Every matter we handle, and exactly how we handle it.

Why it matters

A purchase goes wrong in the detail: an unregistered right of way, a missing building regulations certificate, a management company that will not answer. We read every page of the title and the searches and tell you in plain English what it means for you.

Typical timescale: 8 to 12 weeks in a typical chain

The legal process

1. 01Open the file, complete identity and source of funds checks
2. 02Review the contract pack, title register and title plan
3. 03Order local authority, drainage, environmental and any mining searches
4. 04Raise enquiries with the seller and report to you in writing
5. 05Approve the mortgage offer and prepare the completion statement
6. 06Exchange contracts on an agreed completion date
7. 07Complete, file the land tax return (Stamp Duty Land Tax, or Land Transaction Tax in Wales) and register you at HM Land Registry

Why it matters

Most sales stall because enquiries sit unanswered. We prepare the pack before the buyer asks, so the questions that usually add three weeks are already dealt with on day one.

Typical timescale: 8 to 12 weeks in a typical chain

The legal process

1. 01Obtain official copies of the title and prepare the contract pack
2. 02Complete the property information and fittings and contents forms with you
3. 03Request the redemption figure from your lender
4. 04Respond to the buyer’s enquiries and negotiate any retentions
5. 05Exchange contracts and agree the completion date
6. 06Complete, redeem the mortgage and account to you for the balance

Why it matters

A transfer looks like a single form and rarely is. Lender consent, land tax (SDLT or LTT) on any debt assumed and the effect on any will all have to be handled together, or the transfer creates a problem years later.

Typical timescale: 3 to 6 weeks

The legal process

1. 01Confirm the current title and any registered charges
2. 02Obtain consent from the lender where a mortgage remains
3. 03Advise on land tax (SDLT or LTT) on any debt assumed and on joint ownership type
4. 04Prepare and complete the transfer deed with all parties
5. 05Register the new ownership at HM Land Registry

Why it matters

The saving on a remortgage is measured in days. We work backwards from the date your current deal ends and hold the completion date to it.

Typical timescale: 3 to 5 weeks

The legal process

1. 01Review the mortgage offer and the lender’s conditions
2. 02Obtain the redemption statement and carry out searches, or advise on search indemnity insurance
3. 03Report to you on the offer terms and take your signature
4. 04Draw down funds, redeem the old loan and complete
5. 05Register the new charge at HM Land Registry

Why it matters

The executors or administrators obtain the grant themselves. Once it is in hand, we deal with the property: the sale, a transfer to a beneficiary by assent, or removing a deceased joint owner from the title.

Typical timescale: Depends on the route; confirmed at the consultation

The legal process

1. 01Check the grant and the title to the property
2. 02For a sale: prepare the contract pack, answer enquiries, exchange and complete
3. 03For a beneficiary: prepare the assent on form AS1 and apply to HM Land Registry
4. 04For a deceased joint owner: apply on form DJP to update the register

Why it matters

Below eighty years the premium rises sharply and permanently because marriage value becomes payable. Acting early is the single largest saving available to a leaseholder, and we will tell you honestly whether the statutory or informal route is better for you.

Typical timescale: 4 to 12 months depending on the freeholder

The legal process

1. 01Check your qualification and the exact unexpired term
2. 02Instruct a valuation and advise on the likely premium range
3. 03Serve the section 42 notice on the freeholder
4. 04Negotiate the counter notice and the premium
5. 05Complete the new lease and register it at HM Land Registry

Why it matters

A defect found the week before exchange costs a buyer. Found early, most are curable with a deed of variation, a retrospective consent or an indemnity policy for a fraction of the price.

Typical timescale: 2 to 8 weeks

The legal process

1. 01Investigate the registered and, where relevant, unregistered title
2. 02Identify the defect and its practical effect on value and lending
3. 03Advise on cure: consent, variation, statutory declaration or indemnity
4. 04Negotiate with the freeholder or neighbour
5. 05Complete the remedy and update the register

Why it matters

Unequal deposits are normal. Unequal deposits without a written record are how people end up in court. A declaration of trust settles it while everyone still agrees.

Typical timescale: 2 to 3 weeks

The legal process

1. 01Take instructions on contributions, outgoings and intended shares
2. 02Advise on joint tenancy against tenancy in common
3. 03Draft the declaration and the accompanying land registry restriction
4. 04Execute the deed with all parties and register the restriction