Buying or selling a house can be an exciting time, but it can still feel overwhelming and stressful at times. The average person will move five times in their lifetime, so we want to make sure that your moves go as smoothly as possible in the future.
Here are our top tips:
Choosing your conveyancer
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property, and it involves a lot of legal jargon, paperwork and regulations. It’s important to choose the right conveyancer to make sure the process runs smoothly and stress free.
When choosing your conveyancer, you will need to think about reputation, experience, fees, communication skills, location and services offered.
Online conveyancing may be convenient and a cost-effective option but it’s important to ensure the conveyancer is reputable and secure and to remember that the quality of the legal work is perhaps the most important thing.
Communication with your conveyancer
Communication with your conveyancer is key to a stress-free transaction.
Tell your conveyancer as much information about the property and your future intentions for the property as soon as you have instructed them to act for you. As conveyancers do not visit the property, they will rely on you informing them of any additions or alterations to the property such as extensions. Similarly, if you are planning on building, for example a garage, they can advise you whether there is anything apparent from the title documents which may prevent this.
If you do not understand or are concerned about something, ring your conveyancer or their secretary, they will be happy to help. Chances are you are not the only one that has asked that particular question and most often your mind will be put at rest by talking things through.
Sign and return all documents as soon as possible and answer any questions your conveyancer has as quickly as possible. Delays in transactions are a common reason why chains collapse and parties withdraw.
Budget for the unexpected
Owning a house does not come without hidden costs. Hopefully you will instruct a survey before purchasing and so you will be aware of any works that need doing to the property before you agree to exchange contracts.
Organisation & decluttering tips
- Make sure that you instruct your conveyancer as early as possible and have all documentation in order. This may include evidence of:
- deposit/funds
- mortgage in principle
- insurance documents
- your ID documents
Leasehold properties require more legal documentation so if you are selling a leasehold property then you will need to speak with the person who collects the ground rent and service charges.
- A management/legal pack will be required so you will need to check their costs of obtaining the documents.
- Use a moving house checklist to keep yourself on track and make a list of the companies you need to contact once exchange of contracts has taken place such as the Post Office, your bank, your Local Authority and service providers.
- Book your removal company as early as possible. Making a floor plan of your new house and numbering the bedrooms and bathrooms is helpful for your removal company. This will save hassle and confusion on completion day.
- Start to declutter and go through non-essential belonging like DVDs, old clothes and toys and books. Start by boxing up what you are keeping and what belongings are for the charity shops, bin or car boot sales. Organise and label the boxes, marking what rooms you intend them to go in.
Be flexible
The estate agent can be helpful with negotiating dates with everyone in the chain and you will need to inform your conveyancer of any dates you cannot accommodate for completion. It is easy for parties to be drawn into discussing completion dates before the chain is ready to proceed and, in our experience, this causes undue stress on all concerned.
Your conveyancer will advise you once you are able to start discussing potential dates as they are in regular contact with the other party’s conveyancer as to progress of the chain.
Preparing to move
Take a note of the gas and electricity meter readings so you can provide this to the service providers.
Ensure all windows and doors are locked and the spare keys are either left with the estate agents or on the side.
Notify the relevant people and family and friends that you have moved house. You may also need to update your ID documents such as your driving license.
Take a moment to look around your new property and enjoy, the hard work is complete and it’s time to make memories.
National Conveyancing Week aims to shed a positive spotlight on the work carried out by Conveyancers from 11th to 15th March 2024. HM Land Registry recently said: ‘It has been a tough few years that has seen unprecedented sharp rises in volumes. And yet conveyancers have found a way through. Millions are now in their new home thanks to the care and attention paid by their hard-working conveyancer.’
If you would like to speak with a member of our team about our conveyancing services, please call us on 03456 465 465 or email us on enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk
Disclaimer: This blog is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal advice please contact us on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk to get tailored advice specific to your circumstances from our qualified lawyers.
