Christopheru

The costliest error involves taking legal advice from the other side. The seller gets a commission only if the sale goes through, which is a different interest than looking after your interests.

Completion generally occurs before a public notary or an equivalent official, depending on the legal system. The change of ownership takes effect once it is registered, which can take weeks in some countries.

The biggest one is using the agent's recommended lawyer. The agent gets a commission when the deal closes, which is a different interest than looking after your interests.

Committing to an unbuilt project blindly has damaged plenty of plans. Before paying anything, look at the developer's completed projects, the construction licences, and whether payments are held in escrow.

Signing in a language you do not speak comes a close second. A certified translation is inexpensive compared with what is at stake. Promises made in conversation carry no weight when the written text differs — only the signed text matters.

Step one is what foreign buyers are actually allowed to own. A number of countries allow outright ownership of apartments while restricting land; others require a local company or a leasehold arrangement instead.