How to limit a power of attorney safely

Almost every protection available to you sits in the drafting. Insist on these clauses before signing.

• Name the exact property — plot number, block, phase, society, size
• Name the exact power — to sell, or to transfer, or to collect rent. Not "all acts"
• State a minimum sale price below which the attorney may not sell
• Require sale proceeds to be paid into your own named bank account, not the attorney's
• State an expiry date, six months or less
• Prohibit the attorney from delegating the power to anyone else
• Prohibit gift, exchange and mortgage unless you specifically intend them
• Prohibit sale to the attorney himself or to his family members
• Require the attorney to report completion to you in writing
• Attach your photograph and the attorney's, both attested

The clause that matters most: proceeds into your own account. An attorney authorised to sell but not to receive the money cannot disappear with it.