Attorneys who specialise in property transactions must write two extra exams set by the law society and are, if they pass, registered as conveyancers.
The most secure right that any person can have in the entire world is to be an owner of immovable property (i.e. land). That is why one's home is, generally speaking, normally a person's single largest investment.
There are quite a number of hidden costs when purchasing property - not only does the estate agent take his or her 7% commission, the attorneys their fee, and the tax man his slice but electrical compliance certificates are required as are rates clearance certificates. Quite often this means that the purchaser has to lay out extra money before taking ownership of his or her new home. It is, though, important that the purchaser satisfies him or herself that all the necessary steps have been taken to ensure that their newly purchased property is as hassle-free as possible.
Finally, beware of unscrupulous sellers - and be especially wary of buying houses whose exterior is covered in vines and interior with wall paper! A covered up wall might mean that the brick & mortar is not as sound as it appears. Apparently some dodgier estate agents have even resorted to frying onions in show-houses because the smell of frying onions allegedly reminds one of home...
