Over the past week I have heard of three separate cases of purchasers of properties on our urbanisation who have run into problems because work that should have been done by professionals has not been done properly.

The first concerns a solicitor who failed to notify water and power companies of a change of ownership which resulted in water and electricity being turned off.

The second concerned a new owner failing to get a solicitor to handle the purchase and relied on the estate agent. This resulted in the non-disclosure of about €1,700 in urbanisation arrears and the resulting protracted argument as to who was responsible and who was going to pay the bill.

The third was the solicitor failing to notify our administrator of a change of ownership, resulting in the new owner facing a bill for arrears of almost €600.

Useful tips: If you are buying or selling always engage a reputable solicitor – don’t rely on an estate agent.

If you are buying ask the solicitor if there any arrears on the property. If he says there are no arrears, get that information in writing. On completion double check he has notified everyone that you are the new owner – water and electricity companies, the Suma, Town Hall and our administrator and has arranged standing orders with your bank (if that is your wish). Double check everything to ensure you don’t have some nasty surprises a few months down the line.

And remember to pay your urbanisation fee on time. If you do the charge is less, if you don’t €40 is added.