Visas & Residency · 28 October 2026
Portugal updates its residency-by-investment rules
Lisbon has confirmed changes to its investment residency programme, shifting focus away from residential property in major cities towards interior regions and funds.
Buyers hoping to secure residency through a property purchase should check the latest thresholds and eligible regions before signing. Interior regions and autonomous islands remain favoured under the revised scheme, while prime Lisbon and Porto postcodes are largely excluded. Anyone mid-purchase should ask their lawyer how the transitional rules apply to contracts already signed.
Market Trends · 14 October 2026
Spanish coastal prices keep climbing as supply tightens
The Costa del Sol and Balearics continue to see strong demand from northern European buyers, with new-build supply struggling to keep pace.
Agents report that well-presented homes near the coast are selling within weeks, and bidding above asking price is increasingly common in Málaga province. Buyers are advised to have finances and a lawyer in place before viewing, and to move quickly — but never to skip the survey or the Nota Simple checks under pressure.
Legal · 30 September 2026
Greece expands its digital land registry
More islands and rural areas have been added to the national cadastre, making title checks faster and more reliable for buyers.
The expansion is good news for overseas buyers: clearer boundaries and registered titles reduce one of the historic risks of buying in Greece. Lawyers still recommend a full topographical survey on rural plots, but the registration process itself should now be quicker in the newly covered areas.
Rental Rules · 12 September 2026
Bali tightens enforcement on unlicensed holiday rentals
Authorities have stepped up checks on villas operating as short-term lets without the correct licences and tax registration.
Investors buying villas to rent out should confirm the property holds, or can obtain, the right permits before purchase. Fines and closures have been reported in popular areas. A reputable local lawyer and licensed agent can verify a villa's compliance status as part of due diligence.
Costs & Taxes · 25 August 2026
French notaire fees hold steady for 2026
The fee scale for older properties remains around 7–8%, while new-build purchases continue to benefit from reduced rates.
Buyers budgeting for a French purchase can plan on the familiar 7–8% for older homes, with new-builds closer to 2–3%. Remember the 10-day cooling-off period after signing the compromis de vente, and that the notaire acts for the state — you still benefit from your own independent advice.
Money · 8 August 2026
Currency markets: what a volatile year means for buyers
Exchange-rate swings have added — or saved — buyers thousands this year, underlining the value of a currency strategy.
On a €500,000 purchase, a 3% move in the exchange rate is a €15,000 difference. Specialists recommend speaking to a currency broker early, setting a rate alert for your target, and considering a forward contract once your completion date is fixed, so the price you agreed is the price you actually pay.