Residential Property

If you are buying we will:

• Carry out searches with the local authority, Land Registry and water company. Where appropriate,
an environmental search will be carried out as well.
• Liase with the selling agent
• Check the contract prepared on behalf of the seller
• Investigate the legal title to the property
• In leasehold cases, check the terms of the lease, obtain up-to-date insurance and management information
• Carry out work required by your mortgage lender
(if any)
• Prepare a detailed written report once we have completed our investigations
• Arrange exchange of contracts
• Check the financial position prior to completion
• Prepare the transfer document
• Make sure you get the keys as early as possible on the day of completion
• Register the purchase at Land Registry
• Arrange delivery of the deeds to your mortgage lender or to you, if there is no mortgage

The Property Department is headed by Ian Stewart and comprises eight solicitors and one Legal Executive. Property work is done at all four of our offices.

If you are selling we will:

• Get hold of your deeds
• Prepare the contract and supporting paperwork
• Liaise with your estate agent
• Help you to deal with any queries raised by your buyer
• Get the contract signed by you
• Arrange exchange of contracts
• Check mortgage redemption figures and estate agent’s commission before preparing financial statement
• Approve the transfer document
• Complete and account to you with any surplus funds
• Repay your mortgage, if any, and pay your selling agent

If you are re-mortgaging or transferring a share in your house we will:

• Get hold of your deeds
• Carry out any necessary searches
• Check the requirements of your mortgage lender
• Prepare the necessary documents
• Register the transaction at Land Registry

There are, of course, other things that will be unique to certain transactions,
so the list above should only be viewed as a snapshot. When you instruct us,
we will highlight the important steps in your transaction and tell you about the cost implications.