Frequently Asked Questions
| What are your fees and how are they calculated? | Read about how fees are calculated |
| Are there any hidden costs or disbursements? | It is an estimate. |
| How much will it cost if the sale falls through? | That depends on how far the matter has progressed. If a matter falls through shortly after commencement then there is no charge. Otherwise, we charge at the rate of £300 per hour plus v.a.t to a maximum of the estimated price. |
| When do I need to pay the fees and how? | We will request an on account payment of £500 plus v.a.t at the outset. Otherwise, the fees are payable when the matter completes successfully or otherwise. |
| Can you provide a breakdown of the costs involved? | Read about how costs are broken down |
| About the Process and Timeline: | |
| How long does the conveyancing process typically take? | This depends on variables such as: -the number of properties in the chain. -Does the buyer require a mortgage offer? How soon will the offer be issued? -Is the property vacant? -If not how soon can the seller vacate? -How motivated are the buyer and seller to proceed quickly? See links below for typical timescales. Freehold Purchase Freehold Sale Leasehold Purchase Leasehold Sale Remortgage |
| What are the key stages of the process? | -Initial gathering of information before taking the matter to exchange of contracts with a subsequent completion date. -It is recommended that there is a reasonable period of time, preferably around 10 working days, between exchange of contracts and completion. See links below for key stages. Freehold Purchase Freehold Sale Leasehold Purchase Leasehold Sale Remortgage |
| When should I instruct my solicitor/conveyancer? | Once an offer is accepted. If you are a seller then you may wish to contact us in advance of marketing the property so that we can provide guidance on the sort of information that will be required by a buyer’s solicitor/conveyancer.. |
| When should I apply for a mortgage? | It is recommended that you apply to a lender to obtain a mortgage offer in principle, before looking for properties to purchase. You may wish to wait until your solicitor/conveyancer has received a Contract and supporting documents before applying for a mortgage offer particularly if you are paying fees to the lender that may not be recoverable if the seller withdraws from the transaction. |
| What are conveyancing searches and why are they necessary? | Read about conveyancing searches |
| What happens when contracts are exchanged? | Upon exchange of contracts, the seller and buyer become contractually bound to complete on the completion date stated in the Contract that you will have agreed beforehand. The Contract imposes sanctions for delayed completion that will be explained to you during the process. |
| What happens on completion day? | The keys will be released to you once the solicitor/conveyancer firm representing your seller has received the completion funds. |
| How do I sort out the keys? | The keys are released by the seller and if there is an agent, they can usually be picked up from there. Check with the agent the day before the completion date that the seller will be providing the agent with a key for this purpose. |
| What are common causes of delays? | -A buyer or seller not being in any hurry to proceed. -Awaiting mortgage offers or revised mortgage offers. A seller or buyer in a chain withdrawing from a transaction. |
| About Communication and Updates: | |
| Who will be handling my case? | The name of the solicitor handling your case will be made known to you at the outset. You will be informed in the event of a change of solicitor. |
| How often will I hear from you? | You are welcome to contact us at any time for an update. Email is preferable. |
| How will you update me on the progress? | The solicitor handling the matter will inform you of progress throughout. |
| What is your preferred method of communication? | Email as a preference as very often the communication involves reference to or attachment of another document or communication. |
| About the Conveyancing Firm: | |
| What experience do you have in this type of property transaction? | Your matter will be handled by a solicitor. All solicitors in this firm have a vast amount of experience in dealing with conveyancing matters. |
| Are you a member of any relevant professional bodies? | This firm is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and each solicitor who handles conveyancing is accredited by the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme |
| Are you approved by my mortgage lender? | We are on the panel of most major lenders and can usually apply for membership of the panel of some of the more obscure lenders, when required. |
| Do you have any reviews or testimonials? | See our Trustpilot reviews; |
| What are your opening hours and how can I contact you? | Our opening hours are Monday – Friday: 9.00a.m. to 5.00p.m. See here for how to contact us |