Buying a new home is hugely exciting. However, the time it can take from having an offer accepted to getting the keys in your hand can often feel like an eternity.
Although some aspects of the conveyancing process are dependent on the actions of others, any setbacks that could have been avoided can be frustrating.
The good news is that there are certain things every buyer can do to ensure a property purchase runs smoothly and progresses without any unnecessary delays.
In this blog, our experienced Residential Conveyancers look at what everyone can do to speed up the conveyancing process.
1. Instruct an experienced solicitor.
A property purchase is something most of us undertake only a handful of times in our lives and is an unfamiliar process to many.
Instructing a specialist residential conveyancer who is knowledgeable about the various ins and outs of property sales and purchases to work on your transaction enables you to draw on the benefit of their experience.
Residential conveyancers play a key role in a property transaction by handling the legal side of a transaction and act as a main point of contact by liaising with the various parties involved.
A ‘good’ solicitor can make a huge difference. Having an experienced property solicitor you trust and can communicate with ensures the process goes well and will save you time, money, and stress.
2. Get on top of your finances.
Buying a new home is an expensive business and it is vital to ensure you have your finances in order.
If you are buying with the help of a mortgage, having an agreement in principle in place while you are searching for your new home will ensure you can move quickly if you have an offer accepted.
You should ensure you are aware of the likely outgoings and expenditure associated with moving house and budget accordingly. Knowing that you will not encounter any unexpected expenses further down the line increases the chances of a transaction running smoothly.
Remember it is not just the purchase price and mortgage repayments you must allow for when you are buying a new home. You might also need to factor in additional payments and ongoing expenses, such as:
- Survey costs.
- Mortgage arrangement and valuation fees.
- Removal costs.
- Building insurance.
- Furnishing and decorating costs.
- Stamp Duty.
- Council tax and utility bills.
- Service charges and ground rent.
- Solicitor’s fees.
At Onions & Davies, we believe that it is important for you to be clear about how much you are going to be charged before we start work for you. We will always give you a quote and if this must change for any reason, for example if matters become more complicated part way through, we will let you know how much the increased cost will be before beginning the extra work.
Most of our residential property matters are completed on a fixed-fee basis and the lawyer working on your case will ensure you are fully aware of all costs associated with your case. You can view more detailed information on the fees that we charge for a property sale or purchase by visiting our costs information page.
3. Practise open communication.
Clear, concise, and consistent communication is at the heart of any efficient conveyancing transaction. With numerous parties involved in the process, it is crucial to be responsive and to facilitate any requests promptly.
If you feel that your matter is not progressing as quickly as you would like or you would welcome an explanation of what lies ahead, be sure to ask. Your conveyancer should do their best to help you feel comfortable during this crucial and stressful time and will be happy to provide you with regular updates on the status of your sale or purchase.
4. Turn around paperwork quickly.
A property sale or purchase involves a lot of paperwork. Buyers will need proof of identity and proof of funds along with their mortgage offer and will have to check various other documentation provided to them, including a Property Information Form (TA6) and Fittings and Contents Form (TA10).
You will also need to provide paperwork to evidence any change of name, such as marriage certificates.
If you have had any alterations, additions or repairs carried out to the house you are selling, ensure you have all planning permission paperwork, building regulation certification and guaranties available and hand them to your solicitor when returning the TA6 document.
If you have gas central heating, arrange for it to be serviced so the report can be handed over at an early stage.
Being organised and completing and returning the relevant forms promptly will ensure your transaction does not experience any needless delays.
5. Plan for completion.
Completion day is when the final monies are transferred, your solicitor confirms the transaction, and you get the keys to your new home.
Planning for completion day can help avoid any last-minute panic. Check – and double check – that your funds and paperwork are in order and let your solicitor know as soon as possible if there is a particular day you need to avoid, for example, because of work commitments or holidays.
Conveyancing Solicitors Market Drayton
Conveyancing is time-consuming, complex and can be risky without proper assistance, so seeking specialist legal advice with your property transaction is essential.
Regardless of the nature of your property matter, our skilful conveyancing solicitors will guide you through the entire process, working with you from our instruction all the way to completion.
We are focused on delivering high levels of customer care, and our experienced team, who also possess excellent local knowledge, will ensure that your matter is dealt with efficiently and with the utmost professionalism and expertise.
We are accredited under the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), which provides a recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing. Being an accredited member of the CQS means we meet the high standards the Law Society sets to ensure we give clients a professional and quality conveyancing service.
To speak with our residential property team today, call us on 01630 652405 or email us at david@onionsanddavies.co.uk.