Buying and selling property can be one of the most stressful periods in your life. We carry out all the work required in order to fulfill our aim which is to make the process run as smoothly and easily as possible. Our aim is to process and complete the transaction so you can have confidence and peace of mind for the future
Helping our clients to BUY flats and houses
The main services we provide for you during a standard conveyancing process:
- Check that the seller owns the property (if it’s owned by a company, we check they haven’t gone into liquidation)
- Check the title deeds for matters that may affect you
- Approve the contract (to make sure there are no conditions or liabilities you should not take on)
- Carry out all the necessary searches to make sure that you have all the relevant information before you buy, such as Local Authority environmental and water searches, Commons Registration search etc.
- Ask the sellers (via their solicitors) about the use and occupation of the property and any planning history, to seek clarity on all points
- Pull all the replies, results and information together and prepare a written report on the property for you. Our aim is to process and complete the transaction so you can have confidence and peace of mind for the future for exchange of contracts.
- Check that the terms of your mortgage offer have been complied with and that any other relevant finance is in place
- Confirm to you the amount of disbursements payable on the transaction you, such as Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), and collect this amount from you
- Transfer the completion money and complete your purchase
- Pay SDLT, if relevant
- Register your ownership together with the new Mortgage with the Land Registry
Helping our clients to SELL flats and houses
Some of the stages we undertake in this process include:
- On receipt of written instructions from the estate agent, we apply to the Land Registry and mortgage lenders for the title deeds
- Send you the Property Information forms to complete
- Draft the contract and send documentation to the buyers (via their solicitors)
- Answer the buyers’ enquiries (received via their solicitors), making sure you don’t over-commit yourself
- Complete the sale of your property and repay your mortgage
- Send you the sale proceeds
Equity Release Schemes
we are able to offer and guide you through the various schemes enabling you to release equity from your property.
Share Ownership Schemes
if you are purchasing a property with the benefit of a Shared Ownership Scheme then we are able to advise you on the implications of the Scheme and take you through the process of purchasing using such schemes.
Lease Extension and Enfranchisement
If you have a leasehold flat or house, did you know that there is legislation giving you the right to increase the value of your property, including:
- Extending the lease of your flat or house
- Joining together with other leaseholders to buy the freehold of a block of flats (“Collective Enfranchisement”)
- Buying the freehold of a leasehold house (“Freehold Enfranchisemen”t)
- Taking over management of your block of flats
Leasehold Enfranchisement, Lease Extension and right to Manage cases involve complicated procedures and regulations where expert advice is necessary. We have acted for a number landlords and tenants in enfranchisement and Lease Extensions and if you are considering either Collective Enfranchisement or Leasehold Extension, contact Roger Copeland of our Enfranchisement Department. We can also put you in touch with surveyors nationwide who specialize in valuing Leasehold Extensions and Collective enfranchisement.
We are registered on the panel of recognised solicitors practicing in this field with the Leasehold Advisory Service.
Co-ownership issues
We can advise as to whether a Joint Tenancy or Tenancy in Common would be most appropriate form of co-ownership for your transaction. The decision in this case can also have a significant impact on future Inheritance Tax liability. Where there is intended to be an unequal entitlement to the net sale proceeds of a property, or that co-owners have made unequal contributions towards the purchase price, we can help draw up the necessary Trust Deed.
Restrictive Covenants and Easements (rights)
Restrictions or rights can be imposed or and granted for the property in question and may govern how the property can be used. We can advise on the meaning of the covenant and easement or help if any dispute arises.
For further help please contact Peter Colman, David Clark or Roger Copeland.
