Before you sign: the 20-point checklist

Land and title

• The seller is the title holderNames on the certificate match the seller or the company selling.
• The certificate is checked at the land officeThrough your notary, not a photocopy from the seller.
• You know the title type and its lengthFreehold, right to build, right to use or lease, and how many years are left.
• No mortgage or dispute on the landAsk the notary to check for registered charges and disputes.
• Zoning allows what you are buyingVillas and rentals need the right zone, not agricultural or protected land.

Permits

• Building approval exists for this projectAsk for the permit number and check it matches the plans.
• Rental licence if you plan to rentA home that can't be legally rented can't earn the promised yield.
• Permits are in the name of the selling companyNot a different company or a person.

The developer

• You've seen projects they finishedVisit or ask a local agent to visit, not just look at renders.
• You've spoken to past buyersFind them yourself, not only the ones the developer suggests.
• The company is registered and you know the directorsCheck the company registry.
• You've searched for complaints and court casesSearch the company and directors' names with the words scam, complaint and court.

The contract

• Payments are tied to construction milestonesNot to calendar dates.
• There is a penalty or refund if they deliver lateWith a clear date and amount.
• You know which law and courts applyAnd whether you could realistically use them.
• An independent lawyer has read itPaid by you, not recommended by the seller.

Your money

• Every payment goes to the company named in the contractNever to a personal account.
• The deposit is a small share of the priceLarge upfront payments carry most of the risk.
• Each milestone is checked before you payBy someone who works for you.
• You keep every receipt and transfer recordMatching amounts, dates and account names.