Closing costs arrive first. From one market to another, these typically include stamp duty, notary fees, registry costs, the cost of legal advice and the agent’s commission. As a working assumption, reserve a meaningful percentage on top of the price, and confirm the exact rates locally.

Recurring property taxes follow. Rates vary from place to place, and some countries levy a separate rate for non-residents. Where the property for sale in funchal sits empty for long periods, vacancy taxes sometimes apply.

Service charges are often overlooked. An apartment in a managed building with a pool, an elevator and a concierge comes with recurring costs that keep coming even when the flat is empty. Ask for recent accounts from the management company before signing, and look for any planned major works.

Remote ownership creates costs that local owners never see. A local manager must hold keys for emergencies, deal with letters and bills, and arrange routine maintenance. A management company normally charges a percentage of the rent, and doing without it tends things to buy in bangkok become a false economy.

Insurance, utility standing charges and exit costs complete the calculation. Capital gains tax often applies to non-resident sellers, sometimes at a different rate. A good discipline means putting together a simple long-term cost projection at the offer stage — the result is usually higher than expected.