Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I need a survey?
If you have a mortgage you must have a survey or a valuation. We recommend a full survey to protect you from hidden and costly problems.
2. What are pre-contract enquiries?
Negotiations on the details of the purchase such as fixtures and fittings and obtaining details of any alterations/ additions to the property since it was built and ensuring that the appropriate planning consents have been obtained.
3. Who conducts searches?
We make enquiries to the local authority as to any planning that may devalue your house. We conduct various searches to protect you from nasty surprises.
4. What is a contract?
This is the legal document that creates the obligation to buy the house on a specific day.
5. What is exchange of contract?
Once you and the other side have exchanged contracts you are both legally bound to complete the sale or purchase on the agreed date.
6. How long is the whole process?
If you are buying and the property is vacant then it will take just a few weeks. If you are selling and buying and all properties are occupied then there will be a chain of transactions to bring together and it will take longer. We will keep you informed about the progress of you case and we offer an on-line tracking service to keep you fully informed about the progress of your matters.
7. What does our property law team do?
We investigate the title to the Property (to make sure that it is legally owned), submit local searches, deal with the mortgage lender, obtain the funds and transfer the money on completion settling current mortgage. We recognise that moving is a stressful time and do whatever we can to minimise the anxiety.
If you have any more questions and are thinking of buying or selling property, contact a property conveyancing solicitor by using our freephone legal advice line, or contact us via e-mail using the box to the right of this page.