Conveyancing

Moving house can be one of the most stressful times experienced by Clients, as well as one of the most expensive. We take the view that Clients need constant access to their Solicitor throughout this period, so as to remove as much of the stress from the Client as possible. The Firm takes a very much "hands on" approach to the domestic conveyancing work with each stage of the process being fully explained to the Client from the outset.

One of the most common complaints received by the profession is concerned with lack of communication. We pride ourselves in our ability to let Clients know exactly what is happening at each stage of the conveyancing process. Delays do happen especially where chains of transactions are involved, which is quite often very frustrating for the Client. We take a proactive role in trying to ensure that these transactions are dealt with as quickly as possible. We always aim to return our Clients' telephone calls on the same day, even if this involves a call well after normal office hours. Of course, if the call can be taken by either Tim or Lindsey when it is made by the Client then so much the better. 

Over the years, Tim has found that Clients appreciate the time that he spends with them shortly before exchange of contracts is due to take place. Each document is carefully explained and any queries or concerns that the Client may have is fully discussed and dealt with. It is very easy to assume that if a Client has moved house once then they are fully familiar with the procedure and the terminology. Tim recognises that this is often far from the case, and it is very satisfying to be able to explain matters so that the Client understands exactly how the process works. This leads to improved Client / Solicitor relations.

As Clients will only be too well aware (especially sellers), each property now requires a Home Information Pack (HIP) before the property is marketed. The Government published further requirements that were incorporated in a HIP during the early part of 2009 which, in our opinion, did little if anything to enhance or facilitate the sale and purchase of property, particularly during the current economic downturn. We have access to a specialist provider of HIPs, who supply these to us on behalf of Clients at a very competitive rate and they are supplied usually within 14 days. However, Clients should note that the Conservative Party have clearly stated that should they form the next Government following the 2010 General Election, they will abolish HIPS within a very short time. The Energy Performance Certificate part will be retained, as that is a European requirement, but it remains to be seen if they will put anything else in the place of HIPS. For the moment, therefore, any Client considering selling their property in the near future should contact us before approaching any Estate Agent so that the HIP can be prepared and ready to issue electronically as soon as the property is marketed. During the present downturn in the property market, having all documents ready is especially important.

In addition to the straightforward sale and purchase of domestic freehold property, we also deal with :-

• Transfer of leasehold premises
• Creation of new domestic leases 
• Extending the term of existing leases
• Transfers of equity (often connected with matrimonial settlements)
• Mortgage work
• Deeds of Trust (where the equity is held by partners in differing shares)
• Voluntary First Registrations at the Land Registry
• Applications for Possessory Title
• Advising on Buy-to-Let and Off-Plan purchases

We also have personal contacts with the UK's leading fee-free mortgage broker who can be contacted directly to assist clients in arranging their mortgages, which again in the present economic climate is very important. Details of this firm appears on our Links page.

As properties get older, various structural and cosmetic defects can occur which may need rectifying before a property can be sold or purchased. We find that Clients are becoming more sophisticated in their demands as to the state of an older property and it is therefore vital to have access to specialist firms who can carry out specific surveys targeting these problems and then recommend and carry out remedial action. Again we have personal contacts with such a firm and you will find their website listed on our Links page.