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FAQs about Buying International Property

A. Global FAQs for Overseas Property Buyers

6. Is there capital gains tax for foreigners?

Many countries charge it (UK, Australia, Japan, Malaysia), while some don’t (Dubai).

7. What ongoing costs should I expect?

Maintenance fees, property tax, sinking funds, insurance, and sometimes ground rent.

8. Can I buy property through a company?

In some countries, yes (e.g., UK) for tax planning.

9. How long does the transaction take?

Anywhere from 2 weeks (Dubai) to 3 months+ (Australia, Malaysia).

10. Is it safe to buy property overseas?

Yes — when proper due diligence, legal review, and reputable developers are involved.

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1. Can foreigners buy property overseas?

Yes — but rules vary by country. Some allow full freehold ownership, others have restrictions, quotas, or require approvals.

2. What types of ownership exist? (Freehold, Leasehold, Land Rights)

Depends on the market. Options include freehold, leasehold (30–999 yrs), strata title, or right-to-use (e.g., Hak Pakai in Indonesia).

3. What taxes do I need to pay when buying internationally?

Most markets charge stamp duty, registration fees, legal fees, or foreign buyer surcharges. You’ll get a breakdown for each country.

4. Can foreigners get a mortgage?

Some markets allow foreigner financing (e.g., UK, Malaysia, Dubai), while others are more strict (Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam).

5. Can I rent out my overseas property?

Usually yes — but Airbnb, yields, and tenancy rules vary by country and city.

United Kingdom

Houses: usually freehold; Apartments: leasehold (60–999 yrs)
Foreign Buyer Surcharge: 2% for non-residents
Rental income taxed under the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme
Financing available: 25–40% deposit
Ongoing costs: council tax, service charges, ground rent
You can buy using a company structure
Timeline: 6–12 weeks

Dubai, UAE

Foreigners buy in designated freehold zones
Taxes/fees: 4% DLD fee, registration, agent fee
No annual property tax
High yields: 5–8%
Residency possible for property purchases (from AED 750k+)
Service charges charged per sq ft
Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Japan

Foreigners can buy land and buildings
Ownership: freehold or leasehold
Buyer taxes: registration, acquisition tax, agent fee
Yields: 4–7% in major cities
Loans hard to obtain unless living in Japan
Property depreciates quickly (construction vs. land value)
Airbnb requires minpaku license
Timeline: 1–3 months

Thailand

Foreigners can buy condos, not land
Landed homes via 30+30+30 lease
Fees: transfer fee, stamp duty, withholding tax
Condo foreign quota: max 49%
Airbnb often illegal
Financing for foreigners is limited
Timeline: 1–2 months

Foreigners buy above minimum price thresholds (RM 600K–1M)
Landed homes allowed in most states
Taxes: stamp duty, legal, valuation (no ABSD)
Yields: 4–6% in KL
Mortgages widely available
RPGT applies on resale
Timeline: 3–6 months

Malaysia

Foreigners buy under Hak Pakai or leasehold
Freehold (Hak Milik) is for Indonesians only
Minimum price rules apply
Mortgages rare
Bali yields strong: 8–12%
Airbnb allowed with proper commercial permits
Timeline: 1–2 months (leasehold)

Indonesia

Vietnam

Foreigners buy condos under 30% foreign quota
Ownership: 50-year renewable leasehold
Taxes: VAT, maintenance, registration
Financing limited
Yields: 4–6%
Resale allowed to locals and foreigners (if quota allows)
Timeline: 2–6 months.

Cambodia

Foreigners buy condo units only, not land
Ground-floor units not allowed for foreigners
Taxes: 4% transfer, stamp duty
Financing rare; developer installments common
Yields: 6–8%
Landed via nominee/LLC — high risk, not recommended
Timeline: 1–2 months

Australia

Foreigners need FIRB approval
Allowed: new builds, off-plan, vacant land
Restricted: resale homes
Foreign Buyer Surcharge: 7–8% (state-dependent)
Land tax varies by state
Airbnb rules depend on local councils
Parents often buy for children studying
Timeline: 30–90 days

B. Country-Specific Details

Below are ONLY the details that are unique for each country

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