USA

You generally need a US Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN or ITIN) if you will file a US tax return, earn rental income, or be reported to the IRS on mortgage interest or sale proceeds; simple cash buyers with no US‑source income may close without a TIN but will need one once they have taxable US income.​

US citizens and residents get a Social Security Number via the Social Security Administration, while non‑residents without an SSN apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS by submitting Form W‑7 with identity and status documents, often through a certified acceptance agent.​

Most banks require a passport, proof of address, and a TIN (SSN or ITIN), plus compliance with KYC/AML checks; some institutions allow non‑residents to open accounts with just a passport and additional documentation, but policies vary widely by bank and state.​

Yes, international buyers commonly send USD wires from their home banks directly to the US escrow, title company, or attorney trust account; you must follow the exact wiring instructions and allow time for compliance checks.​

Usually yes for foreign powers of attorney, corporate documents or civil records used at closing; they normally need an Apostille plus certified English translation to be accepted by US title companies and recording offices.​

Yes, banks and escrow/title companies can request bank statements, sale contracts, or other documents to demonstrate lawful source of funds under US AML and sanctions regulations.​

They may accept them if they are properly notarised abroad, apostilled, and translated into English, and if their form meets the specific state’s and title insurer’s requirements.​

Title is recorded at county level, and searches are usually carried out by a title company or real‑estate attorney, who examines the public records and then issues a title report and title insurance policy.​

Most states and localities charge transfer or recording taxes that are usually paid by the seller, not the buyer; buyers mainly face closing costs rather than a separate national purchase tax, though specifics differ by state and city.​

New homes are usually sold fully habitable (“turnkey”), with completed kitchens and bathrooms, though pre‑construction deals may allow the buyer to choose finish levels and upgrades; “shell” or “core and shell” is more typical in commercial projects.​

You complete a loan application (credit check, income, assets, debts), provide tax returns or foreign income proof, bank statements, and property details; the lender then underwrites the file, orders appraisal and title, and issues a clear‑to‑close when conditions are satisfied.​

Total brokerage commission is often around 5–6% of the sale price, commonly split between listing and buyer’s agents; it is usually paid by the seller out of closing proceeds, though structures are changing in some markets.​

Requirements are highly local: many cities require a permit or licence, registration, safety inspections, tax registration for local lodging/occupancy taxes, and compliance with zoning and HOA/condo rules; platforms like Airbnb often require a local registration number.​

Primary‑residence buyers may qualify with as little as 3–5% down on certain loan programs, while investors and foreign buyers usually need 25–35% down; lenders set their own minimums.​

Annual property tax is set by local counties and cities, often in the range of roughly 0.5–2.5% of assessed value per year, depending on the state and municipality.​

Expect to provide identification, TIN, income documents (pay stubs, tax returns or foreign income evidence), bank and investment statements, details of debts, and full property information (contract, HOA docs, insurance).​

Typical recurring costs include mortgage payments (principal and interest), property taxes (often escrowed monthly), homeowner’s insurance, and possibly HOA/condo fees and utilities.​

Agents are normally paid immediately after closing, when the settlement statement is finalized and funds are disbursed by the escrow or attorney.​

It is agreed in the listing and buyer‑broker agreements as a percentage of the sale price and can vary by property type, price, and local market conditions.​

At closing, the escrow or attorney pays the brokerage firms according to the settlement statement; brokerages then pay the individual agents under their internal split arrangements.​

Yes, commission is negotiable; sellers and agents may agree reduced rates in hot markets, on luxury or multiple‑unit deals, or for repeat clients.​

If there is an active buyer‑broker agreement and the agent was the procuring cause of the purchase, the brokerage is typically entitled to commission on any property bought during the term, not just the first one shown.​

Rental income is generally taxable in the USA, with non‑resident owners usually taxed at graduated rates on net income if they elect to treat it as effectively connected income; expenses like interest, taxes, insurance, repairs, and depreciation can be deductible.​

Key fixed costs are property taxes, insurance, HOA/condo fees (if applicable), and basic maintenance; landlords also incur bookkeeping, tax preparation, and sometimes management fees.​

The closest concept is capital gains tax on sale; for US taxpayers, long‑term gains have specific federal rates plus possible state tax, and non‑residents are subject to US tax and FIRPTA withholding on gains from US real property interests.​

US loans match the property’s currency and legal system but may be harder to get for non‑residents; foreign loans in another currency avoid US underwriting but add FX risk and usually cannot be secured on US property—many investors prefer USD financing if available.​

Practically no; foreign lenders rarely record liens on US property and US closing practice is geared to domestic‑law mortgages.​

Residential property managers often charge 8–12% of collected rent plus leasing fees for finding new tenants, and may add mark‑ups on repairs and inspection charges.​

Yes, but you must comply with zoning, building, health and safety codes, and in some cases licensing and franchise or brand‑standards rules; financing and tax treatment differ from residential.​

Change of use depends on local zoning and building codes and HOA/condo rules; you may need planning permission, building permits, and code upgrades to convert residential to commercial.​

Foreigners can inherit US property, but probate is conducted under the state’s law, and heirs must handle US tax and reporting obligations; for non‑resident decedents, US estate tax may apply to US‑situs assets above thresholds.​

Most states have implied warranties of habitability or specific new‑home warranty statutes, and many builders offer contractual warranties (e.g. 1‑year workmanship, longer on structure); exact coverage depends on state law and the builder’s warranty document.​

Internal changes must comply with building codes and any HOA/condo rules; structural, electrical and plumbing work usually requires permits and inspections, while minor cosmetic work can be done freely.​

Insurance is usually mandatory if the property is mortgaged, covering at least the replacement cost of the structure; in some areas flood, hurricane or earthquake riders are strongly recommended or required.​

Legally possible but unusual; foreign consumer banks typically do not set up US‑law mortgages, and doing so requires specialist legal structuring and recording in the correct county.​

Transfers by gift can trigger US gift‑tax and require filing; some states also levy transfer taxes on deeds even between relatives, so legal and tax advice is important before gifting.​

Short‑term rental income is taxable as ordinary rental or business income, and hosts may also owe local hotel, lodging, or occupancy taxes that must be collected and remitted to local authorities.​

Policies vary: some banks require US address and SSN, others allow non‑resident accounts with extra documentation; it is no longer trivial and often easier if you have US ties such as a job, company, or long‑term stay.​

Recent data show continued strong foreign interest and notable transaction volumes, with conditions varying by region—some markets are cooling, others remain tight and expensive.​

Yes, lenders may require larger down payments, higher interest rates, more documentation, and may restrict certain loan programs to US residents only.​

No; you generally cannot sign effective rental agreements until you legally own the property and it is habitable and compliant with local codes.​

New‑home warranties usually cover systems like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC for a limited period (often 1–2 years) while structural elements may be covered longer; the exact schedule is in the builder’s warranty.​

Pre‑construction buyers often can choose finishes and minor layout options within a design catalogue; major structural changes are uncommon and subject to builder and code limits.​

Yes, such as liens, unpaid taxes, HOA dues, or special assessments, which is why title searches and title insurance are standard at closing.​

New construction is conveyed by deed and recorded in the county land records at or immediately after closing; there is no sale without a recordable deed.​

Building and energy codes impose minimum efficiency and safety standards for new construction; specific requirements depend on state and local code adoption.​

The USA has investor visas such as EB‑5 and E‑2 where real‑estate‑related businesses can play a role, but simply buying a home does not qualify; investments must meet strict job‑creation and business criteria.​

Yes; sources include the National Association of Realtors, major listing portals, large brokerages, and specialist foreign‑buyer reports, all publishing regular data and analysis.​

There is no nationwide rent control, but some states and cities (e.g. parts of California, New York, Oregon) have rent‑control or rent‑stabilisation laws, while many others prohibit them.​

If financed, lenders require hazard insurance at minimum; cash buyers are not legally forced but strongly advised to insure at least the structure and liability, with extra cover in high‑risk areas.​

Usually no: in most states only the buyer signs, but in “community property” states (e.g. California, Texas) a spouse’s signature may be needed to waive marital rights or on the mortgage and later on a sale or refinance.​

Yes, if the service can send a USD wire to the escrow/title company’s or attorney’s client account; you must confirm ABA/routing details and any limits with Revolut/your provider.​

Yes, foreign powers of attorney, IDs or corporate docs often need an Apostille plus certified English translation for use with US title companies and county recorders; exact practice is state‑ and title‑company‑dependent.​

Common “reliefs” are: deductibility of mortgage interest and property taxes for some US taxpayers, special first‑time buyer or down‑payment assistance programs in certain states, and 1031‑like exchanges for investment property; non‑residents face different rules and often cannot use all deductions.​

Yes; US banks apply strict AML and sanctions screening and can hold, question, or return international wires until they verify the source and purpose of funds.​

Typical buyer closing costs (excluding down payment) are about 2–5% of the purchase price and include lender fees, title insurance, escrow/attorney fees, recording fees and prepaid taxes/insurance; sellers pay their own costs plus broker commissions.​

Use a licensed real‑estate agent and independent real‑estate attorney, insist on title insurance, work only with funds held in an insured escrow or attorney trust account, and use secure video inspections and professional inspections before waiving contingencies.​

Developers often use a reservation agreement with a small deposit, followed by a formal purchase contract and larger earnest money once documents are reviewed; deposits are held in escrow and refund rules depend on the contract and state law.​

Typical steps: pre‑approval, offer + earnest money, inspections and disclosures, appraisal and full underwriting, title search and insurance, repairs/credits negotiation, signing closing documents and funding, then recording of the deed and key handover.​

Most buyers use a combination of mortgage loan and down payment; payments at closing are made by wire or cashier’s check to escrow/title/attorney, not in cash.​

If the contract had a financing contingency and the loan is formally denied within the contingency period, the earnest money is usually refundable; if contingencies are removed and the buyer then fails to close, the seller can typically keep the earnest money as liquidated damages.​

You send an earnest‑money deposit via domestic or international bank wire to the escrow or attorney trust account, or by US cashier’s check if you have a US bank account; never send to a private individual outside closing instructions.​

Yes; buyers mitigate this with escrowed deposits, performance bonds where available, detailed contracts, and strong builders. In some states condo/developer laws provide extra protections, but risk is not zero.​

A financed purchase typically takes 30–60 days from contract to closing; cash deals can close in 1–3 weeks if title work is ready.​

A state‑specific, notarized power of attorney that meets local recording requirements and is pre‑approved by the title company; for foreign execution, US counterparts may require an Apostille and certified translation.​

Usually once the deed is recorded and the sale funds are disbursed—often the same day or the next business day after signing, depending on state practice.​

Not directly into the land records: some sellers accept crypto through third‑party processors who convert it to USD before closing, but official settlement and title insurance are in USD.​

All buyer funds (down payment + closing costs) must be in escrow before or at the closing date set in the contract; missing this deadline can be a breach and may cost you your earnest money.​

No; foreigners can buy US property without US residency or a green card, although they face specific tax and reporting rules.​

New‑build contracts typically involve an earnest‑money deposit (sometimes in stages) and then full payment at closing; extended post‑completion payment plans are much rarer than in some European markets.​

By default, funds are held by a neutral escrow or attorney trust account and released to the developer or seller only when contractual conditions and closing documents are satisfied.​

Refundability depends on contingencies: if you cancel within an inspection, financing, or other contingency period under the contract, you usually get your earnest money back; otherwise the seller can generally keep it.​

That depends on the hotel or platform cancellation policy (refundable vs non‑refundable rate, deadlines); there is no special real‑estate rule for this.

You may be entitled to specific performance (forcing completion), compensation, or contract termination with deposit refund, depending on state law and the contract; disputes are handled in state courts or agreed arbitration.​

Owner‑occupiers often put 3–20% down depending on loan type; foreign or investment buyers commonly need 25–35% down and face stricter requirements.​

Yes, there is no general federal restriction on foreign ownership of residential property, though there can be extra hurdles (FIRPTA tax on sale, bank requirements, some local rules near military or agricultural land).​

Listing prices generally exclude closing costs and property taxes; they are the base price for the property alone, with buyer and seller closing costs added on top.​

The system is mature and highly regulated, but you still need due diligence, inspections, and title insurance; safety varies by developer and jurisdiction.​

Yes; cash purchases are common, especially among foreign and investor buyers, but large cash deposits are closely scrutinized under AML rules.​

No; tax residency is based mainly on citizenship, green‑card status, and the number of days you spend in the USA (substantial presence test), not mere ownership of property.​

Yes; many investors use LLCs or corporations for liability and estate‑planning reasons, though this has US tax implications that need advice.​

Generally not for typical residential properties, but some sectors like agricultural land, property near sensitive military installations, and certain condos/co‑ops can have extra restrictions or board approvals.​

You can usually rent right away, but must comply with local zoning, rental registration or licensing rules, condo/HOA bylaws, and federal/state tax reporting on rental income.​

Yes; US law generally allows you to sell or gift property quickly, though selling fast can affect tax treatment (short‑term vs long‑term capital gains) and gifts have US gift‑tax and estate‑planning implications.​

Capital gains on US real estate are normally taxable for both residents and non‑residents, but exemptions exist for some primary residences and special structures (e.g. like‑kind exchanges for investors); personal advice is needed.​

You cannot sell 100% without all owners’ consent; a co‑owner may seek a partition action in court, which can lead to a forced sale and division of proceeds.​

Buying property alone does not grant any US immigration status; however, real estate can be part of a wider qualifying business investment in programmes such as certain EB‑5 projects or in structuring an E‑2 business, subject to strict rules.​

No; the USA does not have a VAT on real estate like in the EU, and there is no general “sales‑tax refund” on property purchases—tax optimisation is via income, depreciation and capital‑gains rules, not VAT refunds.​

No federal limit; you can own multiple properties, subject only to financing capacity, local regulations and any lender/HOA rules.​

No direct right: property ownership can support a broader investor or business case, but there is no official “golden visa” based solely on buying a house.​

In many US states only the purchasing spouse needs to be physically present, but in community‑property or homestead states a non‑purchasing spouse may need to sign certain mortgage, homestead, or waiver documents; this can often be done via a notarized power of attorney instead of both spouses travelling.​

You can move in once the property has a certificate of occupancy, the closing is completed, the deed is recorded, and the seller/developer formally delivers possession; if construction or inspections are not finished, move‑in can be delayed.​

There is no fixed legal deadline; in hot markets sellers may expect an offer within hours or days, while in slower markets a property can stay available for weeks. Timeframes are driven by competition and the listing terms, not statute.​

US law does not guarantee an interpreter for private transactions; some brokerages, attorneys, and lenders offer multilingual staff, but if you need Polish or another language you normally must arrange your own interpreter.​

Yes, in many states using a real‑estate attorney is standard or strongly recommended, especially for foreign buyers; the attorney can review contracts, represent you in negotiations, and attend closing on your behalf.​

Not necessarily; many US transactions for foreign buyers are closed remotely via electronic signatures, notarized and apostilled powers of attorney, and video/remote closings, provided the lender and title company accept this structure.​

Yes, many agents or relocation services help buyers connect utilities and internet and set up homeowner accounts, but this is a private service and depends on your agreement with them.​

Airport transfers are not part of the legal process; some agencies or relocation firms offer airport pickup as an extra courtesy or paid service, but it is not standard or regulated.​

No; travel, hotels, and living costs during your visit are separate from the real‑estate transaction and are normally paid by the client.​

You can bring any amount, but if you carry more than USD 10,000 (or equivalent) in cash or negotiable instruments, you must declare it to US Customs on arrival; undeclared amounts over this threshold can be seized.​

There is no legal limit; the number of viewings depends on scheduling with your agent and sellers—typically you can see several properties per day in one area.​

This is purely a travel issue; the real‑estate process continues according to contract deadlines. If you miss agreed viewing or inspection dates, you must reschedule quickly or use a local representative to avoid missing contingency deadlines.​

You book accommodation via standard travel platforms or directly with hotels; real‑estate agents may recommend areas or hotels but do not typically handle travel bookings under real‑estate law.​

Yes, that is a core role of a licensed real‑estate agent and, in attorney states, your real‑estate lawyer; they negotiate price, contingencies, repairs, and contract terms on your behalf.​

Yes, these are ancillary concierge services; some agents include basic help informally, while structured relocation or banking support is usually billed separately or provided by third‑party firms.​

For a standard financed purchase you often need just a brief visit (3–7 days) to view properties and sign key documents, with the rest handled remotely; cash buyers can sometimes view, offer, and close within a single short trip if title and inspections are fast.​

US brokerages are bound by local licensing and ethical rules; if you are already under an exclusive‑buyer agreement with one agent, another brokerage may not be able to represent you without resolving that agreement first.​

Attorney fees vary by state and complexity; for standard residential deals they are often a flat fee in the hundreds to low thousands of dollars, or occasionally an hourly rate billed for document review and closing.​

Not always. Many states and title companies allow closing by couriered documents, remote online notarization, or a power of attorney, so you can complete the transaction without being physically present in the USA, subject to your lender’s policies.​