Recommendations

We recommend that a prospective purchaser should take the following points into consideration when buying a property abroad.

• A prospective buyer must always seek independent legal advice when considering making a purchase.
• Such advice must be given before entering into any legally binding contract.
• The choice of an independent Lawyer should be made by the prospective purchaser from a list of suitable candidates.
• Under no circumstances should the purchaser use the same legal adviser (i.e. lawyer/notary) as the vendor or developer
• Ensure, before committing to a purchase off-plan, that the necessary building permits have been granted and that copies of same are available
• In some countries lawyers and notaries are covered by indemnity insurance. It is recommended that a purchaser verifies this and obtains the appropriate policy number
• In some circumstances a vendor/developer will wish to sign a promise of sale which shows a lesser price than that actually paid (perhaps on the excuse of reducing taxes). Such devices are fraudulent and could come to the notice of the Authorities (with unpleasant results for the purchaser) sooner or later - please avoid.
• Finally, unless a purchaser is totally knowledgeable about the Country, the region and the immediate local area, it is essential that he or she takes a viewing trip to visit the property or development before committing to a purchase