Unlike many estate agents Cornerstone are committed to promoting and selling existing freehold properties as well as new developments. Our experience in dealing with private vendors, property developers and construction companies is unique, and completely unbiased. If you're not sure which route is right for you, take a look at this quick guide to existing freehold and new developments. If you have any further queries, just give us a call.

An existing freehold is a property that has already been built and is currently owned by someone else - in effect a second-hand property.

So what are the benefits of buying an existing freehold?

• You get exactly what you see. There's no need to imagine that sea view or how the terrace is going to look.
• Existing freehold properties are ready to move in to, so no waiting for things to be built.
• And they will usually be located in well-established areas, often in urbanisations with mature gardens and good facilities.
• Existing freeholds have very straightforward purchase procedures, including payment.
• Many existing freehold properties come furnished as part of the deal and many domestic appliances, fixtures and fittings are left in-situ.
• As a rental investment it will show immediate returns. You can buy it today and rent it out tomorrow.
• CORNERSTONE has access to over 17,000 existing freehold properties from all over Europe, America, Asia and Australasia , with something to suit every taste and budget.
• Your dream property already exists!

A new development is a property that is currently being built, or is in the planning stages ready to begin construction. Also known as off- plan property.

Why a new development could be right up your street: If you're not ready to hand over the price of your property in one go, look at new developments. Purchase of a new development property involves a payment schedule, so you might first pay 20% as a reservation fee, then 30% throughout the construction period, then the remaining 50% on receiving the title deeds and completing. Some developers have their own mortgages to help with stage payments or we can help find you one. Payment schedules vary from country to country.

• All payments either to your lawyer, to CORNERSTONE, or to the developer itself, are bank guaranteed unless clearly stated by ourselves. CORNERSTONE insists on these bank guarantees for all clients' payments wherever possible.
• Quality of new development construction and facilities has dramatically increased over the last few years, with many developments competing for the best materials, and furnishings available.
• The range of property types available now is quite extensive, from basic one-bed apartments right up to luxurious custom-made detached houses.
• In many new developments you can choose your own bathroom and kitchen furnishings, tailoring the property to your unique taste and needs.
• Financing the purchase of a new development is usually a very easy process. This is because the bank valuations are carried out upon completion, not at time of purchase. The value of the property will have increased by completion time, thus giving the buyer a higher valuation, and therefore a higher loan amount.
• With offices in every major town along the coast and inland, CORNERSTONE can search and pick the best developments available in the region, with something to suit anyone's preferences in location, property type and budget.
• CORNERSTONE and its affiliates only offers the best new developments, brought to you by established developers.