Guides
Plain-English guides to the costs that matter
Taxes, fees and rules for buying a home, at home or abroad. Every figure comes from our calculator and is checked against official sources every week.
For UK buyers
The cost of buying a house in the UKHow much it costs to buy a house in the UK in 2026: deposit, stamp duty, conveyancing, searches, surveys, mortgage fees and removals, with worked totals.9 min read →
How much is my house worth?How much is your house worth? Three ways to get a figure in the UK: a free house price index estimate, sold prices nearby and an agent or surveyor's view.7 min read →
LBTT and LTT: property tax in Scotland and WalesLBTT in Scotland and LTT in Wales explained: 2026 rates and bands, first-time buyer relief, the 8% ADS, Welsh higher rates and how they differ from stamp duty.8 min read →
Stamp duty on second homes and buy-to-letHow the 5% stamp duty surcharge on second homes and buy-to-lets works in England and NI: who pays, replacing your main home, the 3-year refund and examples.8 min read →
Stamp duty in England and Northern Ireland: rates, first-time buyer relief and worked examples (2026)How much stamp duty you'll pay in England and Northern Ireland in 2026: current SDLT bands, first-time buyer relief, surcharges and worked examples.8 min read →
Buying abroad
Buying a home in the US as a foreignerCan foreigners buy property in the US? Yes, mostly. How non-residents buy, get an ITIN and a mortgage, and what FIRPTA, property tax and closing costs mean.8 min read →
Buying property in Canada as a foreign buyerLand transfer tax in Ontario, Toronto and BC, first-time rebates, the 25% NRST, BC's 20% foreign buyer tax and the federal ban on non-Canadians until 2027.9 min read →
DLD fees and the cost of buying in DubaiHow the 4% Dubai Land Department fee, trustee office, title deed, mortgage registration and agent fees add up when you buy property in Dubai as a foreigner.7 min read →
Notaire fees in France explainedWhat French notaire fees (frais de notaire) cover, why they're 7–8% on older homes and 2–3% on new builds, plus the compromis, cooling-off and diagnostics.8 min read →
Buying property in Italy as a foreignerThe cost of buying property in Italy as a foreigner: registration tax on cadastral value, prima casa rules, VAT on new builds, codice fiscale and reciprocity.8 min read →
Buying property in Portugal as a foreignerHow IMT, 0.8% stamp duty, notary and registry fees add up when you buy a home in Portugal from abroad, with the 2026 IMT table, NIF steps and worked examples.8 min read →
Buying property in Spain as a foreignerWhat it really costs to buy a home in Spain as a foreigner: ITP by region, IVA and AJD on new builds, notary, lawyer, the NIE, and taxes after you buy.8 min read →
The cost of buying a home in 19 countries, comparedHow much it really costs to buy a home in 19 countries, as a local and as a buyer from abroad. Taxes and fees side by side, checked weekly.6 min read →
Stamp duty in NSW and Victoria, and what foreign buyers payStamp duty in NSW and Victoria: first home buyer exemptions, the 9% and 8% foreign surcharges, FIRB fees and the ban on foreigners buying established homes.9 min read →
Stamp duty for non-UK residentsHow the 2% non-resident stamp duty surcharge works for expats and overseas buyers: the 183-day test, how it stacks with other rates, and claiming it back.8 min read →
For US buyers
Estimates only. This guide explains how the rules work in general. It isn't tax, legal, mortgage, investment or financial advice, and we are not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Rules change and your circumstances matter, so always confirm with a qualified solicitor, notary, tax adviser or lender before you commit. Figures in this guide are worked out by our calculator from official rates and typical fees.