Transfer taxes on properties vary greatly across European countries, with some having very high rates and others having very low rates. According to the UHY Haines Norton report, some countries with the highest and lowest transfer taxes are listed. This report will look in depth at the property transfer tax rates in several European countries.We'll start with the countries with the highest property transfer taxes, such as the United Kingdom, where properties worth more than £1.5 million are subject to a 12% transfer tax. The Netherlands, Sweden, and Spain are among the other countries with high transfer taxes. However, we will also consider countries with low property transfer taxes, such as Bulgaria, where the standard rate is 3%. Finland, Norway, and Greece are among the other countries with low transfer taxes.

Property transfer tax, also known as stamp duty, is levied on property purchases in the United Kingdom. 

The stamp duty rate varies according to the purchase price of the property. The rate is 12% for properties worth more than £1.5 million. There are, however, different rates for various price ranges:
  • 0% for properties up to £125,000 (no stamp duty)
  • 2% for properties priced between £125,001 and £250,000
  • 5% for properties priced between £250,001 and £925,000
  • 10% for properties worth between £925,001 and £1.5 million
  • 12% on properties worth more than £1.5 million.
Some stamp duty exemptions and reductions are available, such as for first-time buyers, properties purchased for less than £500,000, and properties used for business purposes.There is an additional 1% rate on purchasing additional properties, such as second homes or buy-to-let properties, for which the stamp duty rate is 3% for properties worth more than £40,000.

Property transfer tax, also known as transfer tax, is levied on purchasing real estate in the Netherlands. 

The transfer tax rate varies according to the purchase price of the property. The rate is 8% for properties worth more than €450,000. There are, however, different rates for various price ranges:
  • 1.2% for properties up to €50,000
  • 2% for properties priced between €50,001 and €200,000
  • 6% for properties between €200,000 and €1,000,000
  • 8% on properties worth more than €1 million.
However, some transfer tax exemptions and reductions are available, such as for first-time buyers, properties purchased for self-occupation, and energy-efficient properties.Furthermore, suppose the property is purchased by an individual and used as a primary residence. In that case, the buyer can apply for a reduced transfer tax rate of 2% on the first €50,000 of the purchase price and 1% on the remaining amount between €50,001 and €200,000, up to €450,000.

Property transfer tax, also known as stamp duty, is levied on property purchases in Sweden. 

The stamp duty rate varies according to the purchase price of the property. The rate is 12% for properties worth more than SEK 15 million. There are, however, different rates for various price ranges:
  • 1.5% for properties up to SEK 2 million.
  • For properties worth between SEK 2,000,001 and SEK 5,000,000: 3%
  • For properties worth between SEK 5,000,001 and SEK 15,000,000: 6%
  • 12% on properties worth more than SEK 15 million.
Furthermore, some stamp duty exemptions and reductions can be applied to properties purchased for self-occupation, properties used for business purposes, and properties considered energy-efficient.

Property transfer tax, also known as real estate transfer tax (RETT), is levied on purchasing real estate in Germany. 

RETT rates vary depending on the purchase price of the property and the region in which it is located.The RETT rate is usually 3.5%, but there is also a 5% solidarity surcharge on the RETT, which is applied only to properties worth more than €250,000. The total rate for properties worth more than €400,000 is 6.5% (3.5% + 5%).However, some exemptions and reductions to the RETT are available for first-time buyers, disabled individuals, and properties purchased for self-occupation.

Property transfer tax, also known as VAT (Value Added Tax) and ITP (Impuesto Sobre Transmisiones Patrimoniales), is levied on property purchases in Spain. 

The VAT and ITP rates vary according to the property's purchase price, the type of property, and the region in which the property is located. However, for properties worth more than €600,000, the VAT rate is usually 10%.VAT is levied at a rate of 10% on new properties, and ITP is levied at a rate that varies depending on the autonomous community in which the property is located. It varies from 7% to 11%.Some exemptions and reductions can be applied to VAT and ITP, such as properties purchased for self-occupation, properties used for business purposes, and energy-efficient properties.In some regions, there is also a reduced VAT rate of 4% for "nearly new" properties (built within the last two years) and a reduced ITP rate of 1.5% for "nearly new" properties.

Property transfer tax, also known as registration duty, is levied on property purchases in Belgium. 

The registration duty rate varies depending on the purchase price of the property and the region in which it is located. However, for properties worth more than €250,000, the rate is usually 12.5%.The registration duty rate varies by country region; for example, in the Brussels region, the rate is 12.5% for properties worth more than €250,000, while in the Walloon Region, the rate is 12.5% for properties worth more than €350,000.Some exemptions and reductions to the registration duty can be applied to properties purchased for self-occupation, properties used for business purposes, and properties considered energy-efficient.

Property transfer tax, also known as transfer tax, is levied on purchasing real estate in France. 

The transfer tax rate varies depending on the purchase price of the property and the region in which it is located. However, for properties worth more than €1.3 million, the rate is typically 8%.The transfer tax rate varies by country region; for example, in some regions, the rate is 8% for properties worth more than €1.3 million, while in others, the rate can be as high as 8.5% for properties worth more than €1 million.Some exemptions and reductions can be applied to the transfer tax, such as properties purchased for self-occupation, properties used for business purposes, and energy-efficient properties.There is also a 2% transfer tax rate for properties considered "nearly new" (built within the last five years) and for properties located in certain zones designated as "demographic deficit" areas.

Property transfer tax, also known as VAT (Imposta di Registro) and ITP (Imposta sulle Transazioni Patrimoniali), is levied on the purchase of a real estate in Italy.

 The VAT and ITP rates vary according to the property's purchase price, the type of property, and the region in which the property is located.VAT is usually 9% on properties worth more than €1 million. VAT is levied at a rate of 10% on new properties, and ITP is levied at a rate that varies depending on the region in which the property is located. It varies from 2% to 9%.Furthermore, some exemptions and reductions can be applied to VAT and ITP, such as properties purchased for self-occupation, properties used for business purposes, and energy-efficient properties.

Property transfer tax, also known as stamp duty, is levied on property purchases in Denmark. 

The stamp duty rate varies according to the purchase price of the property. The rate is 8% for properties worth more than DKK 2.5 million. There are, however, different rates for various price ranges:
  • 1% on properties up to DKK 2 million.
  • 3% for properties valued between DKK 2,000,001 and DKK 2.5 million.
  • 8% on properties worth more than DKK 2.5 million.
Furthermore, some stamp duty exemptions and reductions can be applied to properties purchased for self-occupation, properties used for business purposes, and properties considered energy-efficient.

Property transfer tax, also known as stamp duty, is levied on purchasing real estate in Ireland. 

The stamp duty rate varies according to the purchase price of the property. The rate is 6% for properties worth more than €1 million. There are, however, different rates for various price ranges:
  • 1% on properties up to €1 million
  • 6% on properties worth more than €1 million.
Furthermore, some stamp duty exemptions and reductions can be applied to properties purchased for self-occupation, properties used for business purposes, and first-time buyers.

Property transfer tax, also known as stamp duty, is levied on property purchases in Greece. 

The stamp duty rate varies according to the purchase price of the property. The rate is 10% for properties worth more than €250,000. There are, however, different rates for various price ranges:
  • 3% for properties up to €250,000
  • 10% for properties worth more than €250,000
Furthermore, some stamp duty exemptions and reductions can be applied to properties purchased for self-occupation, properties used for business purposes, and energy-efficient properties.

Property transfer tax, also known as stamp duty, is levied on property purchases in Portugal. 

The rate of stamp duty varies according to the purchase price and type of property. The rate is usually 8% for properties worth more than €1 million. There are, however, different rates for various price ranges and types of properties:
  • 0% for properties up to €92,407 (no stamp duty)
  • 1% for properties priced between €92,408 and €126,403
  • 2% for properties priced between €126,404 and €172,348.
  • 6% on properties worth more than €172,348.
The stamp duty rate for properties considered "golden visa" properties, which are properties purchased by non-European citizens and meet certain criteria such as location, size, and value, is 3% for properties up to €500,000 and 5% for properties over €500,000.Furthermore, some stamp duty exemptions and reductions can be applied to properties purchased for self-occupation, properties used for business purposes, and energy-efficient properties.

Property transfer tax, also known as stamp duty, is levied on property purchases in Norway. 

The stamp duty rate varies according to the purchase price of the property. The rate is 2.5% for properties worth more than NOK 3 million. However, only one rate applies to all properties: 2.5%.Furthermore, some stamp duty exemptions and reductions can be applied to properties purchased for self-occupation, properties used for business purposes, and energy-efficient properties.

Property transfer tax, also known as real estate transfer tax (RETT), is levied on purchasing a real estate in Austria. 

RETT rates vary depending on the purchase price of the property and the region in which it is located. However, for properties worth more than €365,000, the rate is usually 3.5%.Typically, the RETT rate is 3.5%. However, some exemptions and reductions to the RETT are available, such as properties purchased for self-occupation and properties used for business purposes.Furthermore, some exemptions and reductions can be applied to the RETT, such as properties purchased for self-occupation, commercial properties, and energy-efficient properties.

Property transfer tax, also known as real estate transfer tax (RETT), is levied on purchasing real estate in Finland.

The purchase price of the property determines the RETT rate. However, for properties worth more than €300,000, the rate is typically 2%.Typically, the RETT rate is 2%. However, some exemptions and reductions to the RETT are available, such as properties purchased for self-occupation and properties used for business purposes.Furthermore, some exemptions and reductions can be applied to the RETT, such as properties purchased for self-occupation, commercial properties, and energy-efficient properties.

Property transfer tax, also known as stamp duty, is levied on property purchases in Bulgaria. 

The stamp duty rate varies according to the purchase price of the property. The standard rate is 3% of the property's purchase price.Furthermore, there are some stamp duty exemptions and reductions available. For example, properties purchased for self-occupation, properties used for business, and properties deemed energy-efficient are subject to a 1% stamp duty reduction.In addition, the stamp duty on "nearly new" properties (built within the last five years) is reduced to 2%.

Why Choose Our Office for Expert Guidance on Property Transfer Taxes in Europe

Given this information, it is clear that navigating Europe's complex landscape of property transfer taxes can be a daunting task. This is where our firm comes in. Our expert team, led by Iven De Hoon, has a wealth of experience and knowledge to help you navigate the process. Our main goal is to provide personalized services while being transparent about our services and fees. We recognize the importance of making informed decisions when purchasing real estate, and we are committed to providing the necessary guidance to assist you in making the best decision for your needs. When you work with our office, you can be confident that you are working with experienced professionals who provide the best service possible. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.