The Property Purchasing Process

a. The first steps
• Initially we will talk through your requirements – your budget, your accommodation needs, are you buying for pleasure, or investment, or indeed both, will you want to rent the place out, do you intend spending a large part of the year there, or just a few weeks in summer…
• Based on this knowledge we will gather a number of properties that we feel suit your requirements, and arrange a number of viewings. We want this part of the process to be enjoyable, informative and ultimately satisfying.
• So far this is pretty much similar to buying a property in the UK. However, when you find something you want to buy we will work with you in negotiating with the owner on your behalf, to ensure you get the best possible deal.

b. Once you’ve found our ideal holiday home and agreed a price
Once the deal has been agreed we draw up a contract between yourselves and the seller, confirming the price, and agreeing on dates of transfer. We would require from you two passport sized photographs of the person whose name/s will be on the property deeds (the tapu), plus a photocopy of your passport. We will then go to the tapu office, located nearby, where the official tapu application is made.

At this point your deposit is paid to the seller and the tapu is sent off to the City Council, who in turn sends it to the Army Office. The remaining balance of the purchase price is paid at a date negotiated between yourselves and the seller - usually when the tapu has been transferred.

c. What if the Army Office rejects our application?
This will only happen if you are a declared bankrupt, have criminal convictions, or are on the FBI/Interpol most wanted list!! If this is the case we can advise you accordingly. If by any chance you are rejected then any capital payments on the property are refunded less a £150 administration fee. Any money paid to cover legal and other administration fees are not recoverable and we cannot accept liability for them.