In short: Gauci Magri & Partners is a Maltese, and so EU-based, property firm with an office in Glasgow. We help investors across the European Union buy, refurbish and let buy-to-let property in Glasgow and Edinburgh, hands-off, in their own name.
Brexit did not change who can buy UK property: anyone from an EU country can still buy a flat in Scotland, own it outright and let it. What it gives you is an asset outside the eurozone, earning rent in pounds, in one of the most transparent property markets in the world. You deal with an EU firm that understands how things work at home, and a team that is on the ground in Scotland.
How does it work when you live abroad?
You never have to fly over. We meet you by video call, agree your brief and your budget, and search Glasgow and Edinburgh for you. Every property we put forward has been viewed by us or a trusted partner, with the Home Report read and the price, purchase tax, works, likely rent and running costs worked out. You choose. A Scottish solicitor handles the purchase and the title, and you sign remotely. If the flat needs work, we run the refurbishment with contractors we have used for years, and then a registered letting agent finds the tenant and looks after the property. Investors in EU countries deal with one point of contact at Gauci Magri from start to finish.
What will it cost you to buy?
In Scotland the purchase tax is Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), run by Revenue Scotland. The residential bands for 2026 to 2027 are 0% up to £145,000, 2% from £145,001 to £250,000, 5% to £325,000, 10% to £750,000 and 12% above that. On top, the Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) of 8% is charged on the whole price if, after the purchase, you own more than one home anywhere in the world and the price is £40,000 or more. Most overseas investors already own their own home, so they should plan for ADS.
One point in Scotland's favour: unlike England and Northern Ireland, Scotland charges no extra surcharge because a buyer lives outside the UK. Add solicitor's fees, any mortgage costs, the refurbishment and our sourcing fee, and you have the real cost of getting the property let. Our LBTT and ADS calculator works out the tax for you in seconds.
Money, currency and checks
Prices, tax and our fees are in pounds. Between agreeing a purchase and completing, the euro can move, so many investors fix the exchange rate for the completion date. Rent is paid in pounds; whether to hold it in a UK account or convert it each month is your choice, and transfer costs vary a lot between providers.
UK solicitors, lenders, letting agents and we ourselves must check your identity and the source of your funds under the UK money laundering rules. Having your passport, proof of address and evidence of where the money comes from ready saves weeks.
Tax points to check before you buy
The UK has double taxation agreements with most EU member states, so UK tax paid on the rent can usually be credited at home. Check the treaty between the UK and your own country on GOV.UK. UK rental profit is taxable in the UK, and while you live abroad the letting agent normally deducts basic-rate tax under HMRC's Non-Resident Landlord Scheme unless HMRC lets you receive the rent gross. Your home country may tax the same income and give credit for the UK tax. Speak to an accountant in your country before you buy. Our guides to the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme and overseas investors buying UK property go into more detail.
Why Glasgow and Edinburgh?
We work in two cities only, because we know them street by street. Glasgow gives lower entry prices and strong rental demand from students, young professionals and families. Edinburgh costs more to buy but has deep demand and a long record of holding value. Both have universities, hospitals and transport links that keep homes let. Our rent estimates come from what similar homes in the same streets actually let for, not from a brochure. See our portfolio for recent client projects, and why investors choose UK property for the wider case.
Common questions
Can EU citizens still buy property in Scotland after Brexit?
Yes. There is no restriction on buyers from EU countries. You pay the same Land and Buildings Transaction Tax as anyone else, plus the 8% Additional Dwelling Supplement if you will own more than one home after the purchase.
Is there a non-resident surcharge in Scotland?
No. The extra 2% for non-UK residents applies to Stamp Duty Land Tax in England and Northern Ireland only. Scotland does not charge it.
Can I pay in euros?
Our fees are set in pounds, and the website shows euro equivalents as a guide. The property price and tax are always in pounds. Your written terms confirm the currency you pay us in.
Do I need a UK bank account?
It helps, because rent is paid in pounds, but it is not always required. Your solicitor and letting agent will tell you what they need from you.
Tell us your budget and what you want the property to do for you. You will get a straight answer on what we can find, by video call, wherever you are.
Book a free 30-minute callSources
- Revenue Scotland, "Land and Buildings Transaction Tax" (residential rates and the 8% Additional Dwelling Supplement)
- ATT, "Scottish Government announces 2026/27 Budget" (LBTT rates and the 8% ADS unchanged)
- GOV.UK, "Rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax for non-UK residents" (the 2% surcharge applies in England and Northern Ireland only)
- GOV.UK, "Paying tax on rent to landlords abroad" (Non-Resident Landlord Scheme)
- GOV.UK, "Tax treaties", HM Revenue and Customs
Checked on 13 November 2026.