PRIME TIME has teamed up with specialist solicitors John Howell and Co to launch a series of articles to help any of you thinking of buying property abroad. This month we look at taking those first daunting steps

STARTING OUT

ONCE you have found your dream home by the sea or in that idyllic country setting while you are on holiday, it's a matter of turning that idea into reality.

So where do you begin?

Let's take a look at the initial steps you should consider as you start out:

Plan before you go to look at the property

Currently, it is a seller's market, so you must be ready to move quickly.

If you're not in a position to do so, you may lose the property. To move quickly you should plan before you go looking at properties.

Take preliminary advice from your lawyer before you go.

Issues you should discuss are: What are you going to use the property for? Who should own the property? What is the best way of owning the property in order to save taxes?

Are there any problems leaving the property to your heir when you die? Sorting these issues out with your lawyer before you go to look at the property will save you thousands of pounds.

Always use an independent lawyer when you buy, not a lawyer who is tied into the estate agent selling the property.

An independent lawyer will be able to advise you on issues such as the legality and clarity of the contract or help you evaluate key points such as whether the property has all the necessary permissions and licences.

A lawyer will also be able to investigate if a property is burdened by debt or show you how to protect your money if your property is incomplete.

Your lawyer will cover every aspect where you need help.

MONEY MATTERS

By law, the full purchase price should be declared in the title, and tax should be paid on that amount.

In many countries there is a tradition of under-declaration. Sometimes you will have no choice but to follow this precedent. Under-declaration can be dangerous and may result in heavy penalties.

If you are forced to under-declare your lawyer should advise you what is "reasonable" and aim to minimise the risks for you.

CHOOSING A MORTGAGE

Most people buying a home abroad will borrow at least part of the money.

Some will borrow it all.

Should you borrow against your English property or against your new home overseas? Or against both? How much should you borrow? Should the loan be in pounds or in local currency? Making the right choice will save you a fortune. Again your lawyer should be able to guide you during your initial meeting.

MAKE A LOCAL WILL

This will save your heirs a considerable amount of money.

If the lawyers use your English Will the expenses will be far higher.

Also the provision of your English Will often results in you paying considerably more tax than is necessary.

Make a Will at the same time as you buy the house. If you don't, you may forget.

This advice is designed to provide a good starting point only. Remember, that the more you plan and organise in advance, the easier the buying process will be.

John Howell & Co is a firm of English lawyers and international solicitors who specialise in Europe and Dubai.

For advice please write to: John Howell & Co, The Old Glass Works, 22 Endell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9AD, call: 020 7420 0400 or visit the company's website: www.europelaw.com

This stone villa in Croatia is on offer with Croatiansun, for in the region of 450,000 euros

It contains 210sq.m living area, three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, 90sq.m terraces, 14,000sq.m land, pool

Guidelines:

* Old stone walls outside

* Interior designed with rustic details

* Terracotta floors in living room and kitchen

* Wooden floors in bedrooms

* Old wooden timber beams on ceilings

* Under floor heating in bathrooms, living room, and kitchen

* Luxurious bathrooms

* Traditional Istrian windows and balconies

* Traditional Istrian roof tiles

* Open fireplace

* Covered terraces with barbeque place

* Pool

Offers in the region of: 450,000 Euros.

The exclusive development Villa Verde is situated in the Tuscany-style countryside and offers total privacy and pure nature with its 14,000 sq.m land. (approx three acres )

However, the next village is only two minutes by car. The future golf course is one minute by car.

The distance to the sea is 20 minutes by car. The nearest international airport is in Trieste (45min, Ryanair) or in Pula (30min).

Contact Croatiansun on 00 385 20 312 228 or visit www.croatiansun.com for details on this and other properties.

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THIS new-build three bedroom detached villa is available priced £153,000 in Turkey.

Xanthos Villas - Phase 2 - Ovacik

DETAILS 3 Bed(s), 3 Bath(s),

1 Reception(s).

Furnished: No

Pool: Private

Garden: Private

Parking: Space Provided

To the front and back are breathtaking mountain views.

About the Property

Four phases of these properties are currently being built, each having a private pool and driveway. The gardens will be landscaped upon completion. Phase one is sold out. This phase (two) comprises eight homes with three, four or five bedrooms; whilst phases three and four will bring 13 and ten more houses respectively.

Accommodation

On the ground floor is an open plan lounge and dining room, with satellite television installed, and French windows leading onto the terrace.

The adjoining kitchen comes complete with refrigerator, washing machine, oven and stove.

There is also a shower room on this floor.

Upstairs are three bedrooms, one en-suite, and the other two sharing a bathroom.

Other Information

Each property is being built to the highest standards, with all materials used throughout being TSE registered (the Turkish equivalent to British Standards).

Maintenance and security services are available and assistance with furnishing your new home can also be provided. Five year warranties are issued on every new home.

Headlands International

www.headlands.co.uk" www.headlands.co.uk

Tel: 0845 900 51 51