What to add on top of the asking price — purchase tax, notary, registration, lawyer and annual charges — and how the logic differs by country.
The listing price is not the final cost of a deal. There are almost always additional charges that, depending on the country, add anywhere from a few to 10–15% on top. Budget with a margin.
At purchase you typically face: transfer tax or VAT on new builds, notary and registration fees, legal fees and sometimes an agency commission. Non-residents may face specific rates and requirements, for example obtaining a local tax number.
During ownership there are recurring costs: property tax, utilities and running costs, insurance and — if you rent it out — tax on rental income. In condominiums, building maintenance fees apply too.
At sale, account for capital gains tax and commission. The takeaway: calculate the total cost of ownership across your whole horizon, not just the entry price. Exact rates depend on the country and your status — we help break them down alongside specialist tax advisers. This is not tax advice.