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Real Estate Lawyers: Your Partner in Foreign Property Deals
Buying or selling property, particularly in a foreign country, can be overwhelming due to the unfamiliar legal procedures. Also, disputes or injustices may arise between buyer and seller parties. A guaranteed way to close deals with ease of mind is to hire a real estate lawyer.
Do I need a lawyer when buying property abroad?
Generally, yes. Hiring an experienced lawyer for property deals is the key to safe transactions. If you are involved in a foreign property market; some of the paperwork, legal procedures, extra costs, rights, and obligations might be news to you.
Buying real assets is one of the highest payments you make during your lifetime. Therefore, getting legal support is very helpful. This article explores everything you need to know about property lawyers before taking the big leap.
What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?
A real estate lawyer provides comprehensive legal services during property purchases. They always prioritize the rights of their clients. They primarily offer the services below:
- Ensuring that the transaction complies with local regulations.
- Preparing/reviewing the sales contract.
- Confirming the seller’s rights over the property.
- Providing power of attorney if requested.
- Guiding clients throughout the notary process.
- Ensuring that the sales price complies with the legal requirements.
- Ensuring the pre-discussed payment amount is transferred according to the agreed terms.
- Resolving conflicts such as boundary or easement.
- Resolving disputes between the buyer, seller, and any third parties.
- Negotiating the purchase price, delivery timeline, furnishing, and repairs.
In addition, real estate solicitors offer catered services to the buyer and seller.
What does a real estate lawyer do for the buyer?
- Conducting property due diligence and appraisal to ensure the property is suitable for purchase.
- Guiding the buyer through citizenship and residency applications.
- Assisting with mortgage applications.
What does a real estate lawyer do for the seller?
- Helping the sellers comply with legal requirements.
- Guiding the seller to disclose mortgage and liens on the property.
- Minimizing extra costs such as capital gains tax.
- Ensuring that the property complies with due diligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions about buying or selling a property with real estate lawyers.
Q1. Why should I choose a solicitor to buy a property?
A. You should choose a solicitor to buy a property primarily for navigating unfamiliar terms and ensuring your rights are protected. Additionally, a solicitor can help you tell scams from genuine opportunities.
A licensed real estate solicitor will ease the process, assist you in signing documents, resolve conflicts, and confirm the validity of the sales.
Even if you hire a specific real estate solicitor, seeking legal advice is still important. Working with a professional real estate agency can bring similar benefits. Experienced agents who mastered the real estate sector will guide you through each step.
Q2. What do solicitors do when buying a property?
A. Property solicitors offer various services. These include due diligence, negotiation, handling legal documents, power of attorney, and guiding citizenship and residency applications.
Q3. What if I don’t get legal assistance when buying a property?
A. In that case, you need to examine the property closely and be very careful when signing documents. Some of the risks of not hiring a solicitor include:
- The property may be unregistered.
- As a foreigner, you may not be allowed to reside in the neighborhood.
- The property may lack essential construction or housing permits.
- The property may not be suitable for short-term rental regulations, impacting your investment goals.
- You may receive missing/misleading information.
- The property might be occupied by a tenant who may refuse to vacate.
- The seller may not be transparent about the property’s debt.
Q4. What to look for in a lawyer or solicitor?
A. A good real estate lawyer knows the legal procedures back and forward. They have complete and up-to-date knowledge about the sector. They have good negotiation and mediation skills. Also, they prioritize their client’s best interests during court.
Q5. How to find a good lawyer or solicitor?
A. You can start by taking recommendations from people you trust, doing thorough research, and reviewing customer feedback. Also, you can ask these questions:
- How many years of experience do you have in property law?
- Do you have standardized payment terms?
- What is your commission fee?
- Is your schedule flexible? Can you be available at each step of the process?
- How long would it take for the transaction to be completed?
Q6. What does a property management lawyer do?
A. Property management lawyers primarily serve as an intermediary between tenants and landlords. They collect rent, handle the issues with the property, and ensure compliance with government regulations. Additionally, they resolve any disputes about the property, particularly involving tenants. So, if you are buying or selling a property that is occupied by a tenant, a property management lawyer can give valuable assistance.
Q7. Can I get a free consultation from a property lawyer?
A. Some law offices may offer free consultation services, but this depends on the firm.
If you decide to buy real estate with TEKCE Real Estate, you'll be pleased to know that you won't have to pay any lawyer fees. As an all-inclusive real estate organization, we have been providing FREE consultation services since 2004.
Q8. What are property lawyer fees?
A. Depending on the case and the company of your choice, the lawyer fees vary between $1,500 and $2,500, plus VAT. This is a worthwhile investment considering the potential risks. However, minimizing this cost is possible.
*While looking for more affordable options, make sure that you are working with legitimate professionals who have complete and up-to-date knowledge of the industry.
TEKCE Visa: Your Partner in International Real Estate Consultancy
TEKCE Visa, an international legal consultancy brand, is one of the backbones of our company. Our in-home lawyers ensure a successful property transaction for all parties involved.
Complete Due Diligence: Our real estate lawyers look into the property in all the ways possible. They see if there is an unresolved mortgage or property tax. They ensure that necessary building and zoning permits are available. Lastly, they see if the title deed is valid and suitable for the transaction.
Power of Attorney (POA): You can give our property lawyers a power of attorney. This way, they will complete the sales on your behalf, saving you valuable time and energy.
Citizenship & Residency Applications: Our solicitors guide you through the application process. They ensure that you meet all the conditions and have all the necessary documents ready. They can also conduct the application on your behalf if you give them a POA.
If you have any questions about buying real estate abroad, explore our articles on legislation. Also, you can reach out to us for tailored advice.