The papers are full of horror stories

...about UK retirees finding their dream home in the sun becoming something of a nightmare.

We, who have lived our working lives in liberal democracies, are used to the government living by its own laws, and the professions - the law, accountancy etc being strongly and effectively supervised.

It is a shock to find that much of the world doesn't work this way.

In a BBC programme..

Agents for properties in Goa, and lawyers in the country were still selling properties despite huge uncertainties hanging over the whole market.

Click on the image to read the article

In an earlier programme they interviewed retired people in Spain who had bought property that had no planning permits and was therefore not connected to mains electricity, water or sewage

Those of us brought up in liberal democracies are used to the idea that Governments are not above the law. This is far from universal. Third world or ex communist countries can have under-developed legal codes particularly in commercial matters.

..and what about your interests back home?

Will your pension transfer and will possible future inflation increases apply?

How will you be affected for inheritance tax?

Your lawyer is there to protect your interests but

Is he a real lawyer, governed by strict rules of conduct? How do you find out?

Is he acting for you, and only you, in the transaction? You buy once in a lifetime, the estate agent or developer almost weekly. Who's interest is paramount in your lawyer's mind?

Do you know the right questions to ask?

In a strange legal environment, would you know the right questions to ask?

All these considerations suggest the need for a lawyer of your own, in your own country, someone you can completely trust.