Buying Overseas

Buying a property abroad is becoming more and more popular as thousands of Britons rush to buy their very own place in the sun. However, the process is not at all straightforward, and you will need to thoroughly research the procedures relating to the particular country where you are buying.

However, here are a few general tips when buying abroad:

Agents

Make sure you buy through a qualified and licensed agent. In most countries (including France, Spain, Portugal and the USA), agents legally have to be licensed and using an unlicensed agent means that you will not be protected if things go wrong. The agents in the countries noted above will tend to do more of the legal work than in Britain and so will charge more commission.

Solicitors

Always hire a solicitor to act for you - make sure they are English speaking if you are not fluent in the local language. In some countries, the locals do not use solicitors but you should insist. The solicitor will check that the seller owns the property and that there are no debts attached to it and that planning regulations have been met.

Searches

Local searches are not as regulated as they are in the UK, and it's often a case of making informal enquiries at the local town hall.

State Notary

Make sure you understand the role played by the state notary (notaire in France, notario in Spain). They are a state official, whose responsibility is to see that the sale is completed - they do not act for you or the vendor.

Contracts

Do not sign anything until you are absolutely sure that you understand it.