Buying a property from abroad means coordinating information that often arrives through different channels: a listing, photographs, conversations and documents sent at different times. This can make it difficult to distinguish what has been checked from what remains unresolved. Before reserving a property, assemble a file that identifies it, explains who is involved and records the proposed terms. When you cannot be present for every conversation, each answer should have a source that you can find again.
Identify the property and everyone involved
Start with a simple property record: location, identification in the available documents, advertised characteristics and your intended use. Keep the listing and any sales information you receive. This gives everyone a common reference for checking that conversations and documents concern the same property and the same interest being offered.
Distinguish the owner from whoever introduces the opportunity, coordinates visits or proposes receiving a reservation payment. Ask for each participant's role to be explained and documented. If someone will act on another person's behalf, identify the need to review their authority before proceeding with that arrangement.
Collect documents with a clear question in mind
Organize the available registry and cadastral information, documents shared by the offering party and proposed transaction terms. Record the source and date of each file. Flag documents that are unreadable, incomplete or lack context. Having a large folder does not necessarily mean you understand what its contents establish.
Give each information group a question to answer: who is identified as the owner, how the property is described, what area is stated and which encumbrances or discrepancies need clarification. Keep an outstanding-items list showing who will obtain each answer. This makes follow-up requests specific and lets you track progress without searching through scattered messages.
Cross-check the answers before reserving
Compare the initial property record with the documents received and other information obtained about the property. If identity, area or description differs, do not fill the gap with an assumption. Record the discrepancy and identify what technical or legal review is needed to understand it.
Group the findings into clarified matters, outstanding questions and issues requiring specialist assessment. Not every unresolved question carries the same weight for your decision. Explain which ones affect identification of the property, a participant's authority or the proposed terms. A verbal answer may guide the next inquiry; supporting documentation allows you to review that answer later.
Define the commitment being proposed
Before sending money or signing, request the reservation or contract terms in writing. Review the property and parties it identifies, who would receive payment, the commitments described and how outstanding questions are addressed. Do not assume refund, cancellation or review conditions that have not been expressly agreed and examined.
STRATA is a consultancy with technical and legal support. We help locate, obtain and organize information to assess the decision and define the necessary review. The starting point is understanding the property and your stage in the process so we can identify missing information and the work it requires.
Original STRATA content
A guide developed from STRATA’s own social media content, expanded to help you prepare for a review of your property.
General information. Each transaction must be assessed in light of its documents and circumstances.