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My Proper Home

International buying

Overseas property

A holiday flat in Spain, a villa in Portugal, a stake in a New York condo — international listings coming to My Proper Home soon.

Buying outside the UK — what's different

  • Local taxes stack on top of UK Stamp Duty (no relief, you pay both). Spain: IVA + transfer tax (8–11%). Portugal: IMT + IS. France: notaire fees ~7%.
  • Currency risk — a 10% GBP swing wipes out years of capital gains. Most buyers use a forex broker rather than their bank.
  • Local solicitor mandatory — your UK conveyancer can't handle the foreign side. Find one who speaks English and is recommended by the relevant Law Society.
  • Inheritance rules can be very different — forced heirship in much of southern Europe means you can't freely will the property to whomever you choose.
  • Mortgages available, but usually 60–70% LTV and at higher rates than UK residential.

Markets we're looking at first

  • Spain (Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Balearic Islands)
  • Portugal (Algarve, Lisbon, Porto)
  • France (Provence, Côte d'Azur, ski stations)
  • Italy (Tuscany, Puglia, the lakes)
  • UAE (Dubai)

International agents wanting to list: email sales@myproperhome.com.