What I was trying to say, although I'm not sure if it came across particularly well, is that I was trying to explain the difference between ''due diligence'' and ''conveyancing'' as I see it.
Initially when I was approached in the German property section about DD, I thought that this was referring to conveyancing, but then having read this site I interpreted DD as being different to conveyancing. As I explained DD is your own research based on the property which you intend to purchase as to whether this is a viable investment. Conveyancing is conducted by a lawyer that you appoint should you wish to appoint a lawyer. The conveyancing carried out by your lawyer would search the property to make sure no debts or other obligations are registered to the property and check the official general building plans for public obligations and restrictions.
Conveyancing by a lawyer is common practise in the UK when purchasing property. When buying property abroad why should you buy it differently than you would in the UK, unless you are able to conduct conveyancing yourself in a foreign language (I know I can't). Remember also, any lawyer employed by a broker to act on your behalf does not have your full interests at heart as they are indirectly employed by the broker.
Personally I would employ a lawyer as I am a cautious person but the choice to do so is entirely the buyers, possibly at their own risk. I would also suggest having a building survey report carried out by your own appointed surveyor, although this is the choice of the purchaser (how do you know your property hasn't got any structural hidden defects (just because it's new, doesn't mean it hasn't any, could have been built by a shoddy builder)). This again is something that most purchasers employ in the UK, so why be different when buying abroad.
I don't personally think you need an accountant when buying property as you should be able to calculate yourself if the property will earn you a financial return (unless you are investing in a business as a going concern). Establishing your real incoming and outgoings would form part of your DD.
I hope I have explained it clearer this time, however these are only my thoughts and its entirely down to the purchaser if they want to save money by excluding these services (possibly at their own peril).
The question to ask yourself, which I have already mentioned is "Why buy property differently abroad than you otherwise would in the UK".
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