There is a reason moving house is often regarded as one of the most stressful things you can do. It can be a complex undertaking with unexpected complications and delays. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to ensure the smoothest possible house-buying process.
1. Choosing a conveyancer or solicitor
A conveyancer or solicitor will handle all of your legal paperwork and ensure that house ownership is exchanged. A conveyancer is a property specialist who may cost less than a solicitor. However, a solicitor can handle more complex issues than a conveyancer, so you need to choose which is best for you.
2. Money
If you are applying for a mortgage, you must provide your lender with all relevant information as soon as possible, and make sure your solicitor knows where your money is coming from (including providing proof of funds).
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3. Surveyor
A survey is not required, but it is advisable. Having a professional surveyor assess the house you want to buy means you will know if there are any unexpected flaws in the house that you will need repairing before you move. Advice on the different types of surveys is available online.
4. Inquiries and searches
Your solicitor will raise any inquiries with the seller’s solicitor, so if you have any questions or issues, tell your solicitor first. Your solicitor will also carry out searches in the local area to find out important details about your future house, such as any existing building regulations or whether it is on a floodplain.
A locally-based solicitor may be best placed to help you at this stage. To find conveyancing solicitors London you could try a site such as https://www.samconveyancing.co.uk/Conveyancing-Solicitors/Conveyancing-Solicitors-London.
5. Exchange of contracts
This is the final stage before completion, and it’s the point where the sale becomes legally binding. You will no longer be able to back out without incurring a penalty, so you need to ensure all your inquiries and searches have been completed by this point.
6. Completion
Completion is the final stage of the house-buying process. This is the day that money is exchanged, keys are collected and you can move house, so make sure you’ve made all your packing and moving plans set by this point. If you are using a removal firm, you will need to book them in plenty of time.