Tips for buying overseas

Buy through a qualified and licensed agent. In France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the US, agents must by law be licensed: using an unlicensed agent means there's no comeback.

Don't sign anything until you're sure you understand it. Deals are binding at a much earlier stage in many overseas countries than they are in the UK. You could find yourself buying a property you don't want to avoid forfeiting a large deposit.

Always hire a solicitor to act for you (English speaking if you're not fluent in the local language). They will check that the seller owns the property, that there are no debts attached to it and that planning regulations have been met. In some countries, locals don't often use solicitors, but insist on one.

Check the web for general buying tips. Try www.cornishco.com for tips on Spain and www.french-property-news.com for France.