
Buying a house abroad is a romantic dream, but the reality is a complex cross-border legal transaction that can put a lot of people off from fulfilling their dream. In 2026, with shifting global tax laws and volatile exchange rates, “doing your homework” is no longer optional; it’s the difference between a dream home and a financial nightmare.
Here is the essential guide to what you need to know before signing a contract on foreign soil.
The “Hidden” 15%
Most first-time international buyers focus on the sticker price, which is basically what you see in black and white on the listing. Underneath is a hidden iceberg of costs that you didn’t know was going to appear. Like with any huge financial commitment, you should budget in an additional 10% to 15% of the purchase price just to cover the cost of fees.
Depending on where you are buying, the fees will be different, but could include stamp duty, which varies depending on where you are buying, but can range from 1% to 10% and other fees such as translation cost and estate agent cost, which can, in some cases, equate to more than 15% of the property value altogether.
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