4. Tax Benefits
- Spain: Non-residents pay flat 19% tax on rental income (vs. 24% for residents).
- Greece: 7% flat tax for pensioners, no inheritance tax for direct heirs.
- Cyprus: No capital gains tax if held for 5+ years, low corporate taxes.
What You Need to Consider Before Buying
1. Legal & Registration Process
Each country has different rules:
- Spain: Requires NIE (tax number), notary signing, and property registry.
- Greece: Non-EU buyers need a Greek tax number (AFM) and may need a lawyer.
- Cyprus: Title deeds must be checked for any disputes.
2. Taxes & Fees
Expect 3-10% in purchase costs (varies by country):
| Country | Transfer Tax | Annual Tax | Capital Gains |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 6-10% | 0.4-1.1% | 19% (non-residents) |
| Greece | 3.09% | 0.1-0.7% | 15% (after 5 yrs) |
| Cyprus | Up to 8% | 0.1-0.2% | 0% (after 5 yrs) |
3. Financing & Mortgages
- EU buyers can get local mortgages (rates ~2-4%).
- Non-EU buyers may need cash or international financing.
4. Property Management & Maintenance
- Hire a local agency for rentals, repairs, and legal compliance.
- Spain & Greece have strong Airbnb markets (10-15% ROI possible).
- Cyprus offers high-end luxury rentals (8-12% yields).
Country Spotlights: Spain, Greece, Cyprus
🇪🇸 Spain – Best for Lifestyle & High ROI
✔ Popular areas: Costa del Sol, Barcelona, Valencia
✔ Golden Visa: €500k+ (residency in 2 months)
✔ Tax perk: Non-residents pay no wealth tax
🇬🇷 Greece – Best for Affordability & Golden Visa
✔ Top spots: Santorini, Mykonos, Athens
✔ Golden Visa: €250k (cheapest in EU)
✔ Tax perk: 7% flat tax for retirees
🇨🇾 Cyprus – Best for Tax Efficiency & EU Passport
✔ Luxury hubs: Limassol, Paphos
✔ Residency: €300k+ (EU passport in 5-7 years)
✔ Tax perk: No capital gains after 5 years
How to Make Your Investment Stress-Free
Buying abroad can be complex, but with the right support, you can:
✅ Avoid legal pitfalls
✅ Maximize tax efficiency
✅ Ensure hassle-free management
At Hunt Property, we specialize in helping investors find, purchase, and manage overseas properties—with exclusive perks like our Free Yacht Ownership Program for select buyers!
Ready to Buy Your Dream European Property?
Don’t navigate the process alone—let our experts guide you!
Contact Hunt Property today for a free consultation.