Purchasing a property in the Baltics can be a daunting prospect, however, if you do research then the stress and problems can be greatly reduced. Whether you choose to buy in Estonia, Lithuania or Latvia, here are some general rules of thumb to keep in mind…

1) Understand every word: The first hurdle to overcome is going to be the language barrier; this is why it is vital to employ a translator who had a firm grasp of English. They will translate the contract for you, and help you to understand the contract fully. You can also clarify exactly the meaning of anything written in it. A thorough understanding of the contract is vital as you will need to sign the one written in the original language. If you are not 100% sure of what something means than make sure you find out. The last thing you want is to sign something believing it means one thing, only to find out it means another.

2) Don’t miss anything out: Every detail of the sale/purchase needs to be noted in the contract. If you are buying in a Baltic city or large town, it is likely that the property will be a flat or apartment. If this is the case, then maintenance fees will have to be paid for the upkeep of the garden, communal area, etc. This will need to be written into the contract, or you could find yourself paying over the odds. Any verbal agreements which have been made with the seller will also need to be listed within the contract, and then the agreements are secure. The date and method of payment for the property should also be noted in the contract.
 
3) Get a solicitor: As with many European countries, the Baltic States can have problems with title deeds. The Baltics also rely on notaries, much like France, so you will need to hire both a solicitor and a notary. The solicitor will oversee the contract and check that everything is legal. They will also be able to sort out the title deeds for you. The notary will witness the signing of the contracts and also check that the solicitors work and signature are all correct and legal too. By not employing both these aides, you could find yourself in a legal battle over something which can be very costly and lengthy.

To conclude, it is imperative that you realise what you are agreeing to, and that you check and double check anything which you are not 100% sure about.