Buying Real Estate as a Non-Resident (2025): Rules and Practical Steps

Non-residents can buy property abroad, but the process often includes extra checks. This guide explains what to expect, how financing works, which documents to prepare, and how to structure a safe deal with clear payment proof.

Quick points

Expect tighter financing rules, possible limits on ownership types, and a bigger document pack. With early preparation and clean payments, most hurdles are manageable.

Key differences for non-resident buyers

Step-by-step preparation

1) Define your buyer profile. Clarify purpose (living, investing, mixed use), tax residency, and source of funds (savings, asset sale, dividends).

2) Build your document pack. Passport, proof of address, tax ID, income/asset evidence, recent bank statements, and a short source-of-funds narrative. Add certified translations where required.

3) Check ownership rules early. Freehold may be open, but certain zones allow only leasehold or require permits. Confirm before paying a deposit.

4) Explore financing. If you need a mortgage, expect higher equity and more questions. Consider pre-approval timelines and rate types (fixed/variable).

5) Set a safe payment method. Use escrow where available, or a direct transfer with contract safeguards and strong proof (e.g., MT103). If you want structured support around documents, timelines, and vendor coordination, read more about our real estate advisory services.

Typical costs for non-residents

Deal documents — keep this pack ready

Offer letter; reservation/preliminary agreement; final contract/deed; recent title extract or deed reference; cadastral/plan; seller’s authority to sell; condo/HOA by-laws (if any); completion statement/invoice; bank evidence for transfers (e.g., MT103).

How to make payments safer

Mirror escrow controls in the contract if paying direct: tie each payment to a document you will receive (deed, keys, clearance). Match your wire narrative to the contract or invoice, and keep MT103 copies. For guidance on safe routing and traceable payments, see more about secure cross-border payment support.

Two expert notes

“If you are a non-resident, assume the bank will ask for double the documents — prepare early.” — Noah, Mortgage Specialist, VelesClub Int.

“Ownership may be open in law but limited in practice — verify with the registry extract, not only with the seller.” — Elena, Senior Real Estate Advisor, VelesClub Int.

Common mistakes (and easy fixes)

Expecting resident-level mortgage terms → plan more equity or be ready to negotiate on price and timing.

Skipping permit checks → confirm zone rules and approvals before the deposit.

Late KYC/SoF pack → build it before viewings to avoid banking delays.

One-shot payment without proof → use stages or keep a final tranche; always keep bank evidence.

FAQ

Can non-residents own freehold? Sometimes yes, sometimes leasehold only. Always check the zone and property class.

Do non-residents pay more tax? Often yes at purchase, and rental income may have withholding.

Can I get a mortgage? Possible, but with higher equity, fewer bank options, and stricter checks.

Which documents are essential? Passport, address proof, tax ID, bank statements, income proof, and a short source-of-funds story, with translations where required.

Next steps

If you want an end-to-end process — from rules and financing to documents and closing — learn more about our services. VelesClub Int. supports buyers with compliant payments, due diligence, and coordinated closings worldwide.