Buying a Property
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Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned property investor, buying a property can be an exciting but daunting prospect. The decision to purchase a house has huge financial and legal implications and should ideally be undertaken with the support of Solicitors experienced in Property Law, who will be there to guide you through the process and protect you against any potential pitfalls.
First Time Buyers
Buying your first house is a landmark event and should be a cause for celebration. It is also a process you will have had little or no experience with before, so it is normal to feel a little apprehensive. A prudent first step is to engage the help of a trustworthy Solicitor who can provide guidance and advice on what to look for and what to expect from the property-buying process.
There are several steps to buying a property. Once you have found a house or land you would like to purchase, your Solicitor will obtain a series of searches on the property. These searches provide information on local authority records, including planning permissions and road-building proposals; details of drainage and water services to the property; environmental information including whether the property is at risk of flood or on contaminated land; and any land charges the purchaser of the property will inherit.
Separately, you will also arrange to carry out a survey to inspect the physical condition of the property. If you are happy and wish to move forward, your Solicitor will represent you during the exchange of contracts, during which your deposit will also be held until the sale is completed. Finally, with contracts exchanged and the balance paid, you can move into your new property.
Experienced Buyers
Experienced buyers may feel more comfortable with the buying process, but engaging the services of a trusted Solicitor is still essential to a smooth transaction. Not only will your Solicitor carry out searches and perform other legal duties on your behalf, but they can also give you advice on areas such as choosing to buy or sell at auction and how to manage property chains. In addition, a Solicitor will also be able to assist if you are building a portfolio of property either to invest in or to let as an income stream.
What We Can Offer You
Our Property Law team have seen countless property sales reach completion. From first-time buyers moving into their starter home to seasoned developers with multi-million-pound portfolios, we have carried out searches, exchanged contracts, and provided valuable guidance and advice to dozens of property buyers. Our accreditation through the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme attests to our knowledge and expertise in Residential Property Law.
