Where is it easiest for foreigners to buy property in Europe?
Buying in any country that is not your own means navigating an unfamiliar system and possibly a language barrier.
That being said, you will not be the first to find it easier than buying in England, a process beset by conveyancing logjams and time delays in 2026.
But which places in Europe offer the easiest route to home ownership?
Well, it rather depends on how you define ‘easy’. Let’s assume here that easy does not simply mean ‘cheap’.
It might mean a lack of restrictions for foreigners. A simpler conveyancing system? Or a quicker process? Another consideration might be how well-established the market is for foreign buyers.
A final thought is that ‘easy’ might not always be entirely positive. Easy also has to mean safe, with checks and balances.
Here we look at some of your favourite countries to buy in and how easy the process might be.
How easy is it for foreigners to buy property in Spain?
With no restrictions on foreign ownership, no limits on the number of properties you can buy, and a 50-year-old industry of selling to thousands of overseas buyers, Spain is hard to beat. There are many cash buyers of modern properties who report that the conveyancing process can take as little as 6-8 weeks.
There are many English-speaking estate agents and lawyers in Spain. It is not hard to find properties for sale in Spain, as there are big portals that list homes alongside local agents. Getting a tax number (NIE) is not hard either.
But you must do it right. Use an independent lawyer. Spain does not have a national licensing system, but autonomous regions like Valencia and Andalusia require estate agents to register on a regional database.
Things can get more complicated if you are buying a rural or historic property, especially one that might have been extended. Note that you cannot use real estate to obtain residency rights in the country.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BUYING PROPERTY IN SPAIN
How easy is it for foreigners to buy property in Portugal?
Similarly to Spain, there are no restrictions and no limits in Portugal. Across the Algarve, there are well-established agents and many speak English. Getting a tax number (NIF) can be arranged in a day.
Real estate companies must hold a valid AMI (Associação de Mediadores Imobiliários) licence. Ask agents for their registration number, which you can check on the IMPIC portal.
The purchase process is simple and safe. Cash purchases can take 5-8 weeks, but as with Spain, those involving a mortgage will take longer, and three months is not out of the question.
Buying a residential property will no longer give you residency rights through a Golden Visa, so you must invest or donate money through a qualifying route to do this, or apply for a visa.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BUYING PROPERTY IN PORTUGAL
How easy is it for foreigners to buy property in France?
Straightforward and gazumping-proof, the French buying system is often lauded for how safe it is.
When you put a property on the market in France, you have to ensure it comes with diagnostic surveys (Dossier de Diagnostic Technique), including electrical wiring checks, so this can reduce the need for extra queries.
The French love their paperwork, so it is quite bureaucratic, and the downside is that it can take longer than in Spain, around two to four months. You get given your French tax number after the purchase.
Unlike its neighbour Switzerland, there are no restrictions on foreigners buying property, but France also does not offer any residency rights simply by buying a home there.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BUYING PROPERTY IN FRANCE
How easy is it for foreigners to buy property in Cyprus?
English-speaking, with a legal system based on common law, Cypriot conveyancing is, anecdotally, quicker and easier than in Greece. Note that we are referring to the Republic of Cyprus, not Northern Cyprus.
It is possible to get residency rights if you purchase a qualifying property, such as a new-build home for at least €300,000 + VAT, but ensure you know the income requirements too.
Non-EU buyers do have to get permission to buy, but this is largely a formality, although it adds extra time. They are also limited to buying two properties.
Always use a lawyer. You will need a tax number (TIN) to complete the purchase.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BUYING PROPERTY IN CYPRUS
Which European countries are more difficult for foreigners to buy property in?
Switzerland, Austria (for non-EU buyers) and Luxembourg can be more complicated for foreign property buyers, with additional restrictions and requirements to navigate.
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