How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your house will depend on a number of factors. 

 

• The average process for a residential freehold property purchase is between 6 – 8 weeks. 

• The average process for a residential leasehold property purchase is between 6 –12 weeks.

It can be quicker or slower, depending on a number of factors and we will notify you if we believe your transaction may take longer than average or if something occurs in your case to extend the transaction time we will inform you.

 

If you are buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take longer. In such a situation, additional charges would apply and we will notify you of the additional charges and time estimate when we have engaged the landlord to discuss the extension. 

The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. We have set out the key stages of a standard transaction: 

 

• Taking your instructions and giving you initial advice.

• Undertaking regulatory checks.

• Checking that finances are in place to fund the purchase and contact lender's solicitors if needed.

• Receiving and advising on contract documents.

• Carrrying out and advising on searches.

• Obtaining of further planning documentation, if required.

• Making any necessary enquiries of seller's solicitor.

• Giving you advice on all documents and information received.

• For Leasehold properties - obtaining and advising on the Management Pack, thee Lease and identifying transfer fees.

• Advising you on joint or shared ownership.

• Going through conditions of any mortgage offer if appropriate.

• Sending final contract to you for signature.

• Agreeing completion date (date from which you own the property).

• Exchanging contracts and notifying you that this has happened.

• Arranging for all monies needed to be received from your lender (if applicable) and you.

• Completing the purchase and notifying the relevant parties.

• Dealing with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax.

• Dealing with the application for registration at Land Registry.

Other Factors to consider which may affect your Legal Fees and disbursements are:

 

 

• Value of the property.

• First-time buyer.

• New build.

• First registration of title.

• Islamic mortgage.

• In purchase cases, whether primary residence, buy to let or second/holiday home.

• Multiple owners.

• Shared ownership scheme.

• Using a help to buy scheme, and whether it is an equity loan or ISA.

• Purchase under right to buy.

• Purchase at auction.

• Property has been repossessed.

 

 

These fees vary from property to property and can on occasion, be significantly more than the ranges given on our website. We can give you an accurate figure once we have sight of your specific documents.