Andy, when we bought our property we made it a legal condition of purchase that planning permission was granted to restore before we paid up in full.  We paid a deposit which was refundable to us if the permission didn't go through.  It meant waiting a whole year whilst all the permissions were sorted out but it was worth it for our peace of mind. I don't know how important it is to you that it is a permanant habitation.  If it is important then it would be money well spent to actually instruct a reputable solicitor that speaks good English and understands implicitly your requirements.  If you make it a condition of purchase that the buildings must be legally habitable 365 days a year it should help focus everyone on giving you straight answers.