Residential Property

Legal Support with Conveyancing and Mortgages

Whether you are a first-time buyer or have already invested in a portfolio of properties, the legal aspects of buying and selling can be complex. Our experienced conveyancing solicitors are here to help you to negotiate your way through the process.

Residential Conveyancing

Conveyancing simply means the transfer of property. As solicitors, we ensure that contracts are agreed, communicate with the Council or Land Registry as required and manage the transfer of funds. If there are hurdles along the way, such as survey concerns, missing documents or a break in the chain, we are on hand to provide legal advice.

Time Scales

For any transaction, the timescales are subject to change depending on when your offer is accepted and other factors involved, such as:

• Number of parties in the chain
• Whether the buyer has a mortgage in place
• Whether the buyer requests lease extension for a leasehold property
• Whether the searches flag up any issues
• Whether buyer’s Survey shows up any issues
• Buyer’s Enquiries

A typical transaction will take between 12-16 weeks. However, if any of the above apply or there are other factors we need to take into consideration, it may increase the time and additional charges may occur. We will discuss this with you at the earliest opportunity, so you always have a clear picture of how long things are likely to take.

Key Stages

With every transaction there are key stages, which may vary according to individual circumstances. They may be as follows:

• Taking your instructions and giving initial advise based on the information you have provided
• Checking finances are in place for the buyer to fund the purchase
• Drafting contracts of sale and any other necessary documents and reviewing these with you
• Sending the contracts of sale to the buyer’s solicitor and dealing with any enquires they have
• Providing advice on all documents and information received
• Finalising the contract and sending to you for signature
• Agreeing a completion date (the date from which the buyer will legally own the property)
• Exchanging contracts and notifying you that this has happened
• Completing the sale

Re-mortgaging your Home & Equity Release

A change in circumstance, the desire to finance another project or simply the end of a fixed interest rate, may lead you to consider re-mortgaging your home or equity release. We offer legal advice and ensure that you are fully aware of the options and implications, so you can make an informed choice.

Investment Property Purchase and Buy to Let

Rather than a place to live, your focus could be on building a strong investment portfolio. Our experienced solicitors will ensure that the process is handled professionally, with all legal contracts in place. We can also advise on buy-to-let purchases, including considering some of the frightening stamp duty pitfalls.

Tenancy Agreements and Cohabitation

The tenancy agreement outlines the responsibilities of both landlord and tenants, so it is important that all points are considered and clearly outlined in the document. When signed, this is a legally binding agreement, which can be challenged in court if either party is not fulfilling their obligations. We can help you to prepare or to challenge tenancy agreements or assist with a tenancy dispute. We also support the preparation of cohabitation agreements.

Transfer of Ownership

If you wish to transfer part or all of your property to a spouse, child or another person, it is necessary to apply to the Land Registry. We support the completion of this documentation and the transfer of fees to ensure all is in order. We can also advise on the taxation considerations, will writing and whether what you are seeking to achieve, with such a transfer, is possible.

Professional Property Solicitors

With all property matters, Horwood & James Solicitors will ensure that your assets are legally protected, that you understand the contract and that it exactly matches what you are agreeing to buy or sell. We will keep you informed of progress and provide reassurance that all details have been addressed.