Buying Property as an EU Citizen in Europe: Conditions by Country (2025)
What are the conditions for EU nationals to buy property in the EU?
Disclaimer: I have prepared this overview with the best of my knowledge and conscience, but of course it is without guarantee! Be sure to consult a local professional before purchasing a property.
For non-EU citizens, check this list.
Austria 🇦🇹
EU Purchase: EU citizens can buy residential property in Austria with the same rights as locals (no special permits) .
Restrictions: Some regional rules limit holiday homes – certain provinces (e.g. Tyrol, Salzburg) restrict non-local buyers of second homes to curb vacation properties. Outside of these “second home” zones, there are no extra requirements for EU buyers.
Taxes: Moderate purchase costs (approx. 4.6% transfer/registration fees in total ) and low annual property taxes. Notary and registration are required, but standard.
Ease of Purchase: Easy. Process is straightforward for EU buyers, though buying a pure vacation chalet in alpine provinces can be Medium due to local second-home quotas.
Belgium 🇧🇪
EU Purchase: Yes – Belgium imposes no restrictions on EU (or other foreign) buyers . You have the same rights as a Belgian citizen when purchasing property.
Restrictions: None specific to EU citizens. Foreigners can freely buy homes or land. (Only note: Non-residents may face different tax treatment, but legally there are no buying barriers .)
Taxes: High transaction costs (registration duties range ~6–12.5%, plus notary fees) . These upfront purchase taxes are among the highest in Europe. Annual property taxes are moderate (based on rental value, varying by region).
Ease of Purchase: Easy. The legal process is simple and the market is open, but budget for the steep purchase fees.
Bulgaria 🇧🇬
EU Purchase: EU citizens can freely buy houses and apartments in Bulgaria. Since EU accession, EU buyers may own land for a “second home” (vacation property) or primary residence without needing a local company (a company setup was required in the past).
Restrictions: Agricultural and forest land are still restricted – to buy farmland, even EU citizens must meet certain conditions (e.g. register as a self-employed farmer in Bulgaria) . Non-EU foreigners generally cannot own land directly. It’s wise to do due diligence on title deeds, as older properties may have complex ownership history.
Taxes: Low taxes. Property transfer fees are about 2–3% (local transfer tax and notary fee), which is low by EU standards. Annual property taxes are very low (a nominal rate around 0.1–0.3% of the property’s tax value).
Ease of Purchase: Easy. Apart from farmland (which is difficult without special status), buying urban or resort properties is straightforward and low-cost for EU buyers.
Croatia 🇭🇷
EU Purchase: Yes – EU citizens have been able to buy property in Croatia on the same terms as locals . As of 2023, this includes all types of real estate (the last restrictions on agricultural land were lifted in mid-2023 ).
Restrictions: No special restrictions for EU buyers. (Non-EU foreigners still need a Ministry permission based on reciprocity, but this doesn’t apply to EU/EEA nationals .) There is no distinction between first and second home for EU buyers – you may purchase multiple properties freely.
Taxes: Low overall. Croatia has a 3% property transfer tax on purchases (one of the lowest rates) and no annual property tax on real estate . Owning property only incurs minimal local fees (e.g. garbage or utility fees).
Ease of Purchase: Easy. The market is open to EU citizens. With low taxes and no permit requirements, purchasing a coastal holiday apartment or a house in Croatia is relatively hassle-free.
Cyprus 🇨🇾
EU Purchase: EU citizens can freely buy property in Cyprus. After EU accession in 2004, prior limits were removed, and by 2009 EU/EEA buyers were treated as local residents . You can purchase as many properties as you wish in your name without needing any permit .
Restrictions: No restrictions for EU citizens. (Non-EU nationals still must seek permission from the Council of Ministers for each purchase , with limits on number of properties, but EU buyers are exempt from this.)
Legal Notes: Title deeds are important in Cyprus – ensure the property has its separate title deed to avoid delays. Otherwise, no legal hurdles unique to foreigners.
Taxes: Moderate taxes. Transfer fees apply on a sliding scale (around 3–8% depending on property value, or VAT 19% on new properties, but first-time buyers may get a VAT discount). Notably, Cyprus abolished annual property taxes in 2017, so ongoing costs are low (just minor municipality fees).
Ease of Purchase: Easy. The process is buyer-friendly for EU citizens. Just obtain a tax identification number locally and you can complete a purchase like a resident.
Czech Republic 🇨🇿
EU Purchase: EU citizens have full rights to buy any residential real estate in Czechia. All restrictions on foreign buyers were lifted after the 2004 EU accession (and by 2011 for non-EU as well). No permit or residency needed.
Restrictions: None for EU buyers – homes, apartments, and land (including building plots) can be purchased freely. (Note: Agricultural land is also generally available; earlier moratoria expired, and even non-EU buyers face no outright ban today.)
Taxes: Low taxes. The Czech Republic abolished its 4% property transfer tax in 2020 , so buyers pay no stamp duty on purchases. Only small notary and registration fees apply. Annual property taxes are very low (typically under €100 for an average home).
Ease of Purchase: Easy. Buying property is simple and inexpensive. The transaction is usually handled by a notary or lawyer, and EU nationals encounter no special hurdles.
Denmark 🇩🇰
EU Purchase: Conditional. Denmark has special rules: if you have not been a Danish resident for 5 years, you must obtain permission from the Ministry of Justice to buy property . However, EU citizens are exempt from needing a permit if they intend to use the property as their primary, year-round residence . In practice, this means an EU citizen moving to Denmark to live can buy a home without prior 5-year residency.
Restrictions: Strict for non-resident buyers. If an EU citizen just wants a holiday home and will not settle in Denmark, they still need to apply for permission. The default rule is “residency of 5+ years” in Denmark or an individual permit for foreigners . Holiday coastal cottages are particularly hard for any foreigner to buy unless you later become a resident.
Taxes: Moderate. Denmark’s purchase costs are low (a 0.6% deed registration fee plus a fixed fee) – so upfront costs are minor. But Denmark has relatively high annual property taxes (municipal land taxes around 1% of land value, and a national property value tax of 0.5–1% on the home’s value). Expect higher yearly taxes during ownership, offset by no big transfer tax.
Ease of Purchase: Medium. If you are relocating to Denmark and making the purchase your main home, the process is fairly smooth (easy). But for purely investment or vacation purposes, Denmark is Difficult – the legal barriers for non-resident EU buyers make such purchases complicated.
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Estonia 🇪🇪
EU Purchase: EU citizens can freely buy apartments, houses, and land in Estonia. There are no general prohibitions for EU/EEA buyers – they have the same property rights as Estonian citizens in most cases.
Restrictions: Practically none for EU citizens. The only restrictions on real estate apply to non-EEA foreigners in certain sensitive areas: for national security reasons, foreigners who are not from the EU/EEA cannot buy property on small strategic islands or near the Russian border without government permission . (These bans do not apply to EU citizens .) In urban areas and most of the country, EU buyers face no restrictions.
Taxes: Low. Estonia has no separate transfer tax; the buyer mainly pays a modest notary fee and state duty (often under 0.5–1% combined). Annual property taxes are negligible – Estonia charges tax on land value only, and one’s primary home plot is often exempt up to a certain size. Carrying costs are therefore minimal.
Ease of Purchase: Easy. The purchase process is efficient (Estonia’s e-governance means even property records are digital). EU buyers can invest or relocate without red tape, aside from standard notary formalities.
Finland 🇫🇮
EU Purchase: EU citizens may buy property in Finland without restriction – the same rights as Finns. Exception:the Åland Islands autonomous region. Åland requires local regional citizenship (right of domicile) to buy property, which effectively excludes outsiders, including other EU citizens . This is a special case under Finland’s EU accession terms.
Restrictions: Apart from Åland, no special restrictions. Finland did introduce a security law (2020) giving the State first right to buy property in strategic areas (e.g. near defense sites or borders) if a foreign (non-Finnish) buyer attempts to buy there . This can affect any buyer (even EU) in very rare cases. Otherwise, EU buyers can purchase freely, whether it’s a city apartment or lakeside cottage.
Taxes: Moderate. Transfer tax is 4% for houses (and 2% for apartments), which is a middling rate. There is no stamp duty beyond this. Annual property taxes are moderate as well – municipalities levy around 0.3–1% of the assessed value. Overall transaction costs and ongoing taxes in Finland fall in the mid-range for Europe.
Ease of Purchase: Easy. Process is transparent and equal for EU buyers. Just avoid the Åland region unless you plan to obtain the special domicile status.
France 🇫🇷
EU Purchase: Yes – EU citizens can buy property in France freely (France places no restrictions on foreign buyers, EU or not). You have full rights to purchase residences, vacation homes, or investment properties.
Restrictions: None specific to nationality. The French property market is open – even non-EU citizens face no ownership barriers. (As always, buyers should ensure the property has proper planning permissions, but that’s a general diligence point.)
Taxes: Moderate. France’s closing costs are moderate-high: expect roughly 7–8% on top of the price for older properties (this includes a transfer tax of ~5.8% and notary fees). New-build properties carry 20% VAT instead but lower registration duty. Annual property taxes (taxe foncière) are also moderate, varying by commune (often 0.1–0.3% of property value). Overall, purchase fees are notable but annual costs are reasonable.
Ease of Purchase: Easy. No legal obstacles for EU buyers – France’s process is well-regulated. Use a notary for closing and you can comfortably purchase anything from a Paris flat to a rural cottage.
Germany 🇩🇪
EU Purchase: EU citizens can freely purchase real estate in Germany. Germany imposes no ownership restrictions based on citizenship – foreign buyers enjoy the same rights as Germans.
Restrictions: None. All types of property (homes, condos, land) are open to EU buyers without any permits. Financing is also available (though non-residents might face extra checks from banks).
Taxes: Moderate (trending high in some states). Property transfer tax (Grunderwerbsteuer) ranges from 3.5% to 6.5% of the price, depending on the state . Plus ~1.5% for notary and registration. So buying costs can total ~5–8%. Annual property taxes are low – Germany’s annual land tax (Grundsteuer) is a small fraction of property value (often €200–€800/year for typical homes), though a reform is updating valuations.
Ease of Purchase: Easy. An EU citizen faces no extra steps beyond the standard sale contract notarization. The main “hurdle” is the closing cost, but legally it’s a very straightforward acquisition.
Greece 🇬🇷
EU Purchase: EU citizens can buy property in Greece without any restrictions . You are treated the same as a Greek citizen when acquiring real estate, whether it’s a home in Athens or a holiday villa on an island.
Restrictions: No special restrictions for EU buyers. (Non-EU buyers note: Greece restricts purchases in certain border regions and on some islands near Turkey for national security, but these limitations do not apply to EU/EEA citizens .) Standard caution for all buyers: in rural or island areas, ensure there are no outstanding claims or illegal constructions on the property – a local lawyer can verify this.
Taxes: Moderate. Transfer tax is 3% on the property’s assessed value (for most resale properties), which is relatively low. New construction is subject to 24% VAT, but Greece has periodically suspended this VAT for new home sales to boost development (check current status). Annual property ownership tax (ENFIA) is also moderate – often 0.1–0.3% of market value for typical homes . Transaction costs (notary, registration) add a few percent.
Ease of Purchase: Easy. Greece welcomes EU buyers and even offers “Golden Visas” for large investments (though not needed for EU citizens). As long as you perform due diligence (hire a lawyer/notary to check titles), buying a Greek property is uncomplicated for EU nationals.
Hungary 🇭🇺
EU Purchase: EU citizens (and EEA/Swiss) do not need any permit to buy residential property in Hungary . You have the same property rights as a local Hungarian for houses or apartments.
Restrictions: No general restrictions on urban real estate for EU buyers. Agricultural land is excluded – neither foreigners nor even Hungarian urbanites can easily buy farmland due to strict local laws. (Farmland purchases require Hungarian residency and farming qualifications, effectively barring foreign hobby buyers.) Outside of farmland, non-EU citizens must apply for a purchase permit from local authorities , but EU citizens are explicitly exempt from that requirement .
Taxes: Moderate. The purchase tax (stamp duty) is 4% of the property value. There are some reductions for first-time buyers or lower-value homes, but generally 4% applies. Other closing costs are low. Annual property taxes are minimal; only some municipalities levy a small yearly tax on property, and many properties have none.
Ease of Purchase: Easy. For EU buyers, Hungary’s only bureaucracy (the foreign purchase permit) is waived. Transactions go through a notary or lawyer. Aside from the language barrier (contracts will be in Hungarian), the process is straightforward for EU nationals.
Ireland 🇮🇪
EU Purchase: EU citizens can buy property in Ireland with no restrictions – Ireland places no limits on foreign buyers . (In fact, Ireland generally allows anyone, EU or not, to purchase real estate freely.)
Restrictions: None. There are no legal barriers or special conditions for EU citizens. The market is open and operated on a willing-buyer, willing-seller basis. (Do note, owning Irish property does not automatically grant residency – but as an EU citizen, you don’t need any visa to live in Ireland anyway.)
Taxes: Moderate. Stamp duty is 1% on residential purchases up to €1 million (2% on any value above that), which is relatively low. VAT doesn’t apply to used homes (13.5% VAT applies only on new builds, typically already in the price). Annual property tax is modest: the Local Property Tax is banded by home value (around 0.18% of market value for most homes). Overall, transaction costs and holding costs are not excessive.
Ease of Purchase: Easy. Ireland’s buying process is very foreigner-friendly – EU buyers face zero extra requirements. Just engage a solicitor for conveyancing and you can complete the sale without fuss.
Italy 🇮🇹
EU Purchase: EU citizens can freely purchase property in Italy. There are no special permits needed – Italy fully upholds the EU principle of non-discrimination in property ownership.
Restrictions: None for EU nationals. (Italy’s only restriction is a reciprocity rule for non-EU foreigners – if an Italian can’t buy in your country, then you can’t buy in Italy – but this does not affect EU citizens.) So whether it’s a city apartment, a rural farmhouse, or coastal villa, EU buyers have equal rights. Just be mindful of local planning rules in historic or rural areas.
Taxes: Moderate. For residents buying their first home in Italy, purchase taxes are low (2% of the cadastral value, which is often much lower than market price). For non-residents or second homes, the registration tax is 9% of cadastral value – usually this works out to roughly 2–5% of the actual price. Notary fees (~1–2%) also apply. Annual property taxes depend on use: your primary residence is typically exempt from the IMU tax (unless it’s a luxury category), while second homes incur an IMU of around 0.4–0.7% of value. Overall costs are middle-range.
Ease of Purchase: Easy. Italy has a well-established process for property deals. EU buyers have no extra hoops to jump through – just the normal procedure of a preliminary contract (contratto preliminare) and then closing with a notary. Hiring an English-speaking notary or solicitor can smooth out any language issues.
Latvia 🇱🇻
EU Purchase: EU citizens can purchase residential real estate in Latvia with no significant barriers. Homes and apartments within towns/cities are open to EU buyers just as to locals.
Restrictions: Minimal for residential property. The main restrictions in Latvia concern agricultural land and forests: to buy farm/forest land, even EU citizens must meet criteria (such as prior farming experience or local residency) per Latvia’s land protection laws. These do not affect typical home purchases. In protected coastal dune zones or border areas, foreign buyers (including EU) might face some limitations on land acquisition , but development plots in designated areas are generally allowed. Regular houses, condos, and building plots present no special issues.
Taxes: Low-Moderate. Transfer duty is a flat 2% of the purchase price (capped at €50,000), which is quite low. Notary and registration fees are small. Annual property tax ranges ~0.2%–0.6% of the cadastral value (an assessed value often below market value). So holding costs are fairly low, though Riga and Jūrmala can have higher effective rates due to updated cadastral values.
Ease of Purchase: Easy. Standard procedure involves a notary and Land Book registration. EU buyers won’t need any permit. Unless you’re attempting to buy large tracts of rural land, you’ll find the process in Latvia straightforward and investor-friendly.
Lithuania 🇱🇹
EU Purchase: EU citizens can freely buy residential real estate in Lithuania. Since Lithuania joined the EU, EU/EEA buyers are treated the same as locals for purchasing apartments, houses, and plots.
Restrictions: Hardly any for residential properties. Similar to its Baltic neighbors, Lithuania restricts agricultural land purchases – buyers (including EU citizens) must qualify as farmers or have local residency if they want to purchase farmland. This is to protect local agriculture. Regular housing and urban land have no such requirements. One unique restriction: Russian citizens (non-EU) cannot buy property in Lithuania by law , but this obviously does not apply to EU nationals.
Taxes: Low. Lithuania does not levy a transfer tax on property purchases; buyers pay only notary fees and registration (together roughly 0.5%–1%). There is effectively no annual property tax on average homes – only luxury properties above ~€150k value are taxed at 0.5% (higher bands up to 2% for multi-million euro properties). For most homeowners, yearly tax is zero. This makes Lithuania one of the cheapest EU countries in terms of property tax burden.
Ease of Purchase: Easy. EU buyers can take title to property in Lithuania without any bureaucratic permission. Transactions are handled by a notary. The market is quite accessible and costs are low, making the purchase process uncomplicated.
Luxembourg 🇱🇺
EU Purchase: EU citizens may buy property in Luxembourg with no restrictions – Luxembourg imposes no nationality requirements on real estate ownership. (In fact, there are no foreign buyer limits; it’s an open market given the country’s international resident base.)
Restrictions: None for EU (or other) buyers. The challenge in Luxembourg is more about the competitive market and high prices rather than legal barriers. There are no permit requirements. Just note that buying in Luxembourg City can be very competitive due to limited supply.
Taxes: High purchase costs. Standard registration tax is 6% plus a 1% transcription tax (total ~7% of purchase price). In the City of Luxembourg, an additional 3% urban surtax applies, bringing the total to 10% for property in the capital . However, first-time buyers purchasing their primary residence get a hefty tax credit (“Bëllegen Akt” – up to €20k per person) that can significantly reduce or eliminate the registration tax. Annual property taxes are very low – a token municipal land tax that is usually under €100 per year for a house.
Ease of Purchase: Easy. Legally, it’s straightforward for EU buyers. The high upfront taxes and property prices make it financially demanding, but there are no extra steps based on nationality. A notary handles the conveyance, and the process is secure.
Malta 🇲🇹
EU Purchase: Partially free. Malta has some unique rules for foreign buyers. If an EU citizen has resided in Malta continuously for 5 years, they may purchase property with no restrictions (any number of properties) . If not a 5-year resident, an EU citizen can still buy one property in Malta to use as their primary residence without a permit . Buying additional properties (e.g. a second holiday home) when you haven’t lived 5 years in Malta requires a government permit under the AIP (Acquisition of Immovable Property) Act .
Restrictions: In summary, an EU citizen not long-term resident can buy one home for personal use freely, but needs an AIP permit for any second property . The AIP permit is usually granted if the property meets a minimum value and other conditions. These rules aim to prevent speculative multiple home purchases. (Note: Properties in designated Special Designated Areas – upscale developments – are exempt from these limits; anyone can buy multiple units there without a permit .)
Taxes: Moderate. Stamp duty is 5% on property purchases (for first-time buyers, discounted to 1.5% on the first €200k for a limited period). There are no annual property taxes in Malta – no council tax or ownership tax, which makes holding a property cheap. Overall transaction costs (including notary ~1%) are reasonable.
Ease of Purchase: Medium. Process-wise, Malta is used to foreign buyers, so it’s smooth with a good agent/lawyer. It’s “easy” if you only intend to buy one home to live in. But the rules make it medium for those looking to buy multiple investment or holiday properties – you’ll need extra permits unless you stick to Special Designated Areas.
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Netherlands 🇳🇱
EU Purchase: EU citizens can buy property in the Netherlands with no restrictions – the Dutch real estate market is fully open to EU (and other) buyers . There is equal treatment for locals and EU foreigners.
Restrictions: None based on citizenship. The Netherlands has been considering measures to curb housing speculation (e.g. some cities limit buy-to-let purchases or give priority to local residents for certain starter homes), but these apply to all buyers and are not nationality-based. For EU buyers generally, there are no legal barriers. Mortgage lenders may require an EU resident to have a BSN (citizen service number) and local bank account, but that’s procedural.
Taxes: Moderate. Transfer tax is 2% for those buying a home to live in . (If you’re age 18–35 and a first-time buyer under a certain price, this 2% can even be waived entirely.) However, if you buy a property and do notoccupy it (investment or second home), the transfer tax is 10.8% . Annual property taxes (ozb) are low (~0.1% of value) but there are other yearly user taxes (for water, waste, etc.). On the whole, a typical EU buyer purchasing a personal home faces low-moderate transaction costs and low annual taxes.
Ease of Purchase: Easy. The Netherlands has a transparent system (civil-law notaries handle the deed and escrow). EU citizens face no extra red tape, though competition for housing in major cities is high. The only caution is the higher tax if you aren’t going to occupy the home – budget accordingly if that’s the case.
Poland 🇵🇱
EU Purchase: EU citizens can freely buy apartments and houses in Poland without needing permission. Poland, after initial post-2004 transition periods, grants EU/EEA citizens the same property rights as Polish citizens for residential real estate.
Restrictions: Land and border zones. While an EU national can buy a freestanding house with its land or an apartment easily, there are still some limits: buying agricultural land or forests larger than 1 hectare requires a government permit (even for Poles) , as Poland has strict farmland protections. Also, any property in certain border areas may need Interior Ministry approval (rarely relevant for typical buyers). Non-EU foreigners must get a permit to buy any land or house with land in Poland , but EU citizens are exempt from that requirement. In short: normal homes and urban properties are unrestricted for EU buyers; only large plots/agricultural estates are off-limits unless you become a local farmer.
Taxes: Low. The property transfer tax is 2% (on secondary market purchases), and notary fees are about 0.5–1%. If you buy a new property from a developer, it’s subject to VAT (8% up to 150 m² for apartments, 23% above that size or for commercial), which is usually embedded in the price. Annual property taxes are very low – municipalities levy a nominal per-square-meter tax (often equivalent to <0.1% of property value).
Ease of Purchase: Easy. For an EU citizen buying a flat or house in Poland, the process is as straightforward as for a local. Just sign the notarial deed and register the title. Unless you intend to acquire farmland or something near a national border, you won’t encounter special hurdles.
Portugal 🇵🇹
EU Purchase: EU citizens can purchase property in Portugal without any restrictions . Portugal places no ownership limits based on nationality – all EU buyers have full rights to buy homes, land, or investment property.
Restrictions: None. Portugal is very welcoming to foreign buyers (it’s been a popular destination for both EU and non-EU investors). There are no permits or special conditions required for EU citizens. (Portugal did debate banning sales to non-residents in 2023 in response to housing issues, but no such law exists as of 2025. In any case, EU citizens legally must be treated as locals.)
Taxes: Moderate. The main purchase tax (IMT) is on a sliding scale – for a €200k home, roughly 2–5% IMT applies (the rate varies with property price and whether it’s primary residence). Higher-value properties incur up to 6–7.5% IMT. Additionally, a flat 0.8% stamp duty is charged. So expect around 6–8% total transaction tax on average, which is mid-range. Annual property tax (IMI) is about 0.3%–0.45% of the cadastral value (with discounts for energy-efficient homes and some exemptions for renovated properties). Overall not the lowest, but not prohibitive.
Ease of Purchase: Easy. The buying process is well-trodden (many foreign purchasers). EU buyers face no legal obstacles. It’s a straightforward transaction via notary. Portugal even offers residency visas to non-EU buyers (Golden Visa), but EU citizens don’t need those – they can just enjoy the property.
Romania 🇷🇴
EU Purchase: EU citizens can buy residential properties and land in Romania freely. Since 2014 (when transitional restrictions ended), citizens of EU member states enjoy the same property rights as Romanians.
Restrictions: Effectively none for EU buyers on residential real estate. Initially, Romania had a 7-year post-accession restriction on foreigners buying land, but that has long expired. Now EU citizens can own apartments, houses, and even land. (Non-EU citizens face some limitations, generally needing reciprocity and sometimes needing to establish a Romanian company for land.) For EU buyers, just avoid agricultural or forest lands intended purely for farming – like elsewhere, there are some limits on non-farmers buying large agricultural plots. Ordinary home purchases are unencumbered.
Taxes: Low. Romania has one of the lowest property purchase costs in the EU. There is no significant transfer tax– instead, the seller typically pays a 1–3% notary fee on the sale, and the buyer pays a small notary fee and registration (often under 1%). So the buyer’s closing costs are minimal. Annual property taxes are modest: for individuals, the yearly tax on a home is about 0.1% of its officially assessed value (and these values are usually quite low). This can increase to ~0.2% if the property isn’t your residence. All in all, costs are quite low.
Ease of Purchase: Easy. EU citizens face no special process. Transactions go through a notary public who handles the contract and land registration. With low costs and an open market, Romania is relatively easy for an EU buyer – just be sure to conduct proper title checks, as the restitution of properties post-Communism can make title history complex in some cases.
Slovakia 🇸🇰
EU Purchase: EU citizens may buy property in Slovakia without restriction. Slovakia has no barriers for EU/EEA buyers – they have equal footing with Slovak citizens.
Restrictions: None for typical residential property. Earlier restrictions on land were lifted some years after accession. Now, EU citizens can even buy land, including agricultural land, in Slovakia (the post-2004 moratorium ended in 2011). Note: For non-EU foreigners, Slovakia applies a reciprocity principle, but EU nationals are unaffected. Practically, unless you attempt to buy sensitive agricultural plots as a non-farmer, you won’t face hurdles.
Taxes: Low. Slovakia does not charge a property transfer tax on purchases – it was abolished long ago. The buyer only pays for the services of a notary or lawyer and small cadastral fees. Real estate agent commissions (if any) are often paid by the seller. Annual property taxes exist but are very low (a local tax based on square meters/land area – often amounting to under €100 annually for an apartment or small house). This makes the ongoing cost of ownership minimal.
Ease of Purchase: Easy. The procedure is simple and cost-effective for EU buyers. A notary or attorney usually drafts the sale contract and handles land registry filing. With no permits or extra taxes to worry about, Slovakia is very accessible.
Slovenia 🇸🇮
EU Purchase: EU citizens can buy property in Slovenia just as locals do. Since joining the EU in 2004, Slovenia grants EU/EEA citizens full rights to acquire real estate (this was a reciprocal arrangement – Italians, Austrians, etc., gained rights equal to Slovenians).
Restrictions: None for EU buyers on residences. The initial 7-year ban on foreigners buying land expired; now EU citizens can purchase even agricultural land in Slovenia (though they must register as farmers for significant agricultural purchases). For standard home or vacation property purchases, there are no permits or restrictions. Non-EU buyers must have a reciprocity agreement or an EU company, but EU nationals are not subject to those rules.
Taxes: Moderate-Low. Slovenia charges a 2% Real Estate Transfer Tax on resale properties. If you buy a newly built property directly from a developer, you pay 9.5% VAT (for homes under 120 m² or apartments under 250 m²) instead of transfer tax. In either case, closing costs are moderate. Annual property taxes are very minimal – Slovenia currently does not have a significant annual property levy (plans for an annual tax have been discussed but not implemented as of 2025, aside from small municipal fees).
Ease of Purchase: Easy. EU citizens can seamlessly purchase in Slovenia. The process is typically handled by a notary, and there are no nationality-based obstacles. The main consideration is to ensure you obtain a Slovenian tax number (easy to get) for the transaction and abide by any local zoning if buying land.
Spain 🇪🇸
EU Purchase: EU citizens can buy property anywhere in Spain with no restrictions. Spain does not differentiate between Spaniards and other EU nationals for property ownership – all enjoy the EU right of free capital movement.
Restrictions: None for EU citizens. (Spain has had conversations about limiting home sales to non-EU buyers in areas of housing shortage, but no such rule exists yet. And any such rule likely would exempt EU citizens due to EU law.) Historically, Spain required military clearance for non-Spaniards buying near certain military bases or border regions (Balearic Islands, enclaves like Ceuta/Melilla, etc.), but EU citizens are generally not subject to those old rules. In practice, as an EU buyer you can freely purchase from the Costa del Sol to Barcelona condos without special permission.
Taxes: High purchase taxes. Each region of Spain sets its transfer tax (ITP), typically around 8–10% of the purchase price (e.g. 10% in Catalonia and Valencia, 6-8% in Madrid depending on price, etc.). New properties are charged 10% VAT plus ~1.5% stamp duty instead. So either way, upfront taxes hover near 10%. Add notary and registry (~1–2%), and transaction costs are on the higher side. Annual property tax (IBI) is moderate, about 0.4%–1.1% of the cadastral value (often much lower than market value) per year. If the property is not your primary home, there may be a small annual wealth tax for high-value properties and imputable income tax for non-resident owners, but these are case-specific.
Ease of Purchase: Easy. Aside from the hefty transfer tax, the process for EU buyers is the same as for locals – straightforward. Spain is accustomed to foreign buyers. You will need a NIE (foreigner ID number) for the transaction, but that is a simple administrative step. With a good solicitor and notary, buying in Spain is very routine for EU citizens.
Sweden 🇸🇪
EU Purchase: EU citizens can buy property in Sweden without any restrictions. Sweden’s market is open – foreign buyers (EU or otherwise) are treated equally under Swedish law for property purchases .
Restrictions: None. There are no permit requirements, no residency conditions. Even Sweden’s famed “right of public access” and some old rules about owning large rural estates no longer pose any limitation to foreign owners. Whether it’s a Stockholm apartment or a countryside summer house, an EU buyer can directly purchase it.
Taxes: Low-Moderate. The one-time purchase tax (stamp duty) is 1.5% of the purchase price for houses (and 4.25% for commercial or land purchases). Notably, buying a condominium apartment (bostadsrätt, which is actually a share in a housing association) has no stamp duty at all. Realtor fees (usually paid by seller) and modest legal fees may apply. Annual property tax on houses is modest: 0.75% of the assessed value, capped at a few hundred euros per year (the tax is capped at about SEK 8,874 in 2025). Apartments have a tiny annual fee via the association instead of property tax. Overall, Sweden’s ongoing taxes are low relative to property value.
Ease of Purchase: Easy. The buying process in Sweden is quick and transparent, with no discrimination against foreign EU buyers. Most properties are listed with an agent and sold via a simple contract. As an EU citizen, you won’t face any legal hurdle – it’s as smooth as in any Nordic country, with the bonus of relatively low transaction taxes.
Great article, thanks🙏