The legal process involved in purchasing a home aboad is different to that in Ireland and unless you know the questions to ask it's very easy to get stung. In northern Cyprus, many British buyers who built homes on Greek Cyrpiot land abandoned under force are now facing eviction and their property being demolished. Similarly, in Costa Almeria and Murcia in Spain foreigners who unknowingly bought into illegal property development could see their homes demolished without compensation.

More recently in Turkey, in an alleged scam, 80 Northern Ireland investors could be left �4m out of pocket, which they paid for properties they didn't receive.

"To save your hard-earned cash to buy a dream home in the sun, then discover that through no fault of your own you may lose everything is devastating, " says Jack Hamilton, managing director of Parador Properties, "It's vital anyone looking to buy overseas does their homework first. Before they even set foot on a plane to view properties abroad, they should start at home and ask themselves: is the agent I'm dealing with registered with the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP)? Is this their sole profession and area of expertise? Has the agent thoroughly checked that the partners they deal with overseas are honest and professional?"

Hamilton offers the following tips to those considering buying overseas:

>> Choose a reputable company that offers plenty of free information about the buying process before you go on an inspection tour. Check the company is a member of the AIPP. Companies who are listed as members have signed up to follow the industry code of conduct, established to help consumers buying overseas. These guidelines dictate that a professional approach is followed and that companies act with honesty, transparency and integrity at all times.

>> Choose an independent company that is not tied to any one builder or developer.

This will ensure you receive impartial buying advice and will also allow you to see everything available in your price range in the area.

>> The company should be able to guide you through every aspect of buying, including the legal implications. A reputable overseas property specialist should offer a wide range of appropriate contacts, most importantly English-speaking local solicitors, and will guide you through the process so you are not left on your own.

>> These days everyone is offering lowcost inspection tours to view property abroad. Make sure there are no hidden charges and the company you travel with offers a genuine one-to-one service with a professional property specialist.

>> Beware of pressure selling.

The range of developments you get to choose from should be appetising enough for one to sell itself to you. Remember, if you go on an inspection tour, you are under no obligation to buy.

>> Expect lots of information about the builder, what facilities are nearby, local amenities, timescales for building etc. This should be volunteered to you without having to ask.

>> Choose an English-speaking local solicitor; they understand the system and are best placed to handle matters locally. The property company through which you are buying should be able to recommend several independent solicitors.

>> Ensure a property search is conducted, just as you would if you were purchasing a property in Ireland. All properties should be freehold and records should clearly indicate that your property is free from debt.

>> Make sure the price you pay is fixed at the time of paying the deposit. The purchase price should not change. This should be clearly spelled out from the beginning. Remember to add an additional 10% of the purchase price to include extras such as local taxes, legal fees and after sales services. For your own security and peace of mind, all stage payments must be made directly to your lawyer, who will then issue a receipt and forward the funds to your builder at the appropriate time.

>> Ensure the company offers their own inhouse after-sales service and provides a dedicated contact for the duration of the build period.

Many companies outsource this critical part of the process leaving you to deal with banks, solicitors and the builder.

Parador Properties run local expos where customers can learn from the experts and book an inspection tour to search for their dream home overseas.

For further information call 01-882 8888 or visit www. paradorproperties. com