EXPERT LEGAL ADVICE from normal people
Conveyancing Services
Embarking on a property transaction is a significant milestone in anyone’s life; though it’s a journey that can often feel daunting. That's why it’s important to enlist the help of an experienced team who are well-equipped to guide you through the process, ensuring it goes as smoothly and stress-free as possible, from finding a property or buyer right through to when the money and keys are exchanged.
Our Approach
At Howard & Over, we take pride in providing a personalised service tailored to your needs. We will get to know you personally and offer assistance every step of the way, from communicating with estate agents to addressing matters such as stamp duty land tax, leasehold property, and residential sales - we've got you covered. Whether you're a first time buyer, re-mortgaging, or involved in buying and selling property, you'll be allocated your own dedicated conveyancer to support and guide you through the process.
Buying a House
Buying a house could be one of the biggest investments in your lifetime, and although there is no legal requirement to bring a solicitor onboard when buying a house, without the guidance and expertise of a conveyancer it can be extremely challenging.
When buying a house, your solicitor will:
Review the Contract:
Your solicitor will review the sales contract provided by the seller's solicitor, ensuring that the terms and conditions are fair and favourable to you, the buyer.
Perform Property Searches:
Your solicitor will undertake a series of searches, including local authorities, environmental, and drainage searches, aiming to uncover any potential issues or restrictions that may impact the property now, or in the future.
Assess Mortgage Documents:
Should you be financing the purchase through a mortgage, your solicitor will examine the mortgage valuation, offer and any related documents to verify that they adhere to legal standards and safeguard your interests.
Negotiate Amendments:
Your solicitor may negotiate amendments to the contract or raise queries with the seller's solicitor to address any concerns or discrepancies unearthed during the legal due diligence process.
Coordinate Property Surveys:
While not a legal requirement, your solicitor may advise you to have a survey undertaken to assess the condition of the property and identify any potential issues that may affect its value or suitability.
Explain Legal Obligations:
Your solicitor will explain your legal obligations as a buyer, including the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), registration fees, and any other associated costs or liabilities.
Exchange Contracts:
Upon ensuring that all legal and financial aspects are satisfactory, your solicitor will proceed to exchange contracts with the seller's solicitor. At this stage, a deposit is paid, and both parties are legally bound to proceed with the transaction.
Coordinate Completion:
Your solicitor will collaborate with the seller's solicitor, your mortgage lender, and any other relevant parties to coordinate the completion date and ensure a seamless transfer of ownership.
Transfer Funds:
On the previously agreed date, your solicitor will transfer the outstanding balance of the purchase price to the designated account, facilitating the transfer of ownership of the property.
Register Ownership:
Following the completion of the transaction, your solicitor will handle the registration of your ownership with the Land Registry, ensuring that you are officially recognised as the legal owner of the property.
Provide Post-Completion Advice:
Your solicitor will provide you with copies of all relevant documents and certificates, as well as advice on any post-completion matters or obligations you may have as the new homeowner.
Offer Ongoing Support:
Even after the transaction is complete, your solicitor will remain available to offer ongoing support and guidance, addressing any inquiries or concerns you may have about your new property.
Understanding these key steps in the legal process of buying a house will help you navigate the journey with confidence and peace of mind. So, seek advice from our highly qualified conveyancing team at Howard & Over, to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.
Selling a House
Selling a house is an exciting, though often bittersweet process as you prepare to embark on a new chapter of your life. However, amidst the excitement, there are many legal complexities and processes that require attention. That's where we come in.
When selling a house, your solicitor will:
Review the Sale Contract:
Your solicitor will review the sale contract to ensure that the terms and conditions are fair and favourable to you as the seller.
Provide Legal Advice:
Your solicitor will provide you with comprehensive legal advice throughout the whole process, detailing your rights and responsibilities as a seller, ensuring that you understand all the implications of the transaction.
Respond to Enquiries:
Your solicitor will respond to any queries raised by the buyer's solicitor in regard to the property, title deeds, and other relevant matters.
Obtain Title Deeds:
Your solicitor will obtain the title deeds and any other necessary legal documents associated with the property to facilitate the sale.
Prepare the Contract Pack:
Your solicitor will gather all relevant documents, including the sale contract, title deeds, and property information forms, to consolidate them into a contract pack to be provided to the buyer's solicitor.
Negotiate Terms:
Your solicitor may negotiate with the buyer's solicitor regarding the terms of the sale, including price, completion date, and any special conditions.
Exchange Contracts:
Upon ensuring that all the legal and financial aspects are in order, your solicitor will exchange contracts with the buyer's solicitor. At this stage, both parties are legally obligated to proceed with the transaction.
Complete the Sale:
On the agreed completion date, your solicitor will receive the sale proceeds from the buyer's solicitor and oversee the transfer of property ownership to the buyer.
Pay Off Mortgage:
In the event of an existing mortgage on the property, your solicitor will coordinate the repayment of the mortgage using the funds generated from the sale.
Settle Outstanding Bills:
Your solicitor will settle any outstanding bills or fees linked to the property, including estate agent fees and service charges.
Provide Post-Sale Advice:
Following the sale, your solicitor will provide advice on various post-sale matters, including closing accounts and any other related issues that may require assistance.
By entrusting the sale of your house to one of our expert conveyancing solicitors at Howard & Over, we will guide you through this transition, ensuring a smooth and successful sale as you embark on the next chapter of your life.
Re-mortgaging
Re-mortgaging refers to the process of replacing an existing mortgage on a property with a new one, often with different terms and conditions. It presents an opportunity for homeowners to renegotiate their mortgage terms, potentially lowering monthly payments, accessing additional funds, or securing a better interest rate and overall cheaper mortgage deal. However, the process also involves multiple legal and financial considerations, requiring a qualified solicitor to navigate the process smoothly and efficiently. That’s why you need the right guidance.
When re-mortgaging a house, your solicitor will:
Review Existing Mortgage:
Your solicitor will review the terms and conditions of your current mortgage to understand the existing arrangements and asses any potential implications this could have on the re-mortgage process.
Conduct Legal Checks:
Your solicitor will carry out legal checks on the property to ensure that there are no legal issues that could affect the re-mortgage process, such as outstanding charges or disputes.
Review New Mortgage Offer:
Your solicitor will review the offer provided by the new lender to confirm that the terms and conditions are favourable and align with your requirements.
Prepare Legal Documentation:
Your solicitor will draft the necessary legal documentation for the re-mortgage, including the mortgage deed and any additional relevant paperwork required by the lender.
Coordinate with Lender:
Your solicitor will liaise with the new lender to ensure that all requirements are met and that the re-mortgage process progresses smoothly.
Facilitate Existing Mortgage Repayment:
If necessary, your solicitor will arrange for the repayment of your current mortgage using the funds from the new mortgage.
Register New Mortgage:
Your solicitor will officially register the new mortgage with the Land Registry, ensuring that the lender's interest in the property is legally recorded.
Advise on Legal Implications:
Your solicitor will offer advice regarding any legal implications associated with the re-mortgage, including potential charges or restrictions that could impact the property.
Handle Financial Transactions:
Your solicitor will oversee the financial transactions pertaining to the re-mortgage, including the transfer of funds between parties.
Provide Post-Completion Guidance:
Following the completion of the re-mortgage, your solicitor will provide guidance on any subsequent post-completion matters, such as updating records with the new lender and ensuring that all legal requirements are met.
Navigating the re-mortgaging process can be complex, but with the support of our highly qualified conveyancing solicitors, you can ensure that the process is carried out efficiently and with your best interests as the top priority.
Your Questions Answered
What is Conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one party to another. This process is usually carried out by a qualified conveyancing solicitor and involves a range of legal and administrative tasks to ensure that the transfer of property is legally valid, and that both the buyer and seller meet their legal obligations.
How much does it cost?
At Howard & Over, we offer fixed fees in the majority of cases so that you will know upfront how much the process will cost, eliminating any nasty surprises later on. Click here for your automatic quote.
At what point should I instruct a solicitor for my house move?
On a sale you should instruct your conveyancing solicitor as soon as possible. This will allow you time to complete all of the required documents to enable them to begin your transaction as quickly as possible once a buyer has been secured.
What is the difference between exchange and completion?
The exchange of contracts will set the completion date for your transaction. It is affected by the conveyancers and will legally bind your transaction. Prior to this, the transaction is not binding and either party can withdraw without penalty. Completion on the other hand, is the day on which the legal ownership of the property is transferred and the parties physically move.
What is Stamp Duty?
In the context of real estate, Stamp Duty is a tax that homebuyers are required to pay when purchasing a property. The amount of Stamp Duty owed will be based off the value of the property being purchased and is calculated as a percentage of the purchase price. It can vary depending on the location and whether the buyer is a first time buyer or experienced buyer.
What Clients think about our service:
"Professional, friendly and thorough service, cannot express my gratitude enough."
“A huge thank you to all the staff for making our journey go smoothly. If we ever buy a house again Jo, you are our woman!”
“Many thanks to you and all your team for the great work you have done for me in the two sales and one purchase. I am absolutely delighted... You have both been really helpful and made the whole thing happen in record speed. Thank you again.”
“We have been very impressed and will definitely recommend you”
“Thank you for helping me buy my first home. I love this place and was so grateful for your professionalism, hard work and, good advice and most of all your approachability. I would (and have) recommended your services.”
“We really appreciate the way in which you have been approachable, clear and unflappable! Thank you again”
“Very efficient. Natalie was excellent and answered all my queries quickly and clearly. Becky dealt with the correspondence timeously. Could not have received a better service.”
