Client Guide: Buying And Selling A Home In The UK

Whether you're buying your first home or selling a property you've owned for years, the process can feel overwhelming. This guide outlines the key steps and what you need to know to move forward with confidence.

Getting Started

For Buyers:

• Mortgage in Principle: Secure this early to show sellers you're serious.
• Budgeting: Account for deposit (typically 5–20%), legal fees, surveys, and Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).
• Property Search: Research areas, prices, and local amenities.

For Sellers:

• Estate Agent or Private Sale: Decide how you’ll market your property.
• Documents to Prepare: Title deeds, EPC, warranties, and building regulation certificates.
• Timing: If buying and selling simultaneously, coordinate carefully.

The Legal Process (Conveyancing)

1. Instruct a Solicitor or Conveyancer

• Choose a regulated professional with residential property experience.
• Ask about fees, timescales, and communication preferences.

2. Pre-Contract Stage

• Sellers: Complete property forms (TA6, TA10, TA7 if leasehold), provide ID and title documents.
• Buyers: Pay for searches (local authority, drainage, environmental), arrange a survey, and secure a mortgage offer.

3. Exchange of Contracts

• Both parties sign contracts and agree a completion date.
• Buyers pay a deposit (usually 10%) and arrange buildings insurance.
• After exchange, the deal is legally binding.

4. Completion

• Funds are transferred, and ownership changes hands.
• Sellers vacate the property; buyers receive the keys.

Additional Considerations

• Leasehold Properties: Identify the management company early to avoid delays with management packs.
• Mortgage Lenders: Solicitors often act for both buyer and lender—this may affect how information is shared.
• Surveys and Enquiries: Buyers should review all reports and raise questions about boundaries, disputes, or alterations.
• Insurance and Fraud Protection: Consider Property Alert services and insurance options for peace of mind.

Top Tips

• Instruct your solicitor early to avoid delays.
• Check quotes from conveyancers and estate agents carefully. Do all the additional fees match?
• Ask how your solicitor will communicate with you - direct contact is key.
• Don’t be swayed by low-cost offers - quality service matters.