Safe Buying Questions
Questions to take with you to viewings and meetings.
Who do you represent in this transaction — buyer, seller, or both?
How long has this property been on the market?
Why is the seller selling?
What is included in the sale — list everything specifically?
Has the price been reduced and by how much?
Are there any known problems with the property?
Can I see the title deed and cadastral documents now?
Is the land included in the sale?
Are there any disputes with neighbours?
Has any renovation work been done and was it permitted?
For the Agent
- □ Who do you represent in this transaction — buyer, seller, or both?
- □ How long has this property been on the market?
- □ Why is the seller selling?
- □ What is included in the sale — list everything specifically?
- □ Has the price been reduced and by how much?
- □ Are there any known problems with the property?
- □ Can I see the title deed and cadastral documents now?
- □ Is the land included in the sale?
- □ Are there any disputes with neighbours?
- □ Has any renovation work been done and was it permitted?
For the Lawyer
- □ Is the title deed clean and completely undisputed?
- □ Are there any encumbrances, mortgages, or charges on the property?
- □ Are the cadastral boundaries accurately registered?
- □ Is the building fully and legally registered?
- □ Are there any planning, zoning, or development issues nearby?
- □ Are there any disputes with neighbours over boundaries or access?
- □ Is there legal road access to the property?
- □ Are there any unpaid utility bills or local taxes attached to the property?
For the Municipality
- □ Is the road to the property publicly maintained by the municipality?
- □ Are there any planned developments or zoning changes nearby?
- □ Is there mains sewage or is the property on a septic system?
- □ Are there any known drainage or flood risk issues?
- □ What are the annual local property taxes and service charges?
- □ Is the building fully and legally registered with the municipality?
- □ What rubbish collection service is available and at what cost?
For Neighbours
- □ Do people live in this area all year round or is it seasonal?
- □ Is the area quiet in winter?
- □ Have there been any water shortages?
- □ Have there been any power cuts or outages?
- □ Have there been any security incidents or break-ins?
- □ Are there loose or aggressive dogs in the area?
- □ Is the road passable in winter and bad weather?
- □ Are there any issues with the previous owner of this property?
Red Flags
- □ Property priced significantly below comparable properties with no clear reason
- □ Seller or agent pressuring you to sign or pay a deposit before a lawyer has reviewed documents
- □ Seller unwilling to provide title deed or cadastral documents
- □ No legal road access to the property
- □ Unlicensed or unregistered structures on the plot
- □ Utilities not connected or still registered in a previous owner's name
- □ Agent also offering to arrange all legal work
- □ Lawyer recommended only by the agent with no independent verification
- □ Unusually high commission rates or fees hidden in the asking price
- □ Seller unable to explain why the property has been on the market for a long time