Buying dream home abroad can easily turn into a nightmare when you are working to a fixed deadline. Timescales to complete the transaction can be broader in Southern Europe and the financial and legal aspects of the operation can bring unexpected complexity. However, there are ways to streamline the process and secure the property faster, here we share five tips:
1. Have your finances and documents ready
Before you even start your property search, the best advice is to prepare your finances and the elementary paperwork in advance. One key step is obtaining the relevant tax identification number: the Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) in Spain, the Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF) in Portugal, or the Italian tax code (codice fiscale).
These numbers are required for all property, tax, and banking transactions in their respective countries. In Portugal if you are a non-EU/EEA resident. In Italy is the same, as you need to get an Italian tax code that is required for any financial transaction, including the purchase of a property. Processing times can lengthen significantly during peak periods, so it is wise to begin this step as early as possible.
2. Find a professional
Buying your dream home may sound like an exciting prospect, but it is often more challenging and time‑consuming than many buyers expect. You must navigate unfamiliar regulations, local market practices, and often a different language. Working with a real estate professional can significantly streamline the process, helping you navigate paperwork, negotiations, legal requirements and even cultural nuances with confidence.
An experienced professional not only saves time, also helps ensure that the property is fairly priced by assessing its true market value and condition, protecting you from overpaying and supporting a well‑informed investment decision. This advice enables you to focus on making the right decision and enjoying the journey toward your new home.
3. Prioritise properties with a clear legal status
The process often involves delays when there are any unresolved legal or regulatory issues related to the property. Before making any payment, it is crucial to obtain official documents confirming ownership of the property and verifying the absence of mortgages, liens or hidden charges. Also, when the purchase depends on getting any kind of permission or authorisation, it is recommendable to get the advice of an independent expert, because this situation is expected to prolong the process.
4. Secure exchange rate
When you are acquiring a property in euros and your savings or income is in another currency, it is key to consider currency exchange. The financial impact of securing a competitive exchange rate or the exposure to fluctuations between the moment you close the purchase until the moment you make the payment can be far greater than most buyers expected.
Planning ahead can save money and reduce uncertainty. Consult specialist providers, assess exchange rates and consider the possibility of solutions like forward contracts when there is a significant time difference between the decision and the payment. For international buyers, idealista’s currency exchange service helps you transfer funds safely and efficiently—so more of your money goes toward your new home. Find out how it works.
5. Align expectations with reality
Even when you manage to complete all the required paperwork in time, it is highly probably that securing your dream home abroad will take longer than expected. Purchasing abroad brings layers of bureaucracy, unexpected delays and other kinds of dynamics beyond your control. Recognising this possibility from the beginning —and pairing that awareness with swift action and the support of experienced professionals—can make the entire process far smoother. It’s the most effective way to stay grounded, diminish stress, and avoid the frustration that sometimes accompanies cross‑border property transactions.
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