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These days, buying a luxury property abroad often starts with an online search engine. It takes just a few minutes to find hundreds of flats in Dubai, villas on the Costa del Sol or residences on Lake Como. However, having access to listings is not the same as having access to the best buying opportunities.
In the premium property sector, it is not just location, architecture and price that matter. Equally important are knowledge of the local market, the seller’s credibility, access to off-market listings and proper preparation of the transaction. This is particularly important when the buyer lives in another country and is unfamiliar with local conditions.
So how can you effectively search for luxury properties abroad? It is best to combine your own market research with the assistance of a local expert. It is also worth using international luxury property networks, which facilitate collaboration between advisers from different countries.
Where to look for luxury properties abroad?
The luxury property market is not uniform. The process of selling a flat in a new development in Dubai may differ significantly from the process of purchasing a historic residence in Italy or a villa on the Côte d’Azur.
In practice, it is worth distinguishing between three main sources of listings.
Public property portals
Portals such as Idealista, SeLoger and Rightmove allow you to get an idea of prices, available locations and property standards. They are useful at the initial stage of your search, particularly when comparing different markets.
However, it is important to bear in mind that the published price is the asking price, and not necessarily the price at which the transaction is ultimately concluded. The same property may also appear on several agencies’ listings, sometimes with out-of-date information.
International luxury property networks
Another approach is to make use of the listings and expertise of agencies specialising in the premium and luxury segments. One example is Christie’s International Real Estate, an international network of independent agencies operating in over 50 countries and territories.
The essence of this model lies not merely in a shared property database. It is, above all, the collaboration of local experts who understand the specifics of their markets, have relationships with owners and are able to assess a property within the context of its specific location.
Off-market properties
Some luxury properties are offered outside the public market. These are referred to as off-market. The owner does not wish to widely publicise the sale, so information about the property is only shared with selected advisers or potential buyers.
The reason may be a need for privacy, the special nature of the property, or a desire to limit the number of viewings. Such listings appear, amongst other places, in the luxury residential markets of Monaco, London, the south of France and Italy.
This does not mean that all the best properties are sold off-market. It does, however, mean that limiting your search to the internet alone may narrow down the available choice. It is worth finding out more about the principles of off-market property sales.
Key international luxury property markets
The choice of country should be based primarily on the purpose of the purchase. A client interested in a second home for their family will look for a different market to an investor planning to let a property, and yet another to someone considering relocating their residence abroad.
Spain – Costa del Sol, Marbella and the Balearic Islands
Spain remains one of the most popular destinations for European buyers looking to purchase a second home. The Costa del Sol, including Marbella, Benahavís, Estepona and Sotogrande, holds a special place.
In the luxury segment, modern villas, sea-view flats and residences in gated communities are in high demand. A key selling point is the well-developed infrastructure: international schools, golf courses, marinas and the opportunity for year-round living.
The market is extensive, but differences between individual locations can be significant. When buying, it is worth assessing not only the property itself, but also its surroundings, legal status, maintenance costs and the actual potential for resale.
Italy – Tuscany, Lake Como, Rome and Sicily
Italy offers an exceptional variety of properties: historic villas, country estates, flats in heritage-listed townhouses and modern residences.
Tuscany attracts those seeking privacy and expansive grounds. Lake Como is a market with limited property supply in the most sought-after locations. Rome and Florence primarily offer historic city centre properties.
When it comes to Italian property, it is particularly important to analyse the technical documentation, building compliance, conservation restrictions and future maintenance costs.
France – the Côte d’Azur and Paris
Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Cap d’Antibes and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat are among the most prestigious locations on the European residential market. The value of a property is often determined by the details: its location in relation to the sea, privacy, plot size or potential for extension.
Paris constitutes a distinct market, where the address, the building’s architecture, the floor level, the interior layout and the property’s historical character play a particularly important role.
Portugal – Lisbon, Cascais and the Algarve
Portugal attracts buyers interested in both a permanent home and a holiday property. Lisbon and Cascais offer an urban lifestyle, whilst the Algarve boasts a well-developed market for houses and flats in coastal towns.
Before purchasing, you should check, amongst other things, the property’s intended use, local restrictions on letting, maintenance costs and current tax regulations.
Dubai – modern flats and residences
Dubai stands out for its extensive market for new developments, the high standard of some projects and the international nature of demand. Popular premium locations include Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai.
However, a purchase requires a careful distinction to be made between a completed property and an off-plan development. Key factors include the developer’s reputation, the payment schedule, service charges, the form of ownership, and a realistic assessment of future income and the investment’s liquidity.
United Kingdom – London
Mayfair, Belgravia, Knightsbridge and Chelsea are locations recognised worldwide. However, the London luxury property market requires particular attention when analysing the form of ownership, transaction costs and tax obligations.
For some properties, the distinction between freehold and leasehold is of crucial importance. It is also worth analysing building management costs and any restrictions on its use.
How to buy property abroad safely? Six steps
Buying property in another country requires a structured process. A good offer is important, but it is equally important to minimise risk at every stage.
- Defining your objective and budget. You need to decide whether the property will be a second home, a permanent residence or an investment. Your budget should also take into account transaction costs and maintenance.
- Choosing a country and a specific location. The comparison should cover not only property prices, but also transport links, infrastructure, safety and the potential for future resale.
- Choosing a local adviser. The expert should be familiar with the specific market, have relevant experience and clearly outline the terms of cooperation and remuneration.
- Selection and presentation of properties. It is worth comparing a few carefully selected offers rather than viewing a large number of random properties.
- Legal, technical and tax due diligence. Before entering into irrevocable commitments, you should check the legal status, documentation, restrictions on use and the total transaction costs.
- Finalisation and post-purchase support. Depending on the country, it may be necessary to arrange legal and banking services, insurance, property management or supervision of the property’s finishing works.
Why is it worth starting your overseas property search by speaking to an agency in Poland?
Searching for overseas property on your own means having to choose local estate agents, compare offers and liaise with numerous specialists. For someone unfamiliar with the market in question, assessing the quality of such cooperation can be difficult.
An alternative is to begin the process with a trusted adviser in Poland, who helps to identify the client’s needs and establish a partnership with the appropriate expert in the target market.
This model allows you to maintain a continuous relationship with an adviser who knows your preferences, whilst also benefiting from the expertise of someone operating directly in the country of purchase.
Vilea Property Boutique and Christie’s International Real Estate – international opportunities for clients from Poland
Vilea Property Boutique is the exclusive partner of Christie’s International Real Estate in Poland. The partnership, announced in 2026, brought together the Polish premium estate agency – which has been operating since 2013 – with an international network specialising in the luxury market.
Vilea remains an independent Polish company, run by its existing owners and team. The international partnership expands opportunities for its clients through collaboration with local Christie’s International Real Estate experts in various parts of the world, always guaranteeing high quality and market expertise.
Vilea Abroad – a specialised division of the company – is responsible for serving clients interested in purchasing property outside Poland.
What does this mean for the buyer?
- A single point of contact in Poland. The client can begin their search by speaking to a Vilea adviser, who will assess their needs, preferences and budget.
- Collaboration with a local expert. Depending on the chosen country, Vilea helps to establish contact with the relevant Christie’s International Real Estate partner operating locally.
- Broader search options. Collaboration between agencies can facilitate access to selected properties, including those not widely advertised, where available.
- A structured process. Vilea remains the point of contact in Poland, whilst the local partner supports the client in selecting properties, arranging viewings and organising the subsequent stages of the transaction.
- Post-purchase support. Depending on the market and the scope of services, the local partner can assist with organising property management, insurance or other services for the owner.
The advantage of this model does not lie in the promise that every luxury property in the world will be available to the client. It lies in the fact that the search is conducted in collaboration with people who know the local market and are able to assess the true value of a property.
Further information on this collaboration model can be found on the buying property abroad with Vilea Abroad page. You can also browse selected overseas properties presented by Vilea.
Is it worth searching for overseas properties using ChatGPT and other AI tools?
Search engines and artificial intelligence systems, such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini, can be useful during the market research phase. They allow you to compare locations, learn about the basic purchase procedures and prepare a list of questions for an adviser.
However, their responses should not be treated as confirmation of the validity of a specific listing, the actual transaction price or the legal status of the property. This information requires verification by the relevant specialists.
Artificial intelligence can help a buyer prepare better for a meeting. However, it is no substitute for local knowledge, document analysis or direct negotiations with the owner.
Five mistakes when buying a luxury property abroad
- Choosing a property based solely on photographs. An attractive presentation does not reveal all the drawbacks of the location, the building or the surroundings.
- Comparing only asking prices. Transaction costs, service charges and the actual prices of comparable properties are also important.
- Overlooking legal and tax analysis. Applicable regulations can significantly affect the costs and manner of using the property.
- Working with a random estate agent. It is worth checking the adviser’s experience and their knowledge of the specific location.
- Lack of a plan for future use. Even before purchasing, you should know who will manage the property, what the maintenance costs will be and whether it will be easy to sell in the future.
Frequently asked questions about luxury properties abroad
Is it possible to buy a property abroad through a Polish agency?
Yes. A Polish agency working with overseas partners can help you find a property and coordinate the purchase process. Vilea Abroad utilises the international network of Christie’s International Real Estate, connecting clients from Poland with local experts in selected markets.
Does Vilea have access to off-market luxury properties abroad?
Thanks to its connections within the international network, Vilea can also assist in the search for properties not advertised for general sale. However, their availability depends on the specific market, the owner and the current situation.
What are the additional costs involved in buying a property abroad?
In addition to the purchase price, there may be transaction taxes, notary fees, registration fees, legal fees, financing costs and the estate agent’s commission. The amount of these costs depends on the country, the type of property and the structure of the transaction.
Does Christie’s International Real Estate operate in Poland?
Yes. Vilea Property Boutique, operating under the brand name Vilea | Christie’s International Real Estate, is the exclusive partner of Christie’s International Real Estate in Poland. The company is headquartered in Warsaw and has three offices in the capital.
Is it worth buying property abroad as an investment?
Buying property abroad can serve to diversify your assets or generate rental income. However, not every luxury property is a good investment. Before buying, you should analyse the costs, profitability, currency risk, local regulations and the possibility of a subsequent sale.
Where should you start when looking for property abroad?
The first step does not necessarily have to be choosing a specific flat or villa. It is often wiser to first compare markets, define your expectations and decide what type of property you will actually be using.
Vilea clients can begin this process by speaking to the Vilea Abroad team in Poland. Subsequently, depending on your needs, we arrange for you to work with the relevant local Christie’s International Real Estate expert.
A good purchase starts with the right information, careful selection and people you can trust.
Discover Vilea Abroad and book a consultation on buying property abroad.
Author: Adrian Kołodziej
Co-founder and CEO of Vilea Property Boutique, the exclusive partner of Christie’s International Real Estate in Poland. An expert in the luxury property market and the behaviour of high-net-worth clients.