Conveyancing - Buying a Property
Experienced solicitors for when you are buying a house
Are you considering purchasing a property? It is important to make sure you instruct the right solicitors for when you are buying a house. Here at Hart Brown, we understand that buying a property is likely to be one of the largest purchases you will make. Whether the property is freehold, leasehold, new build or any other type of property, the process can be legally complicated and stressful. It can be beneficial to make sure you choose experienced solicitors before buying a property. Our conveyancing specialists understand how stressful the process can be and will deal with the legal transaction in a straightforward manner so you do not need to worry.
At Hart Brown our experience covers:
- the purchase of agricultural land
- buying at auction
- buy to let
- leasehold including retirement properties
- shared ownership
If you are purchasing agricultural land, there are many pitfalls you need to be aware of including planning constraints, tenancies and other limitations of use and access. Our specialist conveyancing solicitors will investigate the title thoroughly and will fully explain the situation to you so you can avoid difficulties when using the land in the future.
If you are considering buying a property at auction you should look at the paperwork in thorough detail before you buy as once the hammer falls, you are obliged to purchase the property regardless. When buying a property, conveyancing specialists are able to investigate the title for you before the auction and raise enquiries for you which may inform your decision to purchase the property.
Buy to let properties can be a good financial investment, however, as a landlord you have certain obligations. We regularly act for individuals purchasing buy to let properties and our property specialists will advise you on the financial implications, the mortgage and any contracts you may need in place for your tenants. We can also help if you have any difficulties with your tenants in the future should issues arise.
If you are purchasing a leasehold property we will explain to you the terms of the lease, including the covenants and restrictions. We are rigorous in our legal checks as leases can be complicated documents and any mistakes could make it difficult for you to sell the property at a later date. Retirement properties often have similar restrictions imposed on them such as the age of occupants and the ability to live independently. It is important to make sure that you seek advice from experienced solicitors when buying a house or retirement property to help you to fully understand what you are buying.
Purchasing a property through shared ownership may have hidden costs. Our property specialists will make sure that you are fully aware of the immediate financial cost and any future costs that you might incur before you purchase.
To discuss buying a property with one of our conveyancing specialists, call us on 01483 887766, email us or get in touch via live chat today.
Our Fees
Fees:
Our legal fees for the purchase of a freehold property:
Minimum fee: £1,500 including VAT at 20%.
Average fee: £2,200 including VAT at 20%.
Our legal fees for the purchase of a leasehold property:
Minimum fee: £1,980 including VAT at 20%.
Average fee: £2,340 including VAT at 20%.
The purchase of a new build property will incur an additional fee of £420 including VAT at 20%.
Our fees are calculated based upon various factors that include the purchase price, the complexity of matters that affect the property, the desired timescale for the transaction and capacity at the time of instruction. Please contact us so that we can provide an estimate of costs tailored to your intended transaction.
Our estimate of fees detailed above assumes that the transaction is straightforward, without unforeseen complexities and that:
- the property is held under a single title at the Land Registry with no title defects;
- one contract is submitted to one buyer;
- the property is being purchased in your name;
- the purchase is subject to an unconditional contract;
- the property is acquired with vacant possession;
- completion takes place on the date agreed in the contract; and
- if you are buying a leasehold property, there is an existing lease (not the grant of a new lease), in an acceptable form with an effective management set up and not requiring formal variation of the provisions or an extension of the lease term.
Depending upon whether you are purchasing a freehold or leasehold property, you can also expect to pay the following additional fees:
Local search fee (estimated): £264 including VAT at 20%
Drainage search fee: £72 including VAT at 20%
Environmental search fee: £69.60 including VAT at 20%
Land Registry search fee: £3.60 including VAT at 20%
Land Charges Registry search fee £4.80 including VAT at 20%
(Leasehold properties) – average landlord’s notice fee: £180 including VAT at 20%
Our money transfer fee for completion: £39.60 including VAT at 20%
Stamp Duty Land Tax:
The amount of SDLT you will pay depends on a variety of factors. Please click here to access HMRC’s Stamp Duty calculator.
Land Registry Fees:
These are available to view on the Land Registry website which you can access by clicking here.
What work do our fees cover? To:
- investigate the title to the property;
- carry out searches and check these;
- review replies given by the seller to our enquiries;
- for a leasehold property, review the lease, freehold title, and management information;
- negotiate the purchase contract;
- negotiate the transfer document;
- consider our instructions from your lender and advise you on your mortgage offer;
- prepare a report on the searches, title and, if relevant, lease;
- proceed to exchange contracts and then complete the purchase;
- calculate the stamp duty land tax, prepare and send to HM Revenue and Customs the return and the tax; and
- register the purchase, and mortgage (if applicable), at the Land Registry.
How long can you expect your purchase transaction to take?
How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process currently takes between 8 to 12 weeks.
It can be quicker or longer, depending on the number of parties in the chain. For example, if you are a first time buyer, purchasing a new build property with a mortgage offer in place, it could take 6 weeks. However, if you are buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 3 to 4 months. In such a situation, additional charges would apply.
