At first, the idea of buying a home abroad felt like a dream—until I ran into legal paperwork I couldn’t read and rules no one warned me about. This is how my first property purchase unfolded in 2025.
What It’s Really Like to Buy Property Abroad as an Expat (2025 Story)
Table of Contents
- Why I Decided to Buy Property Abroad
- Unexpected Hurdles Along the Way
- What Actually Helped Me Navigate It
- Key Takeaways for First-Time Buyers
- FAQ
Why I Decided to Buy Property Abroad
I was tired of short-term rentals and rising rents in Lisbon. I wanted a place that felt stable—a home base. Buying seemed smarter long-term, especially as property values were rising and visa rules rewarded ownership.
Unexpected Hurdles Along the Way
Here’s what I didn’t expect:
- My bank rejected the international wire because it "looked suspicious." Twice.
- The property agent didn’t speak English well—and I misread part of the contract.
- Property taxes weren’t due at closing—they arrived months later, with penalties.
It wasn’t a disaster, but it was definitely not plug-and-play.
What Actually Helped Me Navigate It
A local bilingual lawyer saved me. They reviewed contracts, translated clauses, and warned me about utility registration tricks. I also joined an expat buyer group on Facebook that shared good agents, neighborhoods, and negotiation tips.
Key Takeaways for First-Time Buyers
- Always use a lawyer: Especially when it’s not your native language.
- Get clear on hidden costs: Taxes, registration fees, and currency fees add up.
- Don't trust only the agent: They work for the seller. Hire your own team.
- Negotiate more than you think: Many asking prices are inflated for foreigners.
Buying abroad can work—but it demands more patience, research, and trusted help than I expected.
FAQ
Can I buy as a tourist?
In many countries, yes. But it may not qualify you for residency, and you’ll pay more taxes without local status.
Is financing available for expats?
Rarely. Most expats pay cash or finance through banks in their home country.
If you’re considering buying a home abroad, go in prepared. It’s worth it—but only if you build the right team and expect things to be... different.
