See it before you decide

It depends on the country and the loan. In the US a conventional loan can start at 3% to 5% down, though 20% avoids mortgage insurance. In England, lenders typically want 5% to 10% for first-time buyers. In Portugal and Spain, non-residents are usually asked for 20% to 30% of the price in cash.

Add the closing costs and taxes on top, which range from about 2% in the US to 10% or more in parts of Spain.

In the US, closing usually takes 30 to 45 days after an accepted offer. In England and Wales the average is 12 to 16 weeks, and in Portugal and Spain 6 to 12 weeks from the signing of a promissory contract. Chains and surveys can add time.

Yes. An inspection or survey identifies defects that are not visible on a viewing, such as roof problems, damp, outdated wiring or foundation movement. It gives you leverage to renegotiate the price or ask for repairs, and the cost is small compared with the price of the property.

You can, and in many markets it is normal. Your agent can tell you how far offers are landing from asking prices in the area and how long comparable homes have been on the market. A well-supported offer with a flexible completion date often succeeds better than a very low one.

A chain is a series of linked sales and purchases in which each buyer depends on the seller above them completing. If one sale falls through, the entire chain can collapse. Buying a vacant property or from a chain-free seller makes the process faster and more predictable.