His father had bought a plot in a foreign country intended for construction. And now they had received a letter from the seller's lawyer saying that the plot was registered in the local land registry, but he wanted to be sure and asked to check.
After a brief review of the documents and a short conversation with the local partner, I understood the picture. The return call was less pleasant.
The father had bought a right to a plot that had not yet been registered in the local land registry because parcelization (division of the land into separate plots) had not yet been carried out. The son did not quite understand how that could be, since his father claims he bought a plot for construction and even paid the full price.
I had to explain that this is not what is written in the agreement, and that under the agreement the seller has 9 months from the date of signing to complete the parcelization of the plot and only then transfer ownership of the plot.
The son could not believe his ears. The anger was understandable.
I tried to calm him and explain that a notation had been entered in the local land registry regarding the drawing up of the sale agreement, and this should prevent the seller from selling the same plot to a third party.
The son was still angry.
He was angry at his father for not consulting him before signing, at the marketer/broker who dragged his father into a deal in which he pays a considerable price and receives nothing in return, at the fact that his father did not consult a lawyer before signing an agreement in English and transferring funds... anger.
When facing the purchase of property abroad, a plot or an apartment, it is advisable, recommended and worthwhile to consult a lawyer who knows the local law.
Stories are based on real situations, with identifying details changed. Not legal advice.
Translated from the Hebrew original. עברית