What’s the basic process?
First of all, you need to put down a small holding deposit, refundable if subsequent checks on the property or owner throw up anything unannounced. You will need to find yourself a good English-speaking lawyer and to have researched your mortgage options, if applicable. Then you can agree on the sales price and hand over your 10% deposit when you draw up a sale and purchase contract. Finally you need to sign the official document which transfers ownership of the title deeds and register the property in the land registry. With off-plan properties you usually exchange a private purchase contract within 30 days and then hand over your first installment, usually 15-30% of the purchase price. Your lawyer will advise you when further payments are due. On the day of completion, the balance of the purchase price is paid, and you (or more commonly, your lawyer) will sign the title deeds for the property, and the keys will be handed over. You should then allow 1-2 weeks before you can move in, i
