Country comparison
Timelines, taxes & key differences
Six popular destinations — click a country for details
ES
Spain
Most popular destination for European buyers
Tax
6–10%
ITP / IVA
Timeline
6–12
weeks
Buyer ID
NIE
required
0 wks
6 wks
12 wks
16 wks
Completed before a notary (escritura pública)
Registry: Registro de la Propiedad — up to 3 months
Contrato de arras — 10% deposit, double return if seller withdraws
TR
Turkey
Fast completion, citizenship programme
Tax
4%
Tapu harcı
Timeline
2–4
weeks
Buyer ID
Vergi №
tax number
0 wks
6 wks
12 wks
16 wks
Completed at the Land Registry (Tapu Müdürlüğü)
TAPU title deed issued same day
Purchases over $400,000 may qualify for citizenship
AE
UAE (Dubai)
0% income tax, fully digital process
DLD fee
4%
Dubai Land Dept
Timeline
1–3
weeks
Buyer ID
Passport
or Emirates ID
0 wks
6 wks
12 wks
16 wks
Fully digital process through Dubai Land Department
Freehold zones for foreigners: Downtown, Marina, Palm, etc.
Purchases over AED 750,000 qualify for a residence visa
GR
Greece
Golden Visa from €250,000
Tax
3.09%
FMA
Timeline
4–10
weeks
Buyer ID
AFM
tax number
0 wks
6 wks
12 wks
16 wks
Notarial completion + registration at Ktimatologio
Golden Visa: residence permit from €250,000
Mandatory checks in forestry and archaeological registries
FR
France
Strong buyer protection, cooling-off period
Tax
7–8%
Frais de notaire
Timeline
8–14
weeks
Buyer ID
Passport
no local ID needed
0 wks
6 wks
12 wks
16 wks
Notary manages the entire transaction (acte de vente)
10-day cooling-off period — buyer can withdraw penalty-free
Compromis de vente → 2–3 months to final signing
UK
UK (England & Wales)
Conveyancing system, no notary required
Stamp Duty
0–12%
SDLT, tiered
Timeline
8–16
weeks
Buyer ID
Passport
+ proof of address
0 wks
6 wks
12 wks
16 wks
Handled by solicitors (conveyancing) — no notary involved
Either party can withdraw before exchange — no penalty
After exchange of contracts, 10% deposit is binding
2% SDLT surcharge for non-UK residents
Timeline comparison
1–3 wks (UAE)
2–4 wks (Turkey)
4–10 wks (Greece)
6–12 wks (Spain)
8–14 wks (France)
8–16 wks (UK)