[Jain and Chris]

Hi Topcat

I agree, what your agent did was possibly unethical (do you have written proof of this?) - but surely, even in the UK, you would have taken independent advice aside from the agent - both lawyers and mortgage lenders. You would never have accepted an agent's opinion of the value of the property in the UK; certainly would have not considered fixtures and fittings.....

I know, it's like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted... but anyone new to overseas property purchases (not at all just in Bulgaria)..

Please, please, anyone in the same state of affairs now or considering a mortgage for buying property in Bulgaria contact Chris Downham whose details I have given or simply get independent financial and legal advice, don't rely on the agents, just as you would not do in the UK.

We've been talking about this for four years now, warning buyers to get independent professional advice and not rely on what the agent says; in effect, do just as you would do in your home country.

It's a sad tale but one from which people can learn from and recognise that you need your own advisors who are on your side and not given to you by any agent.

All the best