Helpful Tips When Buying and/or Selling Property
Buying or selling a home is a major financial and personal decision. Choosing the right conveyancing solicitor can make the process far smoother. These key tips will help you avoid common problems and understand what to expect.
Choose the right type of service
Conveyancing can be carried out locally, online, or through call centres. Lower-cost or remote services may suit straightforward transactions, but more complex matters often benefit from experienced solicitors who are easy to contact and can provide tailored advice.
Shop around but compare properly
Always request a full breakdown of fees, disbursements and VAT. Ask about potential additional charges, such as dealing with gifted deposits, Lifetime ISAs, Help-to-Buy ISAs, or unregistered property, so you can compare like for like.
Cheapest is not always the best
A small saving on legal fees may not be worthwhile when dealing with one of the largest purchases of your life. Experience, communication and efficiency can prove invaluable.
Property Information Form and Fittings and Contents Form
Complete these forms fully and accurately. Any unanswered questions are likely to be raised again by the buyer’s solicitor, causing unnecessary delay.
Gather Key Legal and Property Documents
Delays often arise when sellers cannot provide essential paperwork. Start compiling documents early, including planning permissions, building regulation approvals, completion certificates, guarantees and warranties. If paperwork is missing or works lack approval, discuss this with your solicitor. Solutions, such as indemnity insurance, can often be arranged.
Disclose essential information early
Sellers are legally required to provide accurate information. Disputes with neighbours, boundary issues, alterations without consent, flooding or subsidence must be disclosed. Transparency at an early stage reduces the risk of a sale collapsing or disputes arising after completion.
Prepare for Buyer Enquiries and Searches
Buyers’ solicitors will raise detailed enquiries once they receive the contract pack. Ensure your responses are consistent with the legal title and that supporting documents are available. Prompt replies help maintain momentum and buyer confidence.
Mortgages and Other Charges
Inform your solicitor of any mortgages, Help to Buy loans or other charges secured against the property so redemption figures can be obtained in good time.
Be clear about what you’re buying
Check the title plan carefully to ensure it matches what you believe you are purchasing. Raise any discrepancies immediately.
Plan for Exchange and Completion
Confirm onward purchase arrangements, agree preferred completion dates and ensure funds are ready before exchange. Early planning reduces last-minute stress.
From a solicitor’s perspective, the smoothest transactions are those where parties prepare early, disclose openly and seek advice promptly. Many delays are avoidable with careful preparation.
Our role is to guide you through the legal process efficiently while protecting your interests. If you have any questions at any stage, please contact our conveyancing team — we will be happy to assist.
