How it works
From the first call to the keys in your hand. For every step you will find what is up to you, what we take care of, how long it usually takes and whether anything is paid.
Step 1
No-obligation consultation
What you do
You tell us your budget, the purpose of the purchase (investment or your own use) and the countries you are interested in. Nothing is signed.
What we do
We go through the options country by country, point out the differences in procedure and costs, and narrow down the brief.
- Typical timing
- 30–60 minutes, usually within a few days of your first message
- Is anything paid at this step?
- No — the consultation is free.
Step 2
A shortlist made for you
What you do
You go through the shortlist and tell us what fits and what does not. The brief can be changed at any time.
What we do
We select specific properties to match the brief and send a PDF with prices, layouts, payment terms and completion dates.
- Typical timing
- Usually 2–5 working days
- Is anything paid at this step?
- No.
Step 3
Viewing
What you do
You choose between an online viewing (video tour and a call with the agent) and an in-person visit. If you travel, you cover your flights and accommodation.
What we do
We arrange the appointment with the developer, accompany you and interpret. We also show the surroundings — how far the beach, the shops and the airport are.
- Typical timing
- Online within days; a trip on site usually 2–4 days
- Is anything paid at this step?
- We charge nothing for the viewing; on an in-person visit you pay your travel costs.
Step 4
Reservation
What you do
You sign the reservation agreement and pay the reservation fee. Read the conditions under which it is refundable — they differ from project to project.
What we do
We negotiate the price and the payment schedule, arrange the reservation agreement and translate it. The property is taken off the market.
- Typical timing
- 1–3 days
- Is anything paid at this step?
- Yes — a reservation fee to the seller, normally credited against the purchase price.
Step 5
Legal checks
What you do
We recommend appointing an independent lawyer in the country concerned. We are happy to suggest several contacts; the choice is yours.
What we do
We collect the developer's documents — title to the land, building permits, the record of completed projects — and pass them to your lawyer. We translate the contract so that you understand what you are signing.
- Typical timing
- 1–3 weeks depending on the country and the project
- Is anything paid at this step?
- Yes — your lawyer's fee, if you appoint one (paid directly to them).
Step 6
Purchase contract and payments
What you do
You sign the purchase contract and pay according to the agreed schedule.
What we do
We check that the contract matches what was agreed and keep track of the instalment dates. We never take your money.
- Typical timing
- Signing 1 day; instalments depend on the project — on off-plan developments often 2–4 years
- Is anything paid at this step?
- Yes — the down payment on signing and the instalments that follow.
Always send money to the seller's account stated in the contract — never to an estate agency's account, including ours.
Step 7
Transfer of ownership
What you do
You provide identity documents and sign the necessary paperwork. In some countries the whole step can be done remotely under a power of attorney, signed before a notary at home.
What we do
We coordinate the registration with the developer, your lawyer and the local authority, and keep you informed.
- Typical timing
- From several weeks to several months, depending on the local authority
- Is anything paid at this step?
- Yes — administrative fees and transfer taxes, plus notary and translations where required.
Step 8
Handover and life after the purchase
What you do
You take over the property and decide whether to furnish it, rent it out or simply use it.
What we do
We are there at the handover, help with transferring the utilities and with furnishing, and connect you with a vetted rental manager.
- Typical timing
- Handover 1 day; furnishing usually 4–8 weeks
- Is anything paid at this step?
- Yes — utility transfers, and furnishing or management if you order them.
The procedure differs by country, developer and individual project, and the timings above are indicative. What binds is always the contract — we go through it with you before you sign anything.
Frequently asked questions
›Can a foreigner own property abroad?
In many countries yes, but the rules differ — in some places without restrictions, elsewhere only for certain types of property or in certain areas. For every project we tell you what applies to it, and we recommend having that confirmed by a local lawyer.
›Who pays the commission?
On the projects in our portfolio we are paid by the seller or the developer, so the price for you does not change. If anything different applied in a particular case, you would be told in advance and in writing, before any reservation.
›What if the developer does not deliver, or is late?
We work only with developers who have completed projects behind them, and we hand their documents to your lawyer for review. Beyond that, what you can claim for delay or non-delivery is set by the purchase contract and by the law of the country — which is why we insist the contract is reviewed before you sign it.
›What about taxes?
Taxes on purchase, ownership and rental are calculated differently in every country and also depend on where you are tax resident. We are not tax advisers and do not give binding opinions on this — we will point you to a tax adviser in the country and at home.
›Do I have to fly out there?
No. The viewing can be done online, and in many countries the purchase can be completed remotely under a power of attorney. We still recommend seeing the property in person, especially when it is already built.
›How long does the whole process take?
For a completed property, usually 1–3 months from the first consultation to the keys. For an off-plan project the purchase itself is just as quick, but the keys come once construction is finished — typically 1–4 years depending on the project.
Let us go through it for your case
The consultation is free and without obligation. Tell us your budget and the country you have in mind, and we will walk through the whole process on a specific project.