Buying Property in Europe as a US Citizen
Most European countries let foreigners, including Americans, buy property without major restrictions — though financing, notary requirements, and whether a purchase can also lead to residency vary sharply by country.
At a glance
- Foreign ownership
- Generally unrestricted — across most of the EU, though some countries add notary or registration steps
- Typical financing
- Local bank or cash — foreign buyers often face 30-40% down-payment requirements from European banks
- Golden Visa via real estate
- Latvia, Greece, Cyprus, Malta — no longer available in Portugal (closed 2023) or Spain (program abolished April 2025)
- Notary/legal involvement
- Usually mandatory — especially in France, Latvia, and other civil-law countries
Eligibility
- Whether a local mortgage or funds transferred from abroad. Required
- Recommended, and required by some banks and notaries for the transaction itself. Required
- To review contracts and, in several countries, legally required to oversee the transfer. Required
- Confirming the property's legal status — no outstanding debts or disputes attached to it. Required
How it works
Research the market
Budget, lifestyle fit, and local market stability.
Secure financing
Local mortgage, US-based financing, or personal funds.
Hire a local agent and lawyer/notary
For property search, negotiation, and legal review.
Sign the preliminary agreement
Typically requires a deposit.
Finalize the sale
The notary or lawyer registers the property in your name and confirms payment.
Pay ongoing property taxes
Annual property tax and, on sale, capital-gains tax, vary by country.
Why work with BIZ TRP
The Golden Visa landscape has shifted sharply in the past two years — several countries that used to offer a property-linked residency route no longer do, and getting this wrong wastes real money.
- Route verification. We confirm which countries' Golden Visa or standard property-purchase routes are actually still open before you commit funds.
- Local coordination. We coordinate with real-estate agents, lawyers, and notaries in the country you're buying in.
- Residency-goal alignment. We structure the purchase to support your broader residency goals, not just the transaction itself.
Common questions
Can Americans buy property anywhere in Europe?
In most countries, yes, without special restrictions — though some Eastern European and agricultural-land purchases require extra steps or local residency/business presence.
Does buying property still get me a Golden Visa?
It depends on the country. Latvia (from €250,000), Greece (€250,000 to €800,000 depending on the area), Cyprus (€300,000), and Malta (a residency programme, not citizenship, from €375,000) still link real estate to residency — but Portugal closed its real-estate route in 2023, and Spain ended its entire Golden Visa program in April 2025.
Do I need a lawyer or notary?
In most European countries, yes — a notary or lawyer typically reviews the contract and oversees the legal transfer, and in some countries, like France, a notary's involvement is a legal requirement.
Considering property in Europe?
We'll confirm which routes are actually open in your target country before you commit to a purchase.
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