Buyer guides
What would you
like to know?
Can I begin before travelling?
Start with who the home is for, your budget and the areas you would consider. Before booking a trip, agree what you need to learn from a video viewing or someone you trust in Damascus.
Preparing your search before you flyWhat can we clarify about a suitable home before I arrange a trip?
What should I ask about the home?
Start with access, occupancy, water, electricity and the outlook. Ask what has been observed, what the owner reports and what still needs checking. A street name alone cannot answer those questions.
Checking the street and servicesCould you show me the access and explain what is known about water, electricity and occupancy?
What does the asking price include?
Ask the owner to put the price and its inclusions in writing. Clarify furniture, parking and any outdoor areas, then ask separately about fees, professional checks and any works you would need.
Understanding the asking priceCould we get the asking price, inclusions and separately payable costs in writing?
How should I investigate payment?
Check the proposed transaction with your bank, the receiving institution and your independent adviser before making a commitment. Ask which documents and approvals they need. A working card or small transfer does not establish a route for a property purchase.
Investigating a property payment routeWhat details would my bank and independent adviser need to assess the proposed payment route?
What should I check before buying off-plan?
Ask who controls the land, which approvals exist and what the contract says about the unit, delivery and payments. Have an independent professional review the documents before paying a reservation or deposit.
Questions before reserving off-planWhich land, approval and delivery documents can my independent adviser review before any reservation payment?
All nine guides
- How I introduce a buyer to a property owner
- The last hundred metres to a Damascus front door
- What does the asking price actually include?
- Inside a Damascene courtyard
- Can I use my bank to pay for a home in Syria?
- What works on the street outside your Damascus home?
- Buying from abroad: what can we settle before you fly?
- Before you reserve an off-plan home
- Al-Malki, Abu Rummaneh or Mezzeh: which fits your day?
Neighbourhood notes
Questions inspired by our representative designs. Current conditions and individual buildings need local checks.