Ownership and registered charges
The Land Registry information should be checked for registered ownership, mortgages, embargoes, easements and other limitations. The seller’s identity and authority must match the proposed contract and deed.
Physical, cadastral and planning position
Compare the title, Land Registry, cadastre and the property on site. Extensions, pools, enclosures or converted spaces may require investigation. A technical professional or town-planning specialist may be needed where descriptions differ.
Community and local obligations
For property within a community, review certificates, statutes, recent minutes, budgets, fees, disputes and approved special assessments. Check local property-tax information and ask about pending public works or charges.
Occupancy, leases and possession
Confirm who occupies the property, under what basis, and when vacant possession will be delivered. Holiday-letting status, licences or bookings require specific review if rental use matters to the buyer.
Contract and payment safeguards
The contract should accurately reflect the property, price, payments, conditions, deadlines, included items and agreed solutions to identified issues. Verify the recipient and bank instructions through an independent channel before transferring funds.
- Use a lawyer who represents the buyer independently.
- Do not rely solely on verbal assurances about legality or future use.
- Resolve material issues in writing before completion.
- Keep complete copies of searches, reports, contracts and payment evidence.