Home and property
Letting and estate agents, landlords, conveyancers, surveyors, builders, plumbers and electricians. Property involves large sums, so check people before you hand over money or sign a contract.
Agents
Ask whether the agent belongs to a professional body or redress scheme, and how they are paid. In some countries the landlord or seller pays the agent, in others the tenant or buyer pays part of the fee. In England, most letting fees charged to tenants were banned by the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
Buying
Use an independent lawyer or conveyancer, not one recommended only by the seller. Ask for a survey suited to the age and condition of the property. If you are buying in another country, check whether foreigners may own the property outright, and in what form.
Builders and tradespeople
- Get at least three written quotes for the same specification.
- Check any licence or registration required for the trade. Gas and electrical work is regulated in many countries. In the UK, gas engineers must be on the Gas Safe Register.
- Ask for proof of insurance.
- Agree stage payments tied to finished work, and avoid paying most of the price up front.
- Put the scope, price, timing and guarantees in writing.