Buying a home often feels like a mix of excitement and anxiety. You picture yourself picking up the keys, yet the road there can seem daunting if you donโt know what lies ahead. The legal side of moving protects your money and ensures you donโt end up with nasty surprises such as hidden debts or boundary disputes. Once you understand the sequence, the process feels less like a maze and more like a straightforward journey with clear signposts. Each stage serves a practical purpose and brings you one step closer to moving in with confidence.
Making an offer + Instructing a conveyancing solicitor
The process begins the moment the seller accepts your offer. Thatโs when you should appoint a professional to handle the legal work. Choosing a solicitor early avoids delays because they can request contracts and begin checks straight away. If youโre looking locally, many people turn to conveyancing solicitors in London as they often have experience dealing with leaseholds and complex titles. A good solicitor will explain the paperwork in plain language, update you regularly, and chase the sellerโs side when things begin to stall. This support can save you weeks of waiting and reduce the chance of the sale collapsing.
Conducting searches and surveys: Due diligence
Once instructed, your solicitor starts carrying out searches with the local authority and other bodies. These reveal details you wouldnโt spot on a viewing, such as planned road schemes, flood risks, or restrictions on alterations. At the same time, you arrange a survey so a surveyor can inspect the propertyโs structure. While surveys cost money upfront, they give you negotiating power if problems arise. For example, if the survey uncovers roof damage, you might ask the seller to fix it before the exchange or agree on a price reduction. This stage protects you from buying blind and ensures you make decisions with a clear picture of the risks.
Exchange of contracts: Making the deal legally binding
Once the solicitor is satisfied with the checks and youโve arranged your mortgage, itโs time to exchange contracts. At this point, both you and the seller are legally committed to the deal, and youโll be instructed to pay a deposit โ typically of around 10%. The exchange gives you security as neither side can walk away without heavy penalties. This is the moment when you can start booking removals and setting up utilities with confidence, as you now have a legally binding moving date.
Completion day and post-completion Tasks
Completion usually takes place a week or two after exchange. On the day itself, your solicitor transfers the balance of the money, and you collect the keys from the estate agent. While this feels like the end, a few important steps follow. Your solicitor will pay Stamp Duty Land Tax on your behalf, register you as the new owner at the Land Registry, and send you a copy of the title once itโs updated. Although these tasks happen in the background, they matter because they secure your legal ownership. When everything is finalised, you can focus entirely on settling into your new home without loose ends hanging over you.
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