Buying Property in London and Abroad: A Notary Public’s Guide
By Lakshmy Mridula, Notary Public – East London
Property transactions—whether in bustling London or overseas—often involve more than just signatures and paperwork. When legal documents need to be recognised across borders, a Notary Public plays a key role in ensuring your affairs are processed smoothly and legally.
As an experienced Notary Public based in East London, I regularly assist individuals, families, and businesses with property-related documents that must be used internationally. In this post, I’ll walk you through how notarial services support property transactions both in the UK and abroad.
1. How a Notary Can Help with London Property Transactions
Most UK property sales and purchases are handled by conveyancers or solicitors. However, there are important situations where a Notary Public is required, such as:
- Certifying identity documents for non-residents or overseas buyers
- Notarising Powers of Attorney when someone else is signing on your behalf
- Statutory declarations required by mortgage lenders or authorities
- Deeds of gift or consent when transferring property within the family
East London is home to a truly international community. Many of my clients own or manage property in both the UK and overseas, and that’s where notarial support becomes crucial.
2. Buying or Inheriting Property Abroad? You’ll Likely Need a Notary
Whether you’re purchasing a retirement home in Spain or dealing with inherited land in India, foreign property matters require documentation that is legally recognised in another country. I frequently assist with:
- Authentication of Powers of Attorney for use overseas
- Certifying legal documents like title deeds or contracts
- Notarising inheritance paperwork, wills, or declarations
- Legalisation (apostille) via the FCDO, and sometimes embassy/consulate authentication
Each country has specific rules. I’ll ensure your documents are correctly executed to meet the legal requirements in England &Wales and that it will be accepted in the destination country, helping avoid delays or rejections.
3. Common Property Documentation Scenarios I Notarisation of documents
- Selling a family home in India while living in the UK
- Authorising someone in Nigeria or Sri Lanka to manage a property transaction
- Applying for land registry services abroad
- Supporting legal claims or disputes over foreign-owned property
Often, time is of the essence. I offer flexible appointments and swift turnaround times to help clients meet legal or banking deadlines.
4. What to Watch Out For
When dealing with international property documentation, be aware of:
- Inconsistencies in names or addresses – Even minor errors can cause rejections.
- Documents in foreign languages – You may need certified translations.
- Lack of legalisation – Some countries require an apostille or consular stamp after notarisation.
- Incorrect notarial format – Not every notarised document is accepted internationally. It must meet specific local standards.
As your Notary, I will advise on the exact steps needed for your target country.
5. Why Choose a Local Notary in East London
Being based in East London allows me to serve a wide, multicultural community with global property ties. I have first-hand experience working with documents for legal systems in countries such as:
- India
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Qatar
- Spain and Portugal
- Nigeria and Ghana
- Caribbean Islands
- USA
- Australia & New Zealand
Whether you need documents notarised for family, legal, or investment reasons, I offer a clear, professional service tailored to your needs.
Need Help with Property Documents?
I offer notarial services by appointment at my East London office, with evening and weekend options available. If you’re dealing with a property transaction—locally or abroad—feel free to get in touch.
📩 Email: info@lmnotarypublic.co.uk
📞 Phone: 0207 101 5408
