European Union: Real Estate and Construction

Polish tax authorities are challenging the tax-exempt status of short-term rental activities conducted by family foundations, despite the Family Foundation Act's provisions allowing such operations. While administrative courts have consistently ruled in favor of taxpayers, the absence of a Supreme Administrative Court decision leaves the matter unresolved.

As part of the recent legislative developments in Cyprus, an amendment has been introduced to the legal framework governing rent payments for immovable property in the Republic of Cyprus.

The Dutch residential rental market continues to evolve at pace. Since our last update in 2024, the regulatory landscape has further matured, with the Affordable Rent Act now firmly embedded...

Purchasing property in Cyprus requires navigating complex legal procedures, regulatory requirements, and due diligence checks that protect both buyers and sellers. Understanding the conveyancing process, from initial contract preparation through title deed transfer, helps international investors and property buyers avoid common pitfalls including undisclosed mortgages, planning irregularities, and delayed title deeds.

Cyprus has been attracting foreign property buyers for decades. British retirees, Israeli investors, European families, Middle Eastern businesspeople and international professionals continue to look at Cyprus for homes...

When a person passes away leaving assets in Cyprus, those assets cannot usually be transferred immediately to relatives or beneficiaries.

The EU's FASTER Directive introduces a standardised digital framework to streamline withholding tax relief on cross-border portfolio income, replacing fragmented national procedures with automated processes. While focused on publicly traded shares and bonds, the directive holds particular relevance for European real estate investors who increasingly access property through listed vehicles and REITs. Expected to apply from 2030, FASTER promises faster refunds, reduced administrative friction, and enhanced tr

Italy's new ZES Unica framework consolidates regional special economic zones into a unified system offering tax incentives and streamlined procedures for foreign investors. The reform covers southern regions and strategic Mediterranean ports, creating opportunities in real estate, logistics, and industrial development. How can international operators leverage this framework to establish a competitive presence in European and Mediterranean markets?

Austria has introduced new VAT rules for luxury residential properties exceeding EUR 2 million in total costs, fundamentally changing the tax treatment that has long distinguished the country's approach from standard EU frameworks. Starting January 2026, these high-value properties will face mandatory VAT exemption, eliminating the input VAT deduction rights that previously provided significant liquidity advantages to developers and landlords. The threshold calculation encompasses acquisition, construction,

On 24 April 2026, Cyprus extended the transitional regime that lets some buyers claim the 5% VAT rate on a primary residence under the more generous pre-2023 rules. Here is what changed and which deadlines apply.

Recent amendments to Cyprus's Transfer and Mortgage of Immovable Property Law have introduced significant changes to the auction procedure for mortgaged properties. These legislative updates extend debtor rights by allowing more time to challenge mortgage debt and establishing mandatory minimum reserve prices for all property auctions. The reforms aim to strengthen protections for debtors facing foreclosure proceedings.

Purchasing property in Cyprus requires navigating complex legal procedures, regulatory requirements, and due diligence checks that protect both buyers and sellers. Understanding the conveyancing process, from initial contract preparation through title deed transfer, helps international investors and property buyers avoid common pitfalls including undisclosed mortgages, planning irregularities, and delayed title deeds.