Once you have found the property you want - and can afford - you make an offer to the estate agent. It may be helpful to ask the estate agent how long the property has been on the market, and whether there are any offers on it already. This will give you an idea of how much to offer, but remember that the estate agent is acting for the person selling the property, and will be keen to get the highest price possible.

If you offer is accepted, it is likely that you will be asked for a booking deposit of a few thousand euro, which is refundable if the sale does not go through. There is no obligation on either side until contracts are signed by both parties, and if the vendor gets a better offer he or she may accept it (known as gazumping).

It is quite common for fitted items such as carpets, blinds or appliances to be included in the sale of a property, and it should be made clear at this stage exactly what is included in the sale price.

The final stage of the purchase is the exchange of contracts and drawdown of the loan, and your solicitor will manage this on your behalf >>