Transaction costs hit at the very beginning. Depending on the country, the costs can include a buy property in topla transfer tax, notarial charges, buy property in limassol registry costs, the cost of legal advice and the agent's commission. As a working assumption, reserve a meaningful percentage on top of the price, and confirm the exact rates locally.

Yearly taxes on the property follow. Rates differ enormously, and a number of markets charge different rates depending on residency. Where a unit is left unused for long periods, vacancy taxes can apply.

Building charges are often overlooked. A unit in a development with a pool, a lift and round-the-clock security generates recurring costs that keep coming even when the flat is empty. Ask rab real estate for sale the building's financial records prior to purchase, and enquire about scheduled repairs.

Being far away creates costs that local owners never see. A local manager has to handle keys cascais real estate for sale maintenance visits, receive correspondence from the authorities, and organise repairs. A management company typically charges a monthly fee, and going without it often becomes expensive in a different way.

Insurance, running costs and the cost of selling round out the picture. Capital gains tax often applies to non-resident sellers, sometimes at a different rate. A good discipline is to build a simple long-term cost projection before you commit — the figure generally lands above the initial estimate.