Solicitor for Buying Property | Residential Property Lawyers

Buying your home

Why would someone require this service?

To assist in the purchase of residential property, whether that be a house, flat or apartment. We act for individuals and companies buying investment property.

How does the process work?

The first step is to agree on the purchase price. The next step will be to instruct solicitors to act on your behalf. You will need to tell the estate agents which firm of solicitors you are instructing once the purchase price has been agreed. We will be delighted to act for you!

Once instructed we will correspond with the seller’s solicitors. We will ask to see certain documentation on your behalf, including the following:-

Property forms – this will inform us of the property’s boundaries, what warranties and guarantees will be provided and whether there are any current disputes concerning the property.
The HM Land Registry title documents if the property is registered or other title documents if unregistered – this is proof of the seller’s ownership of the property. It will provide details of any restrictions which affect the property. It will also provide a site plan showing the extent of the property you are buying.
Fixtures and contents form – this refers to what “fittings” will be included in the sale price. “Fittings” are items which are attached to the property (either inside or outside) such as shrubbery planted in the garden or a fireplace fixed to a wall.

We will also raise various enquiries regarding the property with the seller’s solicitors and report to you on all the documents we receive. In addition we will undertake relevant searches of the property and again report to you on our findings.

Upon satisfactory responses being received from our searches and enquiries and assuming there is no further investigation required, we will be in a position to proceed to preparing for exchange of contracts for the purchase of your home.

On exchange of contracts, the date for completion (i.e. the date you purchase your home) will be agreed with the seller’s solicitors.

Prior to exchange of contracts you can still, for whatever reason, decide not to proceed on the purchase. If you choose not to proceed then your costs will be limited to those legal costs incurred at that time as well as any other costs you may have paid in relation to the proposed purchase, such as survey fees.

Please note that once contracts are exchanged, if you fail to complete the purchase the contract will be breached and you will be liable to forfeit the deposit you paid on exchange of contracts (normally 10% of the purchase price of the property). There may well be other substantial damages payable in addition.

For further general information regarding the sale and purchase process of residential properties please see our general guidance notes.

How long is the legal process when buying a house?

On average it will take between 4 to 6 weeks to complete the purchase of freehold property. For leasehold properties the purchase will take slightly longer, normally 6 to 8 weeks.

We are able to offer a quick turnaround service if required (provided all parties agree).

Is it expensive?

We will charge a fixed fee for our service (subject to our Terms & Conditions). The fee payable will depend upon the purchase price of the property, whether the property is freehold or leasehold and whether a mortgage is being obtained. Please telephone or email us for a no obligation quotation.

Why are Grant Saw the best people for the job?

The conveyancing team at Grant Saw pride themselves on being friendly and professional. We are committed to offering a consistently excellent service to each of our clients.