1. Take your time to look around. If you find a property you are interested in, go back as many times, as you like.

2. When viewing property ask to be left alone, in order that you may talk to each other.

3. Make sure you can afford it. Don’t forget to allow for the rate of exchange and legal costs.

4. Ensure that the property is what you want. Could you improve it? How much will it cost?

5. Has the property ever had a planning license/permission to build or extension refused?

6. What are the local amenities, tavern’s, supermarkets, public transport, schools, swimming pools and beaches etc.

7. How near is the property to the airports (Paphos/Larnaca)? How much are the taxi fares from the towns. 8. Check where the sun rises and sets on the property.

9. If possible meet the neighbors, get a feel of the area from someone else that lives there.

10. Is the property heated, (you will be surprised how cool it can get in the winter), or air-conditioned? What heats the water (solar power, gas or kerosene)? Look at the heating boiler/solar panels; ask how old they are. Ask to see the most recent bills for them.

11. Where does the water supply come from? (Mains or spring). In many of the mountain villages the water is drinkable as it comes straight from natural springs. Does the property have a water bore hole to supply the garden?

12. Can you park your car near the property? Do other people park there?

13. Is there a public access, common land on the property or surrounding area?

14. Check with your advocate/solicitor to investigate the deeds to make sure that other persons do not own sections of the property or have trees/plants owned by them.

15. When renting check how much notice you have to give. What is the deposit you have to supply?

16. Before signing any contract ask the landlord to inspect the building (inside & out) with you. Make a note of any damage, wear and tear then ask him/her to sign it.

17. Does the property have a swimming pool? Look at the condition of the tiles/liner. How old is the pool? Ask for the details of the company that fitted it, for future contact.

18. Ask to see the bills for the running costs of the swimming pool (electricity and chemicals).

19. What comes with the house? Fixtures and fittings, plants, furniture, kitchen appliances.

20. Check the sewage system, is it connected to the mains, is it a cesspit, or a soak away? Ask them how many times a year it needs emptying and how much it costs.

21. Does the seller/landlords have any local people who help maintain the property?

22. How is the property built (bricks and mortar, steel and concrete or mud bricks) and when? Ask insurance companies for quotations.

23. If purchasing land how much will it cost to prepare it for building (excavating, water/electricity connections, sewers, gas, etc...)? Do not forget to include the cost of the architect and the district costs. Get quotations for the above, prior to making your final decision.

24. When looking around the property ask, how old is the cooker, hob, washing machine, dishwasher etc..?

25. Does the property have any security features? Get a feel of the area. Are the neighboring properties alarmed?

26. Revisit the property in the morning, afternoon and late evening.

27. Get good legal advise

28. Final piece of advise, take your time when viewing properties. Don’t let sellers or landlords rush you through without looking at every wall, (behind curtains, wardrobes, cupboards etc...). If you are not completely happy with what you have seen, point out the problem areas there and then. Once you have signed a contract it is then too late.