Here you are 10 great tips to avoid getting scammed during your search for a new house!
- Never send money through methods that are not legally recognised. Make only traceable payments.
- Beware of private sellers, even if they provide their Identity Card or phone number: the first-one may be false, the second-one has no nominal value!
- Always rely on an agency with a precise physical location at which you can go for every need and which accept different payment methods. You can find many agencies online browsing. Our company EazyCity has offices in Ireland & UK
- Avoid sites where ads are not moderated (like Gumtree): anyone can post under a false identity and many people are being cheated in this way everyday!
- If you are already in your new city, you must not give or send any money to an unknown private to book the room or apartment, although he/she looks professional and reliable.
- If a supposed owner shows you a house, try to get evidence of the fact that he/she is the real owner, paying attention to everything he/she says.
- Always ask for the signature of a legal contract before paying money.
- Do not rush: property market never sleeps in big cities: do not gamble too much for a good deal that could hide scams!
- Do not think you’d lose money relying on a letting agent: it will give you guarantees, transparency, a point of reference and various management services. It’s worth it.
- Pay attention to the price, comparing it with other similar ads’ one. If the offer is too tempting, if the requested rent is foolishly cheap … there must be some reason…
Luca Cattaneo
