Purchase of a Freehold Residential Property

A house represents one of the biggest investments you will ever make and the right legal advice is paramount.

The quality of our service is recognised by accreditation under the Law Society’s prestigious Conveyancing Quality Scheme. We are panel members of all the major mortgage lenders and have good relationships with local estate agents and surveyors. We can help arrange an Energy Performance Certificate on your sale. We have direct on-line access to the Land Registry giving instant property search and registration facilities.

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees and Land Registry Searches. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Stages of the process

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below are 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
• 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 to 12 weeks. However, this can be quicker or slower, depending on the number of parties in the chain orif you are a first time buyer, purchasing a new build property with a mortgage in principle. We will discuss this with you at the earliest opportunity so you always have a clear picture of how long things are likely to take.

Our charges are generally a fixed fee however if, during the course of your transaction, anything unusual comes to light, we will discuss any change in fees with you.