Finding A Lawyer
Author Leaonne Hall is an expert on the overseas property market and has written extensively for a number of newsstand titles. She previously produced three editions of the Red Guide to Buying Property in Eastern Europe, and has been writing in detail on the individual markets since 2003.
FINDING A LAWYER
The best way to go about finding a lawyer is to contact the London-based embassy of the country you’re buying in, asking them for a list of recommended lawyers. Another simple method of hunting down a reliable professional is to gain a personal recommendation, either from family or friends, or by posting a notice on an expat website forum.
The services provided by your lawyer will include drawing up the necessary documentation relevant to the sale in the language of the country of purchase. Even though not all Eastern European countries require you to employ the services of a lawyer, it is recommended you do so as your lawyer will be able to carry out a proper background search of the property and its title to ensure it’s clean. They will also prepare the contract of purchase for you.
Most agents will offer to find you a lawyer, but this is not a recommended course of action, as they will probably be acting for the vendor, too. It’s essential that you employ the services of an independent lawyer and always make sure they’re registered. You will generally have the choice of choosing between a UK-based or local lawyer, but the advantages of having someone operating on the ground in the country of purchase – especially as they can act on your behalf, if given power of attorney – far outweigh the benefits of being based in the UK. Local lawyers generally have a superior working knowledge of the country’s legal system, requirements and loopholes.
