Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to those niggling questions
Property
*Property Fees
Examples of our typical conveyancing fees are illustrated below, please contact us for a formal quotation as our fees are subject to your specific requirements.
Purchase Fees:
A fee estimate for a typical property purchase.
| Legal Work | £1,100.00 |
| SDLT Completion | £195.00 |
| Mortgage Lender (or as per mortgage offer- whichever is higher) | TBA |
| Office expenses, i.e. I.T., telephone, postage | £50.00 |
| Electronic Funds Transfer and Verification Fee (per payment) | £45.00 |
| E-Conveyancing | £80.00 |
| AML and Compliance Check (per person) | £50.00 |
| Procuring pre completion searches | £25.00 |
| Map Search Fee | £30.00 |
| Leasehold Fee | £300.00 |
Disbursements (funds payable to third parties) will be added to your legal bill.
Sale Fees:
A fee estimate for a typical property sale.
| Legal Work | £1,100.00 |
| Redemption | £150.00 |
| Office expenses, i.e. I.T., telephone, postage | £50.00 |
| Electronic Funds Transfer and Verification (per payment) | £45.00 |
| E-Conveyancing | £80.00 |
| Procuring Title Documents | £20.00 |
| AML and Compliance Check (per person) | £50.00 |
Disbursements (funds payable to third parties) will be added to your legal bill.
Remortgage Fees:
A fee estimate for a typical property remortgage.
| Legal Work | £650.00 |
| Redemption Fee (per redemption) | £100.00 |
| Electronic Funds Transfer and Verification Fee (per payment) | £45.00 |
| Procuring Pre Completion Searches | £20.00 |
| Office expenses, i.e. I.T., telephone, postage | £50.00 |
| E-Conveyancing Fee | £80.00 |
| AML and Compliance Check (per person) | £50.00 |
Disbursements (funds payable to third parties) will be added to your legal bill.
How long will the process take?
From our experience, a typical Purchase will reach the exchange stage within 6-8 weeks from the date Contract papers are received. The completion date will then be agreed between the parties. However, there are many variables which can impact on this timeframe, and we will keep you updated on your specific transaction as we progress. We operate an online secure Case Management System, which will allow you to obtain updates on your Case, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
STAMP DUTY, do I have to pay it?
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax that is paid when purchasing a property in the UK. The stamp duty rate ranges depending on the value of the property bought,the purchase price ans whether you are a multiple homeowner or a first time buyer.
We refer you to www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax
What are searches?
Searches are enquiries with public authorities. They give information about the property you plan to buy. For example, they will cover flood risk, any future developments, any chancel repair liabilities, any access rights, or local restrictions. Searches are necessary where you are purchasing with the assistance of a mortgage. Searches are optional when you are a cash purchaser, but always encouraged, nonetheless.
What is a Bundle Search?
A Bundle Search includes a Local, Environmental, Water and Drainage and Flood Search. If you are proceeding with a mortgage, we are obliged to carry out this search on behalf of the lender. If you are a cash purchaser, you can choose if we perform this search.
These searches are essential, since the searches might reveal serious problems with the property. The sellers may not have told you about the problems, or they may not know about them either. None of this information is held by Land Registry, and it may not be discoverable by inspecting the property.
What is a chain?
Property chains occur when there are two or more property transactions taking place. For example, if you are at the bottom of the chain, you could be a first-time buyer or not needing to sell your home, while a person at the top of the chain will be buying a property but has no need to sell their home. Chains can vary in length and the longer the chain can sometimes lead to a delayed transaction.
What is a Drainage Search?
A Drainage Search should provide information as to whether or not foul drainage from the property and surface water drainage from the property goes into public sewers and whether or not the property is connected to the water supply and the whereabouts of the nearest public sewers and water mains and whether they run through the property (which of course could affect plans to extend the property).
What is the difference between exchange and completion?
Exchange of contracts takes place once your solicitor has reviewed your searches, reviewed the title to the property and has received replies to any enquiries. If you are buying with a mortgage, we may also need your lender's approval. Once the above is satisfied, deposit monies are requested and contracts are exchanged with you having given authority to do so. On exchange, a date for completion is given unless you are buying a new build property. Completion is then the date that the final balance is sent over to the sellers and the buyer receives the keys to their new home.
When do I receive my title deeds?
Your title deeds are the documents that prove that you are the new owners of your property. Your solicitor is responsible for registering your property at the Land Registry and informing the Mortgage Lender of the new owners of the property. These deeds are stored at the Land Registry but will be sent to you as part of the post completion protocol.
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