Buying property in the Mediterranean from the United Kingdom.

UK nationals can still purchase property freely across all Mediterranean markets. What has changed is the right to spend unlimited time in Schengen area countries. UK passport holders are now treated as non-EU nationals in Schengen territory: the 90-day in 180-day rule applies for stays without a specific visa. This affects how a property can be used in practice and should be a central consideration for anyone planning regular or extended stays.

Residency visas are now available in most Mediterranean countries for UK buyers who meet qualifying criteria such as income thresholds, local taxation, or investment levels. Rules differ significantly between Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, and Malta. Always verify current requirements with a qualified immigration lawyer.

One thing Brexit has not changed is access. UK buyers have some of the shortest flight times to Mediterranean markets of any international buyer group. Malaga is under three hours from Gatwick. Lisbon is two and a half hours. Athens is under four hours. Paphos is four and a half hours. This access advantage makes the Mediterranean the natural first comparison for UK buyers considering an overseas property.

Spain remains the single most popular destination for UK buyers, with the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Mallorca, and Ibiza all having large established UK buyer and owner communities. Portugal has seen strong UK interest, particularly in the Algarve and Cascais, and is often considered as an alternative or second comparison. Cyprus has a large UK community dating back decades. Greece, Italy, and Malta each appeal to different profiles.

For buyers who want to spend more than 90 days in a Schengen country without applying for residency, careful planning of time across markets matters. Cyprus and Malta are not in the Schengen zone and have their own entry rules, which is relevant for UK buyers who want extended stays without the 90-day constraint.

We help buyers understand how the Schengen limit interacts with their planned use pattern before they commit to a particular market. Getting this wrong does not prevent a purchase, but it can mean the property is less usable than anticipated.