When you buy a property you usually have to sign a reservation contract or a preliminary contract. When you sign this contract you are likely to be asked to pay a small deposit. This is typically 10% of the price of the property and it is negotiable with the vendor.

In the case of a new property, bought ‘off plan’, there then usually follow a series of stage payments as the construction process progresses.

Once the property has been finished (or, in the case of a resale property, as soon as everyone is ready to proceed) the Final Contract / Deed of Sale is signed. This is the document transferring the right to ownership to you.

You then pay your various fees and taxes and this is then registered at the Land Registry.