Independent legal advice is well worth taking and can help avoid future headaches. It is important not to sign anything or part with any money until you are satisfied what you are signing and the consequences.

Many sellers look for a señal – basically a small holding fee that backs up your intention to purchase their property and an agreement that they should take the property off the market. Ideally this should be held in a separate account – via a lawyer is the best option but many estate agents also have client accounts. It can range from €3,000 to €6,000. Be wary of handing over any money without having a bilingual contract. The legal steps are that, as soon as you are satisfied with the property you want to buy you pay 10% deposit for the private contract – this is a legally binding contract – if you withdraw you lose this money but if the seller withdraws they have to pay you double back i.e. 20%. On completion you pay the remaining 90%. In some cases, with mortgages you go straight to the 100% and completion on your property.

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