Buying a property is not only the the biggest investment you're ever likely to make, but it's also one of life's most stressful experiences. However, there are a number of things you can do to make things a lot easier.

Under-performing pensions, a lack-lustre stock market and low interest rates have made investing in property an attractive proposition. But buying a property to let is not as straightforward as it might seem.

Buying a property abroad is NOT the same as buying one here in the U.K. Complex local rules and regulations plus additional costs you may not be aware of can make it a traumatic and bank-breaking experience.

Every country has its own laws and property-buying procedures, so, don't make the mistake of thinking they're all similar. You wouldn't buy a property at home without professional legal advice, would you?

Is buying a property in Portugal the same as buying one in Spain? No, it isn't. It may be similar but you need to know precisely what the procedure is; proceed without local professional advice at your peril.

Do you know anything about the area you're moving to?. The property you're hoping to buy might look fantastic in isolation, but is there a sewage works round the corner? Are there plans for a Motorway at the end of the garden or a mobile phone mast? Is the area prone to subsidence or flooding? You need to know the answers to these and many more questions before you sign the contract.

It isn't often that you'll spend probably in excess of £100,000 on a single item! and yet the potential problems that a property can have are virtually endless. It makes very good sense, therefore, to have it checked out properly to avoid making an expensive mistake. And remember, the inspection carried out by your lender is NOT a survey and will only tell them what they need to know.