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Starting with a rental is still the reversible decision when you barely know the city. Neighbourhoods look very different in August and in February, and noise reveals itself once you live there.

The final signing usually happens before a notary or a registered conveyancing agent, depending on the country. The transfer is only complete after registration, and this can take weeks in some countries.

Renting protects freedom of movement. A shift in circumstances, personal circumstances or a new visa rule can be absorbed with a few months' notice, instead of an exit that depends on finding a buyer.

The first thing to check remains whether foreigners may own property there at all. Certain jurisdictions allow outright ownership of flats but restrict land; elsewhere, governments ask for a corporate vehicle or a long-term lease instead.

The biggest one remains relying on the seller's lawyer. The seller earns money on completion, which differs from protecting the buyer. Separate legal representation represents a modest share of the price and remains the best protection.

Purchase costs hit at the very beginning. Across different markets, the costs may cover transfer tax or stamp duty, notary costs, registration fees, lawyer's fees and the agent's commission.

The biggest one is using the agent's recommended lawyer. The seller gets a commission when the deal closes, which is not the same as protecting the buyer.

Buying off-plan without checking the developer has wrecked many budgets. Before any payment, look at the developer's completed projects, the construction licences, and the guarantees on staged payments.