Buying & Selling
A GUIDE TO BUYING A PROPERTY IN LONDON
Step 1
Deciding to buy a home is exciting. First of all know how much you can afford.
Take financial advice and take a mortgage in principle.
Step 2
Let the viewings begin.
Step 3
When you have found your perfect home the next step Is to secure the property by making an acceptable offer. This offer will be put forward to the seller both verbally and in writing. There are no legal obligations on either side until the contracts are signed.
Step 4
When an offer has been accepted a Memorandum of Sale is prepared and sent to the seller, buyer and both sets of solicitors. Now is the time to instruct your chosen solicitor as they will need to oversee all the legal aspects of your purchase. You will also need to contact your mortgage provider and give them full details of your purchase in order for your loan to proceed.
Step 5
Legal conveyancing.
Your solicitor will ensure that you legally own the property you are buying and will oversee the transfer of funds. They will:
• Raise enquiries on receipt of the draft contract from the seller’s solicitor• Request a local Searches
• Refer to information already provided in the seller’s pack
• Advise on all matters through to completion
Step 6
The survey and mortgage offer.
Most buyers instruct a survey and if you are obtaining a mortgage this will be essential.
The building condition and price will be evaluated by the surveyor and a report filed.
Once your mortgage lender has received its copy of the report, they will issue a formal mortgage offer, a copy of which will sent to you and your solicitor.
Step 7
Exchange of contracts.
Once all enquiries have been answered and a formal mortgage offer received by your solicitor, exchange of contracts can take place.
Your deposit (10%) will be transferred to the seller’s solicitor and a completion date can be agreed with the seller.
Step 8
Completion.
Your mortgage lender has transferred the balance of the monies for the property purchase to the sellers, signalling you have paid in full for the property.
Welcome to your new home!
A GUIDE TO SELLING A PROPERTY IN LONDON
Step 1
Obtain an accurate appraisal of your home.
Step 2
Choose an estate agent. Most importantly, you should trust them and believe in their ability to get the job done. The quality of their marketing and presentation should also be considered.
Step 3
Instruct a solicitor. You should instruct a solicitor prior to placing your property on the market. This gives you time to prepare and gather all the information required to sell your property which could make a difference at a later stage.
Step 4
Preparing your property for viewings. Most importantly decluttering rooms is essential prior to photographs of the property being taken for the agents particulars, and also prior to any viewing.
Step 5
Marketing. It is imperative that your property is seen by the largest number of prospective buyers. We advertise on all the major property portals including Rightmove, Zoopla and our own. We also use local advertising and social media when necessary.
Step 6
Straight talking feedback. We endeavour to provide open and honest feedback to our clients subsequent to the viewings.
Step 7
Offers. Our clients are notified both verbally and in writing of any offers received. We will communicate thoroughly the full situation, including the buyers position and financial status.
Step 8
Offer agreed and solicitor instructed. You have accepted an offer and the sale can begin. We will prepare a Memorandum of sale and send this out to all parties, including both solicitors.
Step 9
Surveys. Generally a buyer should have a mortgage survey booked within two weeks of a sale being agreed. Should any issues be raised, we will organise for the suitable reports or quotations to be carried out to satisfy the buyer and the mortgage company.
Step 10
Exchange of contracts. Once all enquiries have been answered and a formal offer received by the buyer’s solicitor exchange of contracts can take place. Upon receipt of a contract signed by both parties, the deposit of 10% will be telegraphically transferred to the seller’s solicitor. This is when the sale becomes legally binding and the completion date is agreed and set at this point.
Step 11
Completion. This is when a balance of funds arrives with your solicitor. Once they have confirmed safe receipt, keys to the property can be handed to your buyer-the new owner. Your property is now sold.