What are the golden rules for buying foreign property?

The three golden rules for buying property abroad are:

1. Take independent legal advice
2. Get a full structural survey done on the property
3. Speak the language or find someone who does

If you don't do the necessary checks your bargain can fast become a money pit into which you throw good money after bad. So do not be lured by a cheap price tag.

Do not accept pressure from the seller or the agent to buy without the necessary checks. If they are putting pressure on you then ask yourself why, could it be that they want you to commit yourself before you spot a problem? This is the oldest trick in the book and all you need to say is:

"Look, we're going through a process, we're buying this property but we're doing all our enquiries first, if you push us we will walk away".

If you have a limited grasp of French there IS a language barrier - how are you going to read the paperwork and understand the full implications of the contract? OK so the agent speaks fluent English but he has a vested interest in the sale going through - he is not an independent translator and he has no duty of care towards you.

It is essential to have an expert on hand who is fluent in the language and who is fully versed in the legal system so as to represent your interest - if only someone you can fax the contract through to before you sign it!

Get the right people invoved at the right time and you can avoid potential disasters.

Should I take any precautions when buying 'Off-plan'?

Buying 'Off-plan' seems like a 'win-win' situation; the developer gets his money early, you get a discounted price and personal input into the specifications.

But we would advise you to instruct an independent solicitor to act for you - one who is not linked to the estate agent or developer. Whereas an English solicitor will automatically ask certain questions on your behalf, a French notaire is not quite so proactive and you you will have to ask them to ask certain questions.

The 'big three ' questions which must be asked are:

• Does the builder have planning permission?
• Is the builder contractually obliged to give compensation if he doesn't honour the completion dates for the various 'tranches' of the development. You might want to stipulate a maximum or indeed minimum period of time for moving in - both to avoid costly delays and to avoid having to move in before you are ready.
• Is there a bank guarantee in place so that you will get money back if something goes wrong?