'Independent lawyer needed' when investing overseas

Those wanting to live their dream out in France or Spain have been advised to invest in an independent lawyer before the house itself.

Channel 4 presenter and former model Amanda Lamb told those hoping to hop on a ferry to the continent that 95 per cent of "horror stories" she had come across in her years as an overseas property expert had been in investment opportunities struck without a legal representative.

Ms Lamb said that "they jump into it too quickly sometimes; one of the things I would always suggest is maybe thinking of renting in the place you want to live for six months".

She added that other difficulties affecting buyers included their inability to speak a second language as well as how they overlooked the choice to get a feel for the property to ensure that it was good for them.

According to a survey taken out by company HiFX, a record number of people have been inquiring about emigration, with the total going up by 30 per cent on last year's figure; the number actually making the move has increased by ten per cent.