You probably need no-one to represent you except the local Grundbuchamt cum Notariat. They are generally on the side of the buyer. The seller will draw up a provisional contract with the Notariat and send you a copy. You will be paying half the costs with the seller.

You can read the contract at your leisure and run it by an independent lawyer if you wish, but the Notariat will be able to answer your questions. You will want to be sure the seller is liable for any tax on profit on sale (Grundstuckgewinsteuer).

Buying and selling property is much less cumbersome than in the UK and cheaper too. At least this is how it works in Canton Zurich...

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