Direct answers
Frequently asked questions
Here is what people most often ask before the first conversation: how to pay from what exactly a foreigner is buying, and how much comes on top of the property price and how to avoid scammers.
About the company and how we work
Who are you and what do you do?+
SVOY HOME helps people moving abroad sort out their housing abroad — from renting right after the move to buying, investing and obtaining a residence permit through real estate. We are part of the SVOY ecosystem: we process payments for transactions via a legal route, status and documents — through SVOY Legal.
How much do your services cost?+
Consultation — free. Search for purchase and investment also free: our fee is paid by the seller, not you. Search long-term rentals in Spain and Italy — a separate paid service: one month’s rent plus VAT 21 %, two payments. The first — 40 % cost of the service before work begins, in Barcelona — 1 000 €, in Valencia and Alicante — 726 € VAT included; balance on signing the tenancy agreement, and if there is no agreement — no payment. We search until you move in, not until the fifth viewing. Showroom with prices by neighbourhood open free of charge and without registration. Fees and all costs are transaction we quote before booking, in writing and record it in the agreement. We do not add a hidden markup to the property price: if you ask and we’ll show you the developer’s or owner’s price list.
How quickly do you respond?+
Usually within an hour during business hours. A tailored selection for your request takes 24 hours.
Can a property be found for any budget?+
We give an honest assessment of the request. If the budget doesn’t match the market chosen city, we will say so directly and show you where that budget actually buy or rent — instead of spending six months showing you to options that don’t exist.
Property purchase
What is a fideicomiso and why does Mexico require one?+
In Mexico’s coastal zone — and Cancún is part of it — a foreigner takes title through ownership through fideicomiso — bank trust for 50 years with extension. Legally, the title is held by a trustee bank, while all ownership rights, rental income, inheritance, and sale rights are yours. This is a standard and a legal structure used by the entire foreign segment of the market. Opening the trust and its annual maintenance are included in the transaction costs.
How much do you need on top of the property price?+
In Mexico, transaction costs — approximately 6–8% of the property value: acquisition tax, notary, registration, opening of a fideicomiso and its annual maintenance. Other countries have their own cost structure. We provide the full estimate in figures, we send before booking, and not after — so the amount on the outcome is not a surprise.
Is instalment financing from the developer available?+
Yes, on new-build projects. For example, on projects in Cancún, that we handle directly, developer instalment plans are available under the scheme 30/40/30 with handover in 2028. Specific terms depend on the project and construction stage.
Do you need to fly out for a viewing?+
Not required: we show the property via video call, send the documents, the transaction can be handled remotely. But if you can visit in person — come in person. We do not discourage this and will arrange viewings on-site.
How do you verify the property and the developer?+
We review the title documents, building permits, encumbrances and debts, the developer’s history and completed projects. Partner listings are verified before listing on the marketplace. We show you the verification results directly — no paraphrasing.
Money and payment
How to pay for a transaction from Russia or the CIS?+
Via legal channels this is a service within our own ecosystem, working with more than 150 countries. The transfer is legal, with proof of source of funds: this is a requirement trustee bank and notary — without it the transaction simply will not be registered. We work out the payment route in advance, before any deposit is paid.
What if I don’t have documentation proving the source of my funds?+
We help gather and prepare the proof of funds — that’s handled by Svoy accountant in our ecosystem. It’s important to start early: this question resolved up to the transaction, not at the moment when the money already needs to send.
Is a lease agreement signed?+
Yes, a contract is required — both with us and with the owner or developer. We send the terms on request in advance, before any money changes hands, so you have time to read them and, if you wish, show them to your own lawyer.
What deposit is required at booking?+
The deposit amount depends on the property, the developer, and the season — there is no single figure does not exist for all properties. The exact amount, timeline, and recoverability the deposit — we state this before booking and set it out in the agreement. If the condition is non-refundable — we say so directly, before you transfer money.
Rental
Can you rent without a local credit history?+
Yes, this is the most common request after moving. We find properties where move-in possible without a local credit history or guarantors, and we help to agree on guarantees with the owner. We make no promises of ’done in a week’ we promise: markets and landlord requirements vary everywhere. We promise otherwise — we keep searching until you move in, until the right option is found, that suits you.
Why do listings sometimes show very low prices?+
Either it is a long-term annual contract — always noticeably cheaper monthly rent, or the listing is fraudulent. The rule is simple: the price well below the neighbourhood market rate — document check and video call first, and only then any money.
Do you provide support after move-in?+
Yes. We stay in touch after move-in and after the transaction — with utilities, internet, repairs, communication with the landlord, lease renewals. For questions on the ground, there is SVOY city chats.
Status and documents
Does buying property lead to a residence permit?+
In some countries — yes, and the thresholds vary. Current programmes and amounts collected in the section Residence permit through real estate. The status itself is obtained through SVOY Legal — you won’t need to find a separate lawyer and retell your story from scratch.
What language does everything happen in?+
From the first question to the keys. We translate documents, we explain what you are signing and are present at the notary for the transaction.
Important safety note
- We never reach out first. If you have received a message supposedly from SVOY HOME offering a property — that’s not us. Please let us know to [email protected].
- Ask for a video call. We are always happy to show property and documents via video call before any payment — WhatsApp or Telegram, whichever suits you.
- Payments go to the company account only. We don’t ask transfer a deposit to a private individual’s card, and we do not accept payment ’to someone you know in the city.’ We structure the payment route from Russia or the CIS legally, with source-of-funds documentation.
- A price that seems too low is almost always a scam. If the listing is noticeably below the neighbourhood market price, we will say so directly rather than selling a dream.
- Official contacts only: WhatsApp +34 653 88 19 96, bot @svoy_home_bot, channel @svoy_global, email [email protected] and the website home.svoy.io. Everything else is not us.
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