Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Property
Buying a property is one of the most important and expensive decisions we make in life. However, due to the complexity of the process and the emotions often involved, it’s easy to make wrong decisions. Below, we highlight the most common mistakes to avoid when buying property that can lead to financial losses, legal issues, and unnecessary stress – along with tips on how to avoid them.
Hiring an unqualified or unlicensed agent
One of the most dangerous mistakes when buying property is working with an unlicensed agent. Only agents who have passed a professional exam and are registered with the official brokerage registry have the legal right to mediate in real estate transactions.
Working with unregistered agents exposes you to multiple risks:
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You are not legally protected in the event of a dispute.
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The agent is not obliged to act in your best interest.
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You may be left without professional help for document verification and negotiations.
How to avoid this mistake: Check the official registry and request proof of license. Professional agents will always transparently present their credentials.
Doing business with close friends and relatives
Although it may seem tempting to hire someone you know personally, this type of collaboration often leads to problems. Close acquaintances may have good intentions, but they usually lack professional distance, which hinders objective judgment.
Common issues include:
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Difficulty giving and receiving honest feedback.
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Withholding important information to avoid damaging the relationship.
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Conflicts of interest and emotional tension.
Tip: Rely on professionals who won’t sugarcoat reality, but will advise you honestly and objectively based on market trends and legal requirements.
Randomly choosing a real estate agency
Another common mistake in buying real estate is hastily selecting an agency without proper research. The size of an agency doesn’t necessarily guarantee quality – what matters more is the expertise and commitment of the team representing you.
Make sure to check:
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How they present listings (photos, descriptions, video tours).
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Their presence on relevant property portals and social media.
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Reviews and recommendations from past clients.
Note: A quality agency shows its value in the details. A professional attitude, quick response times, and transparency are good signs that you’re in safe hands.
Attempting to buy or sell on your own
In an effort to save on commission, many buyers and sellers try to handle the transaction on their own. Unfortunately, this often leads to serious problems, especially if you’re unfamiliar with legal procedures and market practices.
Common consequences:
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Incomplete or invalid documentation.
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Poor or nonexistent negotiating position.
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Wasted time and money dealing with unserious buyers or unresolved ownership issues.
Agent advantage: An experienced agent knows how to protect you from invalid contracts, false information, and hidden property flaws. They act as your representative throughout the entire process.
Failing to verify documentation and legal status
One of the biggest real estate buying mistakes is failing to verify the property’s legal documentation. It’s a common misconception that if the property looks good and has “all the papers,” there’s nothing to worry about. However, many properties have unresolved legal or ownership issues.
The most important documents to verify include:
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The ownership certificate (title deed).
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Building and usage permits.
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Approvals and decisions (especially for older properties and legalization).
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Any encumbrances or liens registered in the cadastre.
Recommendation: Consult a lawyer or agent specialized in legal property checks. The cost of this service is minor compared to the potential consequences of buying a “problem” property.
Emotional buying instead of rational analysis
Sometimes the feeling of finding the “perfect home” can cloud our judgment. In such moments, we forget about the budget, technical flaws, or bad location. Buying based purely on emotion often turns out to be a poor decision later.
Signs of emotional buying:
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Making impulsive decisions without comparing other offers.
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Ignoring flaws in the property.
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Entering the transaction without enough insight into the market.
Solution: Create a list of priorities and realistic criteria, and make your final decision only after a thorough analysis – including long-term living costs in that location.
Signing a pre-contract too early without proper checks
Another frequent mistake is signing a pre-contract without completing proper document checks or seeking legal advice. Buyers often rush to reserve a property they like without confirming whether the seller has full ownership, if there are any liens, or whether the property is fully legalized.
This kind of haste can result in:
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Losing your deposit.
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Contracts that don’t protect your rights.
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Legal disputes or ownership issues later.
Tip: Never sign a pre-contract without first consulting a legal expert or a qualified agent experienced in legal due diligence.
Not understanding the full costs of buying a property
When considering a purchase, many buyers focus only on the property price and forget about additional costs. This is a common and costly mistake, as a lack of financial planning can derail the entire transaction.
What to budget for:
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Property transfer tax (2.5%).
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Notary fees and contract preparation costs.
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Cadastre and registration fees.
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Agency commission.
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Renovation and furnishing costs (if needed).
Plan ahead: Create a realistic budget that includes all related expenses so you don’t go into debt immediately after buying.
Professional support is an investment, not an expense
As you can see, the most common mistakes when buying real estate typically arise from a lack of knowledge, rushing into decisions, and trying to save in the wrong places. With the right professionals by your side, the process can be simple, safe, and successful.
Before you make any decisions:
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Verify your agent and agency.
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Hire professionals for legal checks.
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Don’t let emotions drive your decisions.
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Invest in knowledge and expert support – because a good property is not just a purchase, it’s an investment in your future.
If you’re looking for safe and professional support in buying or selling real estate, our Imonova A team is here to help.
