Buying without visiting: a 12-point checklist

Buying a home abroad does not always require a visit, but there are many questions to ask when you buy without one. Keep this list with you during your calls.

Property and project

1. Can you see the flat, the view and the surroundings live and uncut on a video call?
2. Have the building permit, project licence and, in Dubai, the DLD registration been shown in writing?
3. Are the handover date, delay clauses and what is included at handover (kitchen, air conditioning, parking) in writing?

Legal and documents

1. Are you working with a lawyer who is independent of the seller?
2. In North Cyprus, has the title type and chain of ownership been checked? In Dubai, has the Oqood or title registration been verified?
3. Is there a mortgage, charge or debt on the property?
4. If you give a power of attorney, is its scope limited to this transaction?

Money

1. In whose name, and into which account, are payments made? For off-plan in Dubai, is it the escrow account?
2. Do you receive a receipt or bank record for every payment?
3. Have you been given the total cost (taxes, fees, lawyer, commission, service charge) in writing?

Afterwards

1. Who will manage the letting, and are the management fee and contract clear?
2. Do you need to be there in person for the keys and the title transfer, or can it be done by power of attorney?

We can go through this list with you, for the project you are interested in.