Horizon Homes Abroad

Selling Property Abroad

Selling overseas means a different agent, different paperwork and different taxes. Here's how to do it smoothly — and keep more of the proceeds.

Six steps to a smooth sale

  1. 1

    Get a valuation

    Ask two or three local agents for a market appraisal, and check recent sold prices — not just asking prices — in the area.

  2. 2

    Choose your agent

    Local agents know the buyers; international portals widen your reach. Check the exclusivity clause and commission before signing.

  3. 3

    Gather the paperwork

    Title deeds, energy certificates, habitation licences and tax receipts — missing documents are the biggest cause of delayed sales abroad.

  4. 4

    Prepare the property

    Declutter, photograph in good light and fix small defects. Overseas buyers often view once, so first impressions carry extra weight.

  5. 5

    Understand the taxes

    Most countries charge capital gains tax on your profit, and some add local taxes (like Spain's plusvalía). Non-residents may have tax withheld at completion.

  6. 6

    Bring the money home

    Plan the currency conversion before completion day — a forward contract can fix the rate you'll receive in your home currency.

What it costs to sell, by country

Spain

Agent 3–5% + IVA, capital gains tax on profit (19%+ for non-residents, 3% withheld at completion), plusvalía municipal tax.

Portugal

Agent 3–6% + IVA, capital gains tax on 50% of the gain for residents; non-residents taxed on the full gain.

France

Agent 3–8% (often paid by buyer), capital gains tax with taper relief — exempt after 22 years (30 for social charges).

Italy

Agent ~3% + IVA each side, capital gains tax of 26% if sold within 5 years of purchase (main homes exempt).

Greece

Agent 2–3% + VAT, capital gains tax currently suspended; notary and registry fees usually fall to the buyer.

Indonesia (Bali)

Agent ~5%, seller's income tax of 10% on leasehold transfers, notary fees often shared.

Tax on a sale can be due in both the country where the property sits and your home country, with double-taxation treaties deciding what you can offset. Take advice from a tax specialist in both countries before you complete — and check our Currency page before moving the proceeds home.