First, I’m wondering what “market practice” is in Geneva real estate circles in terms of the amount of a deposit, contingencies in the initial contract, etc. For example, in Canada we always have contingency that there will be an inspection by a contractor or building inspector, at the purchaser’s cost, but that if anything material is identified the purchaser may cancel the contract and get their deposit back, unless the parties successfully re-negotiate the price. I don’t want to impose what we do in Canada on Geneva, so I’m asking what is “normal, market practice” in Geneva?

Second question is when it would be normal/appropriate to bring in a lawyer. 

TIA for your feedback