Buying property in Algeria from abroad: the complete steps

Algerian nationals living abroad can buy on the private market on the same footing as residents: resale homes from individuals, new builds from private developers, or land to build on. They can also apply to some public programmes sold by ENPI (LPP and LPL), which have their own conditions. Foreign nationals and dual-nationality cases follow separate rules that a notary should confirm for your situation.

• Set a full budget: price plus about 7 to 8% in fees, converted at the rate your bank will actually use.
• Choose a notary early. In Algeria the notary drafts and registers the deed, and checks the title for you.
• Get the seller’s documents: the acte de propriété and the livret foncier for a finished home, the building permit and sale contract model for a new build.
• Sign a promise of sale if needed. Part of the registration duty can be paid at this stage.
• Send the money through a bank so it reaches the notary’s or developer’s account. Keep every transfer proof.
• Sign the final deed at the notary, in person or through a special power of attorney.
• The notary registers the deed and publishes it at the land registry. Collect your copy and the updated livret foncier.

“Notaries often give the same advice to buyers who cannot visit the site: prefer a finished home and a direct sale over an off-plan promise.”

Since the 2025 finance law, property must be paid through banks or other financial channels, not in cash. In practice you transfer from your account abroad to an Algerian account (yours, the notary’s or the developer’s) and the bank converts at its official rate. Ask your bank for a written estimate of the amount that will arrive, since correspondent fees and the conversion margin reduce it. Expect to show where the money came from: keep payslips, savings statements or a sale contract ready, because this check can delay the signature.

• Registration duty: 5% of the price in the general case. Some first homes bought from a developer are exempt.
• Land registry publication: about 1%.
• Notary fees: a national tariff of 3% up to 500,000 DA, 2% up to 1,000,000 DA and 1% above, plus 19% VAT.
• Agency fee: 1% for a sale above 5 million DA, if you use a licensed agency.
• Bank and transfer costs, and a small fixed fee and stamps.