Best Places to Buy Property Abroad
Looking for the best European destinations? We compare France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece and Cyprus as the best places to buy property abroad — prices, legal steps, and lifestyle for UK buyers.
You have decided to invest in a home overseas. The question now is not if — it is where. Six European countries consistently top UK buyers' shortlists: France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Cyprus. Each offers a different balance of price, legal simplicity, and lifestyle.
This guide compares the best places to buy property abroad, country by country. We cover what you will actually pay, how the buying process works, and what daily life really looks like. If you need the full step-by-step process first, read How to Buy Property Abroad — then come back here to choose your destination.
France — Rural Charm with a Rock-Solid Legal System
Property prices
France offers Europe's widest price range. You can buy a renovable stone farmhouse in Creuse or the Dordogne for €50,000–€80,000. A three-bed village house in Nouvelle-Aquitaine runs €120,000–€200,000. At the top end, Provence and the Côte d'Azur start at €300,000 for a small apartment and climb past €1 million. The sweet spot for cheap property to buy abroad is the Creuse or the Lot — undercut by the market but within two hours of airports with budget-flight connections.
Legal considerations
France uses a notaire system — a public official who represents both buyer and seller. Legal fees are fixed by law at roughly 7–8% for resale properties. The compromis de vente includes a mandatory seven-day cooling-off period. You will need a French bank account, and for a mortgage to buy property abroad, French lenders typically expect a 20–25% deposit from non-residents.
Lifestyle highlights
World-class food and wine, excellent healthcare (ranked best in Europe by the WHO), and TGV connections to Paris in under three hours. Cost of living outside the Riviera is 20–30% lower than the UK.
Spain — The UK's Favourite Destination
Property prices
Spain remains the most popular choice for UK buyers seeking property to buy abroad. On the Costa Blanca, a two-bed apartment near the beach starts at €90,000–€130,000. The Costa del Sol is pricier — Marbella averages €3,000–€5,000 per square metre. Inland Andalucía offers better value: a three-bed village house near Ronda costs €70,000–€120,000. The Balearics start at €200,000 for a small apartment. The coastal stretches between Alicante and Valencia offer the best balance of price and rental yield.
Legal considerations
No restrictions on foreign buyers. You will need an NIE tax identification number — your solicitor arranges this. Budget 10–12% of the purchase price for taxes and fees. The arras contract means your deposit (typically 10%) is legally binding — pulling out costs you the full amount. Always use a local English-speaking abogado.
Lifestyle highlights
Over 300 days of sunshine per year on the coast, the lowest cost of living among Western European destinations, and the largest British expat community in Europe. Spain also has the strongest short-term rental market in southern Europe.
Portugal — Safety, Tax Perks, and Atlantic Beauty
Property prices
The Algarve averages €2,500–€4,000 per square metre for a good-condition apartment. Lisbon city centre is more expensive at €4,000–€6,500/m². The Silver Coast offers three-bed villas from €150,000–€250,000. Northern Portugal is the cheapest region, with renovated stone houses from €80,000. This makes Portugal a strong contender for cheap property to buy abroad without compromising on safety or infrastructure.
Legal considerations
You need a NIF (tax number) — straightforward through a Portuguese solicitor. Buying costs run 6–10% on top of the purchase price. Portugal's Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime offers benefits worth checking with a tax adviser. For a mortgage to buy property abroad, Portuguese banks typically lend 60–70% LTV to UK non-residents.
Lifestyle highlights
Consistently ranked one of the safest countries in the world (Global Peace Index top five). Over 60% of Portuguese speak English. Cost of living roughly 35% lower than London. World-class surfing and seafood.
Italy — La Dolce Vita on a Budget
Property prices
Italy's market is deeply regional. Tuscany and Lake Como run €3,000–€6,000/m². Puglia is the best value in the south: a trullo or masseria needing light renovation starts at €60,000–€100,000. Le Marche, Umbria, and Abruzzo offer stone farmhouses for €50,000–€120,000 — some of the best cheap property to buy abroad in Europe. Sicily is cheaper still: town apartments in Palermo from under €40,000. Italy also runs a €1 home scheme in towns like Mussomeli — pay €1 but commit to renovating, typically costing €20,000–€50,000.
Legal considerations
You need a codice fiscale (tax code). No restrictions on foreign buyers. Legal costs run around 3–5%. Always verify the visura catastale (land registry certificate) to confirm clean ownership. Build a 10–15% contingency for bureaucracy.
Lifestyle highlights
Italy offers the best food in Europe, a slower pace of life, and extraordinary cultural density. Public healthcare is available to residents. The administrative process can test your patience, but the lifestyle payoff is second to none.
Greece — Island Living at Entry-Level Prices
Property prices
Greece is one of the most affordable Mediterranean destinations. The Ionian Islands (Corfu, Zakynthos) are popular with British buyers — a two-bed stone house needing cosmetic work starts at €80,000–€120,000. The Peloponnese offers even better value: three-bed village houses from €50,000–€90,000. Crete balances affordability with amenities — sea-view apartments near Chania cost €100,000–€180,000. For the cheapest property to buy abroad in Greece, look at the northern mainland or Evia, where prices have not yet caught up with demand.
Legal considerations
UK buyers can purchase freely. You need an AFM (tax registration number) and a Greek bank account. Legal fees run 1–2% plus VAT. Property transfer tax is roughly 3.09%. Always conduct a full title search — some island properties have complex ownership histories. A local English-speaking lawyer is essential.
Lifestyle highlights
Over 250 sunny days per year, the Mediterranean diet (the world's healthiest), and a genuinely relaxed pace of life. Greek healthcare (ESY) provides free or low-cost care to residents. Cost of living is 20–25% lower than the UK, and you can swim nine months of the year.
Cyprus — Tax Efficiency, English Law, and Year-Round Sun
Property prices
Cyprus offers competitive pricing. In Paphos and Larnaca, a two-bed apartment near the sea costs €110,000–€170,000. Limassol is pricier at €3,000–€5,000/m² due to corporate demand. A three-bed villa with a pool in Paphos starts at €180,000–€250,000. For cheap property to buy abroad on the island, look at the Famagusta district where prices sit 15–20% below Paphos for similar stock.
Legal considerations
Cyprus operates under English common law — your UK solicitor can often work with a local counterpart without translation issues. Property transfer fees are 3–8% (reduced by 50% until end of 2026). VAT on new builds is 19%, reduced to 5% for a first home up to 190 m². For a mortgage to buy property abroad, Cypriot banks offer 60–70% LTV. Always check for a separate title deed.
Lifestyle highlights
The lowest corporate and personal tax rates in the EU (corporate: 12.5%). English is an official language. Flying time from London is just 4.5 hours — the shortest journey of any full Mediterranean destination. Over 340 days of sunshine per year.
Quick Comparison
| Country | Typical budget (2-bed) | Buying costs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | €80,000–€250,000 | 7–8% | Rural lifestyle, food & wine |
| Spain | €90,000–€200,000 | 10–12% | Expat community, rental income |
| Portugal | €80,000–€250,000 | 6–10% | Safety, tax perks, surfing |
| Italy | €50,000–€150,000 | 3–5% | Budget value, culture, food |
| Greece | €80,000–€180,000 | ~4–6% | Island life, affordable coast |
| Cyprus | €110,000–€250,000 | 3–8% | Tax efficiency, English law |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country is the cheapest for UK buyers to buy property abroad?
Italy offers the lowest entry prices if you are willing to renovate — stone farmhouses in Abruzzo or Sicily from €40,000–€60,000. Greece runs a close second with village properties from €50,000. For a turnkey property, Portugal's Silver Coast and inland Spain offer the best value for money.
If I need a mortgage to buy property abroad, what are typical terms?
Non-resident lending is available in all six countries. Typical terms: 60–70% LTV, 2–5% interest rates, and a 15–25 year term. French and Spanish banks are the most accustomed to lending to UK buyers.
Can UK citizens still buy property in the EU after Brexit?
Yes. UK citizens face no ownership restrictions in any of these countries. You may need a tax identification number (NIE in Spain, NIF in Portugal, codice fiscale in Italy, AFM in Greece) and a local bank account. Your solicitor handles this.
Which country has the strongest rental yield for UK buyers?
Spain and Portugal offer the strongest short-term rental yields (4–6% gross in tourist areas). Cyprus offers 4–5%. Greece is catching up at 3.5–5%. France and Italy typically offer 2–4% unless you are in a high-tourism area.
How does tax work if I rent out my overseas property?
You pay tax in the country where the property is located. The UK has double-taxation treaties with all six countries, so you claim credit on your UK return for tax paid abroad. Cyprus's low corporate rate and Portugal's NHR regime are worth discussing with a cross-border tax adviser.
Ready to Find Your Property?
Every country on this list offers something different. The best places to buy property abroad are the ones that match your personal priorities — budget, legal simplicity, lifestyle, and long-term plans all matter.
Once you have narrowed your search, explore verified property listings across all six countries on BixBuz.co.uk. Browse by country, compare prices side by side, and connect directly with sellers and agents. Your next move abroad starts here.