Purchase costs hit at the very beginning. Across different markets, these may cover stamp duty, notary fees, land registry charges, lawyer's fees and broker fees. As a working assumption, reserve a meaningful percentage on top of the price, and verify the actual local figures.

Annual hurghada property for sale taxes apply every year afterwards. The rates differ enormously, and a number of markets apply higher rates to non-residents. Where the property sits empty apartments for sale in sanur much of the year, vacancy taxes may apply.

Community fees are often overlooked. A unit in a complex with a swimming pool, a lift and shared parking comes with monthly costs that keep coming regardless of occupancy. Obtain the building's financial records prior to purchase, and enquire about any planned major works.

Remote ownership adds its own cost line. A caretaker has to be available for emergencies, receive mail and official notices, and organise routine maintenance. A management company normally charges a percentage of the rent, and managing remotely alone often becomes costly in the long run.

Insurance, utilities and eventual selling costs finish the budget. The tax due on a future sale often applies when a non-resident sells, and the resident rate is not always the one that applies. A good discipline is to build a five-year cost model before you commit — the total tends to exceed what the buyer imagined.