Appointing a property lawyer in The Gambia: scope and deliverables

What should the initial brief contain?

Identify the property, seller, proposed buyer and intended use. Explain whether the transaction concerns a completed home, bare land, commercial premises or an off-plan development. Send a document list and highlight any agreement signed, deposit paid or deadline accepted.

Tell the lawyer about other parties with interests in the transaction, including family members, investors and lenders. The engagement needs a clear client and an authorised instruction route.

Which deliverables should be agreed?

• A defined document review and list of required searches or enquiries.
• A report explaining material findings, limitations and unresolved issues.
• Review or preparation of the purchase agreement and transfer documents.
• A completion plan identifying conditions, payment and responsibilities.
• A record of completed steps and any registration or follow-up still outstanding.

Not every instruction includes every item. Ask for the scope in writing and distinguish legal fees from official charges and other professional costs.

How should a report help you decide?

The report should connect a finding to its practical significance. For example, an unresolved occupation issue matters because the buyer may not receive the possession expected. A missing document matters because a stated interest or authority cannot yet be confirmed.

Ask which points must be resolved before signature or payment, which require another specialist and which remain a commercial decision. Avoid interpreting silence on a topic outside the agreed scope as confirmation that it has been checked.

What changes when you are overseas?

Agree how identity, signatures, authority and document delivery will be handled. Define who can approve a change in terms and how payment instructions will be verified. A representative should not have wider authority than the task requires.

Use the overseas buyer guide and discuss any proposed power of attorney. Solie Law Chambers’ conveyancing service can be scoped around the actual transaction, with fees and responsibilities agreed before work begins.

Related guidance

• Property conveyancing
• Lawyer, agent and surveyor responsibilities
• Fees and instructions