FINAL CHECKLIST

• Always establish a budget and stick to it.
• Always view the area and as many properties as possible before committing to buy and consider renting in the area to get to know it better. Try to view a property you are considering buying at different times of day and year.
• Think twice before you buy: is the area right for you? Make sure the answer is yes before you sign the legally-binding preliminary contract.
• Make sure that the property corresponds to its description with both the estate agent’s details and the title in the land registry, and get your lawyer to carry out a thorough background check before purchase.
• Make sure you’re paying market value for the property and aren’t the victim of overcharging, as foreigners in Eastern Europe can be.
• Always check the additional costs of the purchase, such as taxes and fees for the notary, estate agent and lawyer.
• Make sure that planning permission has been granted for the property and that any future work you want to do will also be given the OK.
• Always clarify what is, and what is not, included in the sale, such as fittings and furnishings.
• Have any documentation translated into English before you sign it.
• Appoint a power of attorney to the preliminary and final contract on your behalf if you can’t attend.
• Make sure that there are get-out clauses in the preliminary contract for any issues such as the seller backing out, or failure by the developer to complete an off-plan property.
• Never sign a document unless you know exactly what you’re signing.
• Be sure of any key dates or deadlines and adhere to them – missing a stage payment could lose you your property.
• Always use a professional to check that the paperwork relating to the property is in order.
• Have a survey done on the property and check the exact boundaries, clarifying all rights of way and access routes.