Property, explained.

Transfer dutyHU

Vagyonszerzési illeték. Paid by the buyer, as a rule 4% of the price for residential property. Reliefs or exemptions apply in some cases.

Deposit (own funds)HU

Önerő. The part of the price you pay from your own money. For a Hungarian mortgage, central bank rules usually mean at least 20%, with costs on top.

Holding depositHU

Foglaló. Paid when the contract is signed. If the deal fails through the buyer's fault, it is lost; if through the seller's, the seller repays double.

Land registry extractHU

Tulajdoni lap. Shows who owns the property and what charges or rights (mortgage, usufruct) are registered against it.

Lawyer's countersignatureHU

Ügyvédi ellenjegyzés. A Hungarian property sale contract is filed for registration countersigned by a lawyer (or as a notarial deed). In practice a lawyer drafts it and handles the registration.

UsufructHU

Haszonélvezeti jog. Someone's right to use a property and take its income without owning it. It must be cleared before you buy.

Common chargeHU

Közös költség. Monthly contribution to the upkeep of a block's shared parts. Over time it makes a real difference to your monthly costs.

Energy certificateHU

Energetikai tanúsítvány. Rates a property's energy efficiency with a letter grade. Required for sale and letting, and a good guide to running costs.

ValuationHU

Értékbecslés. The bank's assessment of market value for a mortgage. If it comes in below the price, you may need a larger deposit.

Gross and net yieldGeneral

Gross yield is annual rent as a share of the price. Net yield deducts costs, voids and management, so it is always lower.

Off-planDubai

A property bought in a project that is under construction or not yet started, usually paid in instalments as building progresses.

NIESpain

The Spanish identification number for foreigners. You need it to buy property, open a bank account and pay tax.

Post-handover paymentDubai

Part of the price is paid to the developer in instalments after handover, while you can already use or let the property.

EscrowDubai

A separate project account that holds buyers' payments. Money is released as construction progresses.

DLD feeDubai

The Dubai Land Department registration fee, as a rule 4% of the property's value.

OqoodDubai

The DLD's interim register for off-plan property. After handover it is replaced by the final title deed.

Service chargeDubai

The annual fee for maintaining the building. It reduces your net yield directly.

SPADubai

Sales and Purchase Agreement. Sets out the payment schedule and the terms for delays and resale.

NOCDubai

No Objection Certificate from the developer, confirming nothing blocks the transfer. Needed for resale and transfer; the fee varies by project.

EjariDubai

Dubai's official registration system for tenancy contracts. Long-term leases have to be registered here.

Golden VisaDubai

Property worth at least AED 2 million can qualify you for a five-year, renewable residence visa, if the programme's conditions are met.

ITPSpain

Transfer tax on resale property. In Andalusia, including the Costa del Sol, it is 7%. On new builds, VAT (IVA) applies instead.

Nota simpleSpain

An extract from the Spanish land registry: owner, charges, mortgages. We always request one before you commit.

ArrasSpain

A deposit contract before the sale, often 10% of the price. If the buyer walks away it is lost; if the seller does, they typically repay double.

EscrituraSpain

The final deed of sale signed before a notary (notario). With it, and registration, the property becomes yours.

IBISpain

Annual local property tax set by the town hall. The amount depends on the municipality and the property's cadastral value.

Due diligenceGeneral

Checks before you buy: legal title, charges, permits, condition and costs. In every market, this is where we start.

We don't have that term yet. Ask one of our advisors and we will add it.