photo credit: Tjeerd

When you’re buying property overseas it is important to ensure you’re completely clear about what you’re buying and any legal issues involved. This is especially so in countries where you may not speak the language or be fully confident with the legal process.

Hiring a lawyer who speaks your language to help you through the legal minefield is crucial, but it also helps to be keyed up on the issues you may need to discuss with your lawyer and the developer you’re buying off-plan property from. Acquiring a property abroad is a big decision, especially if you’re also planning to move there, so don’t be afraid of speaking out and asking questions to ensure everything is clarified from the start.

So here are some ideas about the key questions that you may need to ask your lawyer and the company you’re buying the property from as you go through the, often taxing, process of making your dream come true and securing your property purchase abroad.

• Is there a building warranty in existence? How long is it for?
• How much deposit do I have to pay and is it non-refundable?
• When does the balance payment have to be made?
• Is it possible to obtain a mortgage for my overseas property purchase?
• What legal and tax costs will I have to pay as part of the property purchase?
• What inheritance, income and capital gains taxes will I have to pay?
• Is the land that my property is built on classed as urbanised or rustic? What are the implications of buying on both urbanised and rustic land?
• What happens if the company I’m buying the property from disappears or goes bankrupt before completion? Is there any insurance against this?
• Do I have to be present for each stage of the legal process and when signing the title deeds on completion?
• What happens if I change my mind before completion?
• Are there any annual maintenance fees to pay?
• Is it possible to make changes to the construction plans, such as specific interior elements or fittings?
• How long will it take for the development to be completed?
• What sort of redress can I seek if the project is delayed?
• When will I be able to move in?

Most of these questions should be asked before you sign on the dotted line and commit to buying the property. If you encounter any reluctance to definite answers from the developers, then use your gut feelings and don’t be afraid to walk away if you have doubts. After all it’s your money on the line.

Also see:

10 Top Tips for Buying Property Abroad

The 4 Essential Questions that Property Investors Should Ask… But Don’t

Technorati Tags: buying property abroad, real estate, real-estate, real estate news, off plan property, off plan, property investment, real estate investment, overseas property

photo credit: nickolette22

Bulgaria is undoubtedly one of the up and coming countries in the European Union. Who would have thought it, considering that it was perceived as an underprivileged cousin of the more western European countries until a few years ago?

But that was before the government ploughed some serious money into enhancing Bulgaria’s tourist attractions. Now, hundreds of thousands of travellers flock there every single year to discover what the country has to offer, with the majority of them looking for skiing action. And what better place to start than the beautiful Pirin Mountains?

As a result of the flood of visitors into the area, more and more new developments are going up in the vicinity of the Pirin Mountains. The area is naturally beautiful, with excellent views, a vast range of wildlife, and all of the local facilities that you could ever need at your disposal. The transport links to the Pirin Mountains are also very good and still improving because tourism has been recognised as the future of the country. As you can see, there is something here for everyone, even you do not happen to enjoy skiing!

Florimont Heights - modern facilities, traditional appeal

Florimont Heights is one of the newest off-plan developments in the Pirin Mountains and is ideal for anyone looking to invest in property in the region. Whether you are planning to move there on a permanent basis, invest in a couple of apartments for personal gain or purchase a holiday home in the Bulgaria, Florimont Heights will undoubtedly appeal to you!

Florimont Heights is a five-storey building that has been crafted in the style of an old lodge, with stone and wood, so as to blend into the scenery in a traditional and rather beautiful way! The building contains 48 apartments and studios that have been purposely designed to offer a luxurious and spacious environment for you to relax in.

The apartments have a private terrace, one or two bedrooms and one bathroom, but it is the facilities that really blow your mind. There is an indoor pool, a gym, a sauna, a Jacuzzi, satellite TV, wireless Internet access, a ski wardrobe and reception services all rolled into the one package! If all this still finds you wanting more, you can always tap into the local restaurants, shops and ski facilities that are available locally as well.

You also have the peace of mind that indoor parking brings; not that Florimont Heights offers anything but safety thanks to the 24 hour security which is rather unique in the new developments around this area.

All of the above can be yours starting from a bargain price of a little over £90,000. The equivalent would cost so much more in the UK, and for that price you would not have the marvellous views of the Pirin Mountains that Florimont Heights affords.

If you are looking for a property on the Continent any time soon, then be sure to look into the delights of Bulgaria sooner rather than later!

Technorati Tags: Bulgarian property, Bulgaria real estate, skiing property, real estate, real-estate, off plan property, off plan, property investment, real estate investment, overseas property