Safe buying
Spotting fake listings & scams
Foreign buyers are prime targets — distance, an unfamiliar process and urgency are exactly what scammers exploit. Here's what to watch for and how to stay safe.
Red flags
⚠️ Pressure to pay a deposit fast
“Another buyer is interested, send a holding deposit today.” Real purchases give you time to verify.
⚠️ Pay to a personal account
Funds should go to a regulated escrow / notary / the provider's business account — never a private individual or crypto wallet.
⚠️ Price far below market
If it's well under comparable sales for the area, treat it as a warning, not a bargain.
⚠️ Can't view, or only “virtual”
Refusal to allow an independent in-person viewing or survey is a serious flag.
⚠️ No registered agent or solicitor
The “seller/agent” isn't on any official register and avoids putting you in touch with an independent solicitor.
⚠️ Off-platform, urgent, untraceable
Pushes you to chat/pay outside any platform, with WhatsApp-only contact and no paper trail.
Stay safe — before you pay anything
- Verify the seller's ownership via the land registry and the agent/solicitor via their official register.
- Use an independent solicitor you chose — not one the seller insists on.
- Pay into regulated escrow / the notary, never a personal account.
- Get an independent viewing and survey before any deposit.
- Run the property and your numbers through Outpost first — comparables, true cost and legal flags.
Educational guidance, not legal advice. If something feels wrong, stop and get independent professional help.