LawSpot

First Time Buyers and the Conveyancing Process

We are first time buyers, our mortgage is agreed and we have found a place to buy! We’re keen to move in asap so what can we expect and how long does the conveyancing process take?

Buying your first home is such an exciting time but as first time buyers, it can also be very daunting as you enter the unknown of the conveyancing process!

Once you have found the property you want to buy, it’s a good idea to contact your local Solicitor to get a quotation for the legal fees and disbursements. This enables you to plan your budget in advance and also obtain appropriate advice regarding a mortgage to finance your purchase.

Your Solicitor will send to you various forms for completion and you will likely be asked for supporting documents like ID etc. and money on account. Make sure you return all the forms completed along with the other items requested promptly. As soon as the papers arrive from the Seller’s Solicitor, work can begin.

Your mortgage offer should be issued once the valuation has been carried out, and searches will also need to be applied for in respect of the property. As first time buyers, we would also recommend that you instruct a surveyor to carry out a survey of the property. At this stage, your Solicitor will raise legal enquiries with the Seller’s Solicitor and you should have the opportunity to address any concerns you have as well.

Once all investigations and searches have been completed, and any enquiries raised about the property satisfied you will be fully reported to. You should then be invited to sign the documentation in respect of the transaction. You will also usually need to ensure you have adequate Buildings Insurance in place. At this stage, you should be ready to ‘exchange contracts’ which is the point of ‘no return’! The completion date is fixed on exchange and you can start packing!

Completion!

The day of completion is when the monies are actually paid over and transferred to your Seller’s solicitor. The legal title to the property is then transferred to you. Once completion has taken place you should receive a telephone call from you solicitor with the exciting news that you can finally get your hands on the keys to your new house!

Whether you are a first time buyer or a full-time property developer, you will find Harold G Walker one of the largest providers of conveyancing services in the Dorset area. Tailoring the service to meet your needs.

So whether you want to keep in touch by phone or email, or would prefer to call into one of the offices to talk about things face to face, a Solicitor or Conveyancing Executive will be available to help with your concerns.

For further information please contact a member of the conveyancing team.