What to Expect

Selling your Property - The Process

It is a good idea to appoint a solicitor sooner rather than later- indeed the moment that you appoint an estate agent is when you should also instruct a solicitor. Many estate agents these days are associated with large conveyancing firms who they try to direct all their business to and in return receive a referral fee, much of the time the recommended solicitor is in another town many miles away. It is a good idea to instruct a local solicitor whom you can visit if need be for face to face advice and also helpful when signing and exchanging documents.

Stages of the process
The precise stages involved in the sale of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below we have suggested some key stages:

  • Obtain the Title Deeds and checking them thoroughly;
  • Prepare the draft Contract;
  • Deduce title either by way of Epitome or by obtaining Office Copies of your Title from the Land Registry;
  • Provide assistance, if necessary, in completing the Seller's Information and Fixtures and Fittings forms;
  • Deal with pre-contract enquires raised by the Buyer;
  • Secure your signature to the Contract and Transfer Deed;
  • Obtain redemption figures and instructions on the discharge of a Mortgage affecting the property;
  • Provide you with a completion statement;
  • Ensure all monies due are received on the completion date;
  • Deliver the Transfer Deed and other documents to the Buyer;
  • Attend to the discharge of your Mortgage and Estate Agents' invoice (if any); and
  • Communicate with you on the day of completion with regard to the handing over of keys.

How long will my house sale take?
The average process takes between 8-12 weeks.

Our fee assumes that...
This is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction. The transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication arise. All parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation. No indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required.

Buying a Property - The Process

Buying a home is an exciting time, it can also be an anxious time and we are here to help you through each stage of the transaction, with understanding and experience. We provide a thorough, professional service at an affordable cost.

Stages of the process
The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below we have suggested some key stages:

  • Take your instructions and give you initial advice
  • Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender's solicitors if needed
  • Receive and advise on contract documents
  • Carry out searches
  • Obtain further planning documentation if required
  • Make any necessary enquiries of seller's solicitor
  • Give you advice on all documents and information received
  • Go through conditions of mortgage offer with you
  • Send final contract to you for signature
  • Agree completion date (date from which you own the property)
  • Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened
  • Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and you
  • Complete purchase
  • Deal with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax
  • Deal with application for registration at Land Registry

How long will my house purchase take?
How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 8-12 weeks.

It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are a first time buyer, purchasing a new build property with a mortgage in principle, it could take 6 weeks. However, if you are buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 3 and 6 months. In such, a situation additional charges would apply.

Our fee assumes that...
This is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction. The transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication arise. All parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation. No indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required.