RESIDENTIAL                                            

​​

How We Can Help​

​

We can assist with:

• freehold and leasehold purchases;

• freehold and leasehold sales;

• remortgages;

• transfers of equity;

• new build purchases;

• shared ownership transactions;

• Help to Buy or other scheme-related transactions, where applicable;

• leasehold issues arising during a sale or purchase; and

• reporting to you and your lender on the legal title.

​

What We Need From You

​

At the start of a transaction, we will usually ask for:

• proof of identity and address;

• information about your source of funds, where you are buying;

• details of any mortgage lender;

• details of the estate agent, if applicable;

• information about your preferred timescale;

• copies of relevant property documents, if you are selling;

• completed property information forms, if you are selling; and

• details of any specific plans you have for the property, such as alterations or change of use.

​

We are required to carry out identity and anti-money laundering checks. We will explain what documents are needed when you instruct us.

​

​

Buying a Property

​

When acting on a purchase, our work will usually include:

• reviewing the contract papers;

• checking the legal title;

• raising enquiries with the seller’s solicitor;

• carrying out searches;

• reviewing your mortgage offer, where applicable;

• reporting to you on the property and any legal issues;

• arranging exchange of contracts;

• preparing for completion;

• submitting the Stamp Duty Land Tax return, where required; and

• registering your ownership at HM Land Registry.

​

Further useful information about the various steps buying your home can be found here:​

https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/public/for-public-visitors/common-legal-issues/buying-a-home/

​

Selling a Property

​

When acting on a sale, our work will usually include:

• preparing the contract papers;

• obtaining title documents;

• reviewing the property information forms;

• responding to enquiries from the buyer’s solicitor;

• dealing with any mortgage redemption statement;

• arranging exchange of contracts;

• completing the sale; and

• redeeming any mortgage from the sale proceeds, where applicable.

​

Remortgages and Transfers of Equity

​

We can also assist with remortgages and transfers of equity. A transfer of equity is where ownership of a property is changed, for example by adding or removing an owner. The work required will depend on the lender’s requirements, the legal title and whether any additional documents are needed.

​

Some further information on selling a home can be found here:

https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/public/for-public-visitors/common-legal-issues/selling-a-home

​

Key Stages in a Typical Sale or Purchase

​

The exact process will depend on the transaction, but the main stages are usually:

1. Instruction
   We open the file, carry out identity checks and obtain the initial information.

2. Contract Papers and Searches
   Contract documents are prepared or reviewed. For a purchase, searches are ordered.

3. Enquiries and Mortgage Offer
   Legal enquiries are raised and answered. If a mortgage is involved, the lender issues a formal mortgage offer.

4. Report and Signing
   We report to you on the legal documents and arrange for the contract and related papers to be signed.

5. Exchange of Contracts
   Once all parties are ready, contracts are exchanged. At this point the completion date becomes legally binding.

6. Completion
   The purchase money is transferred, the sale or purchase completes, and keys are released through the estate agent where applicable.

7. Post-Completion
   For a purchase, we deal with Stamp Duty Land Tax, where required, and registration at HM Land Registry.

 

Our Approach

We will explain the process, keep you updated and tell you about any legal issues that arise. We will also provide clear information about costs before work begins and update you if the position changes.​