UK citizens can buy property overseas in the vast majority of countries around the world. That said, the rules around foreign ownership, the purchase process, and any restrictions on how a property can be used vary considerably depending on where you are buying.
This guide covers the most popular destinations for UK buyers, where restrictions apply, and what to consider when it comes to transferring your funds — which is often where buyers either save or lose a significant amount of money without realising it.
For a fuller overview of the buying process including mortgages and currency planning, see our complete guide to buying property abroad. For our most detailed country guide, see buying property in Spain from the UK.
Europe — Still Open to UK Buyers After Brexit
Brexit changed residency rights for UK citizens in Europe, but it did not change property ownership rights. UK buyers can still purchase property freely in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and most other EU countries.
What did change is the ability to live in those properties for extended periods without a visa. EU freedom of movement no longer applies to UK passport holders, which means if you want to spend more than 90 days in any 180-day period in most EU countries, you will need a visa or residency permit.
France remains one of the most popular destinations for UK buyers. The currency involved is the euro, and GBP to EUR is one of the most actively traded pairs we handle. See the GBP/EUR forecast 2026 for the current rate outlook relevant to French property buyers.
Spain is consistently the top destination for UK overseas property buyers. The Costas, the Balearics, and the Canary Islands all have well-developed markets for foreign buyers. Local mortgages are available for non-residents, typically up to 70% of the purchase price. For a complete guide to the process, taxes, and costs, see our buying property in Spain guide.
Portugal has attracted significant interest in recent years, particularly the Algarve and Lisbon. If you are also considering relocating, see our guide to moving to Portugal from the UK for the full currency and transfer picture.
Italy offers opportunities at a range of price points, including well-publicised schemes in certain regions offering properties at very low prices in exchange for renovation commitments.
Greece has an active market for overseas buyers, particularly in the islands. The Golden Visa programme has attracted international buyers, though the thresholds have increased in recent years.
Outside Europe — Key Destinations for UK Buyers
United Arab Emirates
Dubai in particular has become a major destination for UK property buyers, attracted by the tax-free environment, strong rental yields, and a well-regulated property market. Foreign buyers can purchase freehold property in designated areas. The currency is the UAE dirham, pegged to the US dollar. We handle GBP to AED transfers regularly for clients buying in Dubai. The AED to GBP forecast is driven almost entirely by GBP/USD dynamics.
United States
UK citizens can buy property in the US without restriction. Florida, New York, and California are popular with UK buyers. GBP to USD transfers for US property purchases are straightforward and we settle these quickly. Check the USD forecast 2026 for current dollar outlook relevant to US property buyers.
Australia
The process for UK buyers in Australia is more controlled. Foreign purchases of residential property generally require approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB), and there are restrictions on the type of property foreign nationals can buy — typically new builds rather than established homes.
Turkey
Turkey has an active overseas property market, particularly along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. UK citizens can purchase property freely, though it is important to use a reputable local lawyer and ensure title deeds are properly verified.
Where Restrictions Apply
Switzerland limits foreign purchases of residential property in tourist areas. Purchasing in cities such as Zurich or Geneva is generally unrestricted, but holiday properties in Alpine resorts can be subject to quotas.
New Zealand significantly tightened its rules on foreign buyers in 2018. Most overseas buyers are now restricted to new builds only.
Thailand does not permit foreign nationals to own land outright. Buyers typically purchase through long-term leasehold arrangements. Legal advice is essential before committing to a purchase here. For those considering living in Thailand, our guide to opening a bank account in Thailand from the UK covers the financial logistics.
The Currency Transfer — Plan It Early
Whenever you are buying property overseas, the exchange rate you achieve on your transfer matters significantly. On a £300,000 overseas purchase, a 2% difference in the exchange rate — which is entirely typical between a bank rate and a specialist broker rate — is £6,000. Find out why banks give worse exchange rates and what this costs in real money.
More importantly, exchange rates change between the day you agree a purchase price and the day you complete. If sterling weakens during that period, your purchase costs more in GBP terms even though the price has not changed. A forward contract removes that risk entirely by locking in a rate from the point you go under offer. Our forward contract guide explains exactly how this works with real examples.
You can check live rates for your currency pair using our currency converter. For large transfers, see our guide on transferring large sums internationally and who gives the best exchange rates for large property transfers.
Summary
UK citizens can buy property overseas in most countries, with France, Spain, Portugal, the UAE, the US, and Australia among the most popular destinations. Restrictions apply in Switzerland, New Zealand, Thailand, and a small number of other markets, so local legal advice is always important before committing.
The currency transfer is one of the most financially significant parts of any overseas property purchase. Using a specialist broker and locking in a rate with a forward contract are the two most practical steps you can take to protect your budget. All Cambridge Currencies transfers are processed through FCA-authorised payment partners with your funds fully safeguarded.
If you are at any stage of an overseas property purchase, get in touch with Cambridge Currencies for a free currency consultation. We work with UK buyers across all of the destinations covered in this guide.
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