The preliminary agreement usually comes first: a modest payment freezes the price for an agreed window. Pay attention to the terms of the deposit if the legal review uncovers an issue.
Teresitawils
Tax residency is a different question altogether. Owning property does not automatically make you taxable on worldwide income, and spending enough time in the country often does.
Last of all, a lot of buyers fail to plan for the annual paperwork. Annual declarations may be required even in years with no rental income, and missed deadlines lead to charges that grow over time.
Forgetting about resale is less obvious but just as costly. Every purchase will eventually be sold, and the resale market determines the price. A property attractive only to a narrow group sells slowly when conditions change.
Signing in a language you do not speak is nearly as costly. A certified translation is a small expense set against the sum being committed. Promises made in conversation mean nothing when the written text differs — the contract is what counts.
A crucial distinction divides the right to reside and citizenship. A residence permit lets you live in the country, generally with renewals, whereas citizenship usually demands a long period of residence.
Starting with a rental is the low-risk option when the country is new to you. Neighbourhoods look very different once the tourist season ends, and noise shows up once you live there. One rental cycle is far cheaper than unwinding a bad purchase.
Financing shifts the calculation considerably. Foreign buyers often face stricter lending terms and shorter terms than residents. If no local mortgage is available, the purchase means a full cash commitment, which changes the opportunity cost.