• Find your own F independent lawyer (i.e. a lawyer who is not conected with anyone else involved in the transaction)
• Ensure that the lawyer is registered with the 'bar association'
• If possible find a lawyer with professional indemnity insurance
• Agree fees and payment terms in advance with your lawyer. Do not pay full fees in advance.

• All buyers should ensure they obtain permission to purchase prior to progressing with their purchase
• All buyers must find out, through their permission to purchase, if they can live in an area or if it is classified as a 'restricted protection zone' or all buyers should visit the Ministry of Interior with a copy of the title deeds  for the property and ask if they can live in an area or if it is classified as a 'restricted protection zone'

• Stamp duty should be paid immediately as stamped contract must be registered with the District Lands Office within 21 days from contract date.
• Ensure your lawyer conducts a search with the Land Registry to check for existing mortgages or any other claims against the property that may pose difficulties for you
• If a mortgage exists ensure your lawyer obtains a 'waiver' in writing from the mortgagor
• Ensure the land is registered in name of the person or company from whom you are purchasing

• Do not sign any papers or hand over any money without seeking the advice of your lawyer
• Agree in advance staged payments based on construction progress if buying off-plan - ensure these are in your contract
• Hold back a sum of money for title transfer and snagging - ensure this is in your contract
• If obtaining a mortgage confirm interest rates and margin with bank and ensure you have sufficient life insurance cover
• If purchasing off-plan request a bank guarantee from the developers bank

• Employ an independant registered surveyor and ensure that any contract is subject to a survey
• If remedial work is required, obtain written estimates
• Ensure any estate agent you use is registered

• On all purchases, (off-plan, pre-built and re-sale), ensure the required planning and building permits are/were issued before proceeding and attached as appendices to your contract. (This includes permission to build)
• Ensure the property is built in accordance with the approved plans, copies should be attached as appendices to your contract.
• Completed properties should have a Final Approval Certificate.  If Final Approval has not been granted please do not make structural changes or additions

• Before accepting delivery, consider having the property inpected professionally by an independent registered surveyor who will also prepare a snagging list of items requiring attention - ensure this option is in your contract
• Do not accept delivery if the property has not been conected to the electricity supply grid and mains water supply

• Please be aware that title deed issued in the north may not be recognised in any future settlement agreement
• Title deeds can take many years to obtain. If you intend to sell your property at a later date, potential buyers may find it difficult/impossible to obtain a mortgage if you do not hold the title deed.
• If title deeds are not available at time of purchase, ensure your lawyer includes a 'right to sell' clause in your contract and caps the amount the vendor may charge should you sell the property before Title Deeds have been issued in your name.
• Until Title Deeds have been issued in your name, do not make any substantial changes to the property without the consent of the vendor.

• In your contract include reference to:
• completion and stage payment dates, (including penalties for late delivery)
• complaince with construction law and regulations
• a guarantee againt defects that may show up at a later date
• reference to cancellation and resale options
• Inclusion of the key points raised above

copyright © 2006 HomeBuyers' Pressure Group.