Montenegro is one of the most affordable countries in Europe in terms of real estate prices and one of the easiest in terms of legal formalities for foreigners. In recent years, it has become particularly popular among citizens of the CIS and EU countries due to its mild climate, sea, prospects for price growth, and loyal tax policy. However, when buying an apartment or house, it is important to understand what taxes and fees you will have to pay.
Main taxes when buying real estate in Montenegro
Rate: 3% of the market value of the property as determined by the tax authorities (not always the same as the price in the contract).
The tax is paid once, within 15 days after the conclusion of the agreement and submission of documents to the tax office.
Rate: 21%, already included in the contract price.
In this case, the property transfer tax (3%) is not levied.
Property ownership tax
The rate is set by municipalities and usually ranges from 0.1% to 1% of the cadastral value (depending on the location, type, and condition of the property).
For example:
Apartment in Budva or Kotor — approximately 0.25–0.5%
Properties on the coast and in tourist areas are taxed at a higher rate
The tax is paid once a year, usually by the end of March.
Important: a penalty is charged for late payment.
Additional costs
Renting real estate: taxes for the owner
If the property is rented out, the owner is obliged to:
Obtain a short-term rental permit from the municipality.
Keep a register of guests and pay tax:
Fixed tax on rental income — 9%.
Plus tourist tax per guest — approximately €1 per night.
From 2024, compliance with these requirements will be actively monitored (introduction of electronic accounting systems).
Example
Apartment in Budva for €150,000, purchased from a private individual:
Property transfer tax: 3% = €4,500
Annual property tax (0.4%): €600
Notary + registration fees: ~€1,000
In case of rental: income tax — 9% of profit
Montenegro offers a relatively simple and predictable tax system for real estate. One-time tax on purchase — 3% or 21% (for new construction), annual tax — low. Rental income is taxed at a moderate rate but requires compliance with formalities.
Source: http://relocation.com.ua/property-taxes-in-montenegro-what-buyers-need-to-know/
The rise in energy prices as a result of the conflict in the Middle East could weaken economic growth in the eurozone and thus smooth out inflation, said Luis de Guindos, deputy head of the European Central Bank (ECB).
“The emergence of the Iranian-Israeli conflict adds some uncertainty to the dynamics of oil prices,” The Wall Street Journal quoted him as saying. It is therefore important to keep a close eye on developments in the real economy as an indicator of inflation prospects.”
According to de Guindos, the increase in duties on European exports to the United States will certainly slow down inflation in the currency bloc, including because it will weaken economic growth.
“Higher duties are expected even if bilateral negotiations are successful,” the deputy head said. The ECB cut its key policy rate in June and made it clear that it was nearing the end of its monetary easing cycle. In May, inflation in the euro area was below the 2% target.
However, de Guindos’ comments suggest that the rate may have to be cut further to keep inflation around 2%, the WSJ writes.
Source: http://relocation.com.ua/rising-energy-prices-could-weaken-economic-growth-in-europe/
The residential real estate market in Vienna shows mixed trends: in general, apartment prices are declining, but there is a steady increase in high-end neighborhoods. At the same time, demand, especially for rentals, remains high and new construction is declining.In the fourth quarter of 2024, the overall price index for Austria decreased by 1.08% and for Vienna by 2.08% compared to the same period in 2023 (-3.91% adjusted for inflation). Meanwhile, the quarterly change in Vienna is minimal, a barely noticeable decline (about -0.55% in real terms). But in the premium districts (Innenstadt, Döbling), price increases of up to +5-15% over the year. Prices by districtThe average price in Vienna in June 2025 is around €5,500/m²Innenstadt (1st district): around €25,000/m² (up +29.8 %)Suburbs (Floridsdorf, Donaustadt): €3,500-5,000/m²So the range (Via Investropa): €3,600/m² (suburbs) – €27,000/m² (center). Buy or rent?Average 1-bedroom rent:In the center – €1,000-1,100/month,In the suburbs – €700-1,000/monthGross rental yields hold at 3-4%, higher in the center for short-term accommodation (Airbnb up to €91/day, occupancy ~77%). Loan rate: around 3.2-3.9% (10-year). One-off purchase costs (notary, fees) – around 9-13% of the value.At the same time, only around 1,800 new rental apartments are expected to be built in 2025 – 60% less than in 2024. New mortgage lending is also down: ~€11.3bn in 2024 vs. €23.2bn in 2022. Housing construction fell by 4.9% in 2024 (based on pre Q3 data). Until 2026, experts expect moderate price growth due to improving economic situation and overcoming the downturn in construction. The rental market will grow: expect yields of 3-4%, especially for short-term rentals. A persistent housing shortage, strong migration inflows and city policies are all creating long-term demand.
The Netherlands is one of the most stable and attractive countries in Europe for real estate investments. Transparent legislation, developed market, high demand for rentals make this country interesting for both private owners and investors. However, before buying an apartment or house, it is important to understand what taxes you will have to face – both when buying and during further ownership.
The main taxes when buying real estate in the Netherlands
1. Transfer Tax (Overdrachtsbelasting)
This is the main one-time tax when buying a property on the secondary market.
Standard rate: 10.4% of the purchase price (effective January 1, 2023).
For homes purchased for own residence: 2% rate.
For buyers under the age of 35 (first-time buyers of a home up to €510,000): the rate can be 0% (exemption if all conditions are met).
Please note: if you buy a property to rent out, even as a private individual, the 10.4% rate applies.
2. VAT (BTW).
VAT only applies when you buy a new property from a property developer.
Rate: 21% of the value of the property.
In case of purchase with VAT, no transfer tax (Overdrachtsbelasting) is charged.
Annual property taxes
1. Municipal property tax (Onroerendezaakbelasting, OZB)
This tax is paid by all property owners (both natural and legal persons).
It is based on the assessed value of the property (WOZ-waarde), which is determined annually by the municipality.
The rate varies depending on the city, usually from 0.035% to 0.12%.
For example, if the WOZ-value of a house is €400,000, the tax could be between €140 and €480 per year.
2- Waterschapsbelasting – tax on water management
The Netherlands is a country with an active water infrastructure, so there is a special tax:
It is paid by all property owners.
The amount depends on the region and the type of property, but is usually between €100 and €400 per year.
3- Local charges: garbage, sewage, etc.
The property owner also pays a number of local fees that vary by municipality:
Waste disposal (afvalstoffenheffing)
Sewerage fee (rioolheffing)
Charges for public services
Together these can amount to €300-€700 per year.
Taxes on rental property
In the Netherlands, rental income is taxed according to a tax ‘box’:
In most cases, unless you are a professional landlord, the property falls into Box 3 (capital tax).
Income is not directly taxed, but the condition of the assets (including the market value of the property) is taxed.
The effective rate is between 1.2% and 1.71% of net worth (after deducting debts).
Example
Purchase of an apartment in Amsterdam for €450,000 for own residence:
Property transfer tax (2%): €9,000
Municipal tax (approx. 0.1% of WOZ): approx. €450 per year
Garbage and sewerage fees: €500 per year
Waterschapsbelasting: €200 per year
Total annual taxes and fees: about €1,150
Buying property in the Netherlands requires a good understanding of the tax system. The main one-off tax is 2% or 10.4%, depending on the purpose of the purchase. This is followed by annual local and water charges, as well as taxation in the case of renting. To properly evaluate an investment, it is important to consider not only the purchase price but also the long-term fiscal obligations. In case of doubt, it is advisable to consult a local tax advisor or notary.
Croatia is a popular country for investing in real estate on the Adriatic coast. However, before buying an apartment or a house, you should consider not only the cost of the property itself, but also purchase taxes, registration fees, and annual maintenance.
Real estate purchase tax
Rate: 3% of the appraised value determined by the local tax authority.
Who pays: the buyer.
When it is paid: within 30 days after receiving the tax notice.
If the purchase is made from a construction company (new construction with VAT), the tax is not paid, and instead, the price includes 25% VAT.
Example: Buying a second-hand apartment for €200,000 → tax = €6,000.
Registration costs
Notary: €200-800 depending on the complexity of the transaction.
Lawyer (optional): 0.5-1.5 % of the property value.
Registration in the land cadastre (Ured za katastar): €40-60.
Translation of documents (if non-resident): €50-150.
Annual real estate tax (from 2025)
Starting from January 1, 2025, a new tax on residential real estate is in force in Croatia, replacing the “resort tax”.
Who has to pay?
Owners of second properties, vacant housing, or properties that are rented out for short-term (less than 10 months).
Does not apply to housing that:
is the primary place of residence;
is rented out for a long-term lease (10+ months per year);
is used for agricultural purposes, or is recognized as unfit for human habitation.
The rate is determined by the municipality:
from €0.60 to €8/m² per year.
In the absence of a decision, the minimum rate of €0.60/m² is automatically applied.
Example: 70 m² apartment in Split → €2/m² → €140/year
Utility costs
Utility fee (kommunalna naknada):
~ €0.3-0.6/m²/month;
Depends on the city, district, type of facility.
Garbage collection fee:
€10-25/month.
Water + sewerage:
€1,5-2,5/м³.
Electricity:
The average bill for an apartment is €40-60/month (in the off-season).
Internet, TV:
€25-35/month.
Tax on rental income
If the property is rented out:
Fixed tax + tourist tax (~€300-500/year).
Additionally: annual registration of the property as a tourist facility (categorization).
It may be necessary to register as an individual entrepreneur (mandatory for incomes above €40,000/year).
Capital gains tax (on sale)
If you sell the property less than 2 years after purchase → 10% tax on the profit.
After 2 years – tax exemption (provided that it is not a commercial activity).
Real estate in Croatia remains attractive to investors and buyers from the EU, Ukraine and other countries. But since 2025, maintenance has become more expensive due to a new annual tax. When buying, it is worth considering both the initial costs (up to 4-5% in addition to the price) and the annual costs (from €500+ depending on the area and use).
Source: http://relocation.com.ua/podatki-na-neruhomist-u-horvatiyi-u-2025-rotsi-analiz-vid-relocation/
Spain remains one of the most popular countries in Europe for foreigners to buy property. However, as in other EU countries, ownership entails obligations, primarily tax obligations. Below is a brief and clear guide to property taxes in Spain for private individuals.
Main taxes on purchase
1. Property transfer tax (ITP)
– applies to the purchase of second-hand property
– the rate depends on the region: from 6% to 11% of the cadastral or market value (whichever is higher)
2. VAT (IVA) and stamp duty (AJD)
– when buying new property from a developer:
VAT – 10% (for ordinary housing) or 21% (for commercial property)
AJD – 0.5–1.5% depending on the region
Annual taxes for owners
1. IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles) – property tax
– mandatory for all owners
– calculated based on the cadastral value (valor catastral)
– the rate is set by municipalities and ranges from 0.4% to 1.3%
– for example, with a cadastral value of €100,000, the tax can range from €400 to €1,300 per year
2. Tax on waste collection (Basura / Residuos Sólidos)
– essentially a garbage collection tax
– set by local authorities
– from €50 to €200 per year, depending on the size of the property and the region
3. Real estate income tax (IRNR)
– for non-residents who do not rent out their property
– taxes the estimated income from owning real estate (usually 1.1–2% of the cadastral value × 19% for the EU/EEA or 24% for other countries)
4. Tax on rental income
– if you rent out real estate, the income is taxed at the following rates:
19% – EU and EEA citizens (expenses can be deducted)
24% – other foreigners (expenses are not taken into account)
Other possible fees
Municipal improvement taxes (Contribuciones Especiales) — for the construction of roads, water supply, etc. near your property
Capital gains tax (Plusvalía Municipal) — when selling real estate, calculated as the increase in the cadastral value of the plot
The IBI tax is paid annually, the deadline depends on the specific municipality (usually from May to October). If you do not receive a notice by mail, this does not exempt you from paying the tax. It is recommended to activate your electronic taxpayer account or use a bank auto-debit. In case of late payment, a penalty may be charged, which can be significant.
Buying in Spain: the region matters
Each autonomous region of Spain has its own fiscal policy. For example:
in Andalusia, ITP can be 7%
in Catalonia — 10%
in Madrid and Valencia — benefits for young and large families
In recent years, Spain has been discussing reforms in the field of property taxation — in particular, a review of the cadastral value, as well as restrictions on renting accommodation to tourists in large cities. This may affect the amount of taxes in the future.
Spain offers an attractive real estate market, but every owner must take into account local tax obligations. Rates and rules depend on the status of the owner, the type of property, and the region. Before buying or renting a property, it is advisable to consult with a local lawyer or tax advisor.
Source: http://relocation.com.ua/property-taxes-in-spain-an-overview-from-relocation/
