Purchasing luxury real estate in a foreign country is one of the most significant financial decisions a high-net-worth individual can make. Done correctly, it offers lifestyle benefits, portfolio diversification and potential capital appreciation. Done poorly, it can result in legal complications, unexpected costs and significant financial loss.
Step 1: Define Your Objectives
Are you buying for lifestyle, investment or both? A holiday villa in Marbella serves a different purpose than a Paris pied-à-terre or a Monaco apartment. Your objectives will determine the location, property type and budget.
Step 2: Choose the Right Market
Different markets offer different advantages. Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime attracts high-net-worth buyers seeking tax efficiency. Monaco offers zero income tax and extraordinary capital appreciation. Dubai has historically offered strong rental yields and no property tax — though the current regional climate warrants careful consideration. Switzerland combines stability with strict ownership regulations for foreign buyers.
Step 3: Build Your Local Team
Never buy foreign real estate without local expertise. You will need a reputable local lawyer, an independent tax adviser familiar with both your home country and the target market, a local real estate agent with genuine market knowledge and a currency specialist to manage exchange rate risk.
Step 4: Understand the Costs
Purchase costs vary significantly by country. In Spain, expect to pay 10–13% on top of the purchase price in taxes and fees. In France, notary fees and transfer taxes add 7–8%. Monaco properties carry minimal transaction costs but the entry price is extraordinarily high.
Step 5: Due Diligence
Never skip due diligence. Verify title, check for encumbrances, confirm planning permissions and ensure the property complies with local building regulations. In some markets, undisclosed debts attached to a property can transfer to the new owner.
Step 6: Financing
Many high-net-worth buyers choose to finance luxury real estate even when they could pay cash — using leverage to preserve liquidity for other investments. International mortgages are available through private banks in Switzerland, the UK and Luxembourg.
Top Markets for 2026
Despite global uncertainty, several markets stand out for luxury real estate investment: the French Riviera, Marbella, Lisbon, Mykonos, and select Alpine locations in Switzerland and Austria.
Safarelite curates premium real estate listings from the world’s most desirable locations. Browse our Real Estate collection to explore available properties.
DE: Dieser Beitrag enthält Affiliate-Links. Wenn Sie über diese Links kaufen, erhalten wir eine Provision – für Sie entstehen keine Mehrkosten.
EN: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.