Our objective is to make the process of buying and selling property in the West End as straightforward, speedy and secure as possible. Extensive experience enables us to foresee and prevent many problems before they arise, reducing the risk of future problems.

We can help and advise on related questions such as property planning, letting and other family arrangements, whenever they arise.

Conveyancing Protocol

The Conveyancing Protocol has been produced by the solicitors' governing body, The Law Society, for use in domestic conveyancing transactions of freehold and leasehold property. It sets out procedures to be adopted by all solicitors who use it. It is not compulsory, but we believe that in the overwhelming majority of cases it provides the best way of achieving a satisfactory transfer of ownership.

The aim is to ensure that the seller's solicitor provides the buyer's solicitor with as much information about the property as possible at the outset of the transaction. This is intended to narrow the time gap between the agreement of the sale and actual exchange of contracts.

The Conveyancing Protocol concentrates in the main on the dealings between the two firms of solicitors involved, and not with third parties such as lenders.

The Conveyancing Protocol prescribes standard forms of contract and Enquiries for both freehold and leasehold property. Both the seller and the seller's solicitor complete the Property Information Forms. There are other standard forms for use after exchange of contracts.

The Protocol is designed to help streamline and speed up the conveyancing process. Where possible and appropriate, it encourages solicitors to anticipate the next steps in the conveyancing procedure. Where the period between exchange of contracts and completion is very short, the delivery of documents normally submitted after exchange of contracts can be affected early, thus reducing potential delays.

We have a note dealing with the National Conveyancing Protocol where we set out the standard steps in a conveyancing transaction. Feel free to contact us for a copy to find out the processes and procedures involved.

Our experience has shown that it is helpful to draw attention at the beginning of the transaction to the areas of Finance, Surveys & Searches and Insurance.

Property Conveyancing

Most Banks and Building Societies involved in the mortgage market are not truly independent but are linked or tied to Insurance Companies. It is important to point this out to you at this stage so you can think about taking independent financial advice that will take account of all your personal circumstances.

We would be pleased to provide a quotation from an independent source suitable to your individual needs. Please bear in mind that mortgages are a carefully packaged commercial product and it is our experience that many offers that appear generous often have detailed conditions or penalties. We refer you to our leaflet relating to independent financial advice that we hope you will find helpful.

Deposit - On exchange of contracts it is usual for a buyer to pay the seller's solicitors 10% of the purchase price (less any preliminary deposit paid to Estate Agents).

The balance of the purchase monies is paid on the completion date. If a cash deposit is not available please let us know as soon as possible