The property
- Confirm the registered particulars and the nature of the interest.
- Establish whether the property is subject to any encumbrance or caution.
- Confirm the physical property matches the documents.
- Check outstanding rates, rent, service charges and other outgoings.
- Establish whether any approvals or consents are required for the transaction.
The seller
- Confirm the identity of the registered proprietor.
- Where the seller is a company, confirm authority to sell.
- Where the property forms part of an estate, confirm the representative's authority.
- Where the property is jointly held, confirm all necessary parties are participating.
The money
- Pay only in accordance with the executed sale agreement.
- Avoid informal payments outside the agreement.
- Keep documentary evidence of every payment made.
What to do next
Instruct an advocate before any deposit is paid, and allow time for the investigation to be completed properly. Pressure to move quickly is itself a reason to slow down.