No sale no fee is our guarantee that we'll carry over your initial conveyancing deposit to an alternate transaction if your first property transaction falls through. With an estimated 1 in 3 home moves not completing, you can see why our no sale no fee solicitors' guarantee is a must.
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How long does the conveyancing process take?
There are many factors which can slow down or speed up the duration of the conveyancing process. The rough numbers are 28 to 36 days for auction or new builds, 8 to 10 weeks for freeholds and 12 to 14 weeks for leaseholds.
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How can I speed up the process?
Our top tips for fast conveyancing are: Understand your chain; Get your mortgage offer; Make sure the seller is ready to move quickly; Don't delay ordering your searches and surveys & Choose your conveyancing solicitor wisely. We'll work hard to meet your deadlines.
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When should I order property searches?
You can order your searches as soon as your offer is accepted. It's a good idea to get these started sooner than later, as the Local Authority search in particular can take weeks to come back. Let us know if you need to expedite your searches and we'll see if we are able to help.
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What happens if the property is undervalued?
The mortgage lender is protecting you from buying a property over the asking price, this is a reliable valuation by a trained third party, you'll need to negotiate with the seller to bring the price in line with the valuation.
You can speed up your purchase by booking your survey next:
Should I get a survey now?
A recent YouGov survey found that 1 in 10 buyers spent over £10,000 remedying defects within their home after purchase, so you should always get a RICS Level 2 or 3 Home Survey, but don't do it yet.
Your should line up a local surveyor with good experience and reviews, so that once contracts come in from the sellers you can then book an appointment. There's not point doing anything until you know your sellers are underway and the chain is complete.
We have a nationwide panel of over 100 RICS surveyors so we have a local surveyor who can help you as and when you need it. Why not run a quote and keep it ready for when it is time for you to book.
What types of property suit a Level 2 Home Survey?
Check to see which house is like the one you are buying. If you need help on working out the difference between a Level 2 and Level 3 Survey then call out survey specialists who can guide you on what to get - 0333 344 3234 (local call charges apply).
Flats or apartments are self-contained housing units that occupies part of a building, usually on one level.
Bungalows are single storey dwellings, except in some cases where upper rooms fit inside the roof, typically low ceilinged bedrooms with dormer windows.
What types of property suit a Level 3 Home Survey?
Check to see which house is like the one you are buying. If you need help on working out the difference between a Level 2 and Level 3 Survey then call out survey specialists who can guide you on what to get - 0333 344 3234 (local call charges apply).
Georgian houses are traditional English homes built principally between 1720 and 1830. Notably larger and opulent windows, doors and ceilings. The age commands a Level 3 Home Survey.
Victorian properties are traditional English homes built between 1830 and 1901 named after Queen Victoria. Often extended to utilise the loft space. The age and size require a Level 3 Home Survey.
Built between 1901 and 1918, the edwardian style came along after Victorian properties and have more flare and style. They use older construction methods and materials that are over 100 years old often with extensions.
Pre-Georgian properties are traditional English homes which were built in the 17th Century, after the Tudor period ended in 1601. The age of the property, and often Grade II listing, requires a RICS Level 3 Home Survey.
Non-Commercial old farm houses with exposed timber can have subsidence, wood worm and other defects due to their age. There are often outbuildings and stables. A top level survey should be undertaken even if the property is small.
There are estimated to be 35,000 thatched roof properties in England; 24,000 are listed buildings. They require a surveyor with experience of thatch with listed buildings and require a Level 3 Building Survey.
Steel or timber frame require additional experience. Even though not old, uniquely built properties lean toward the highest visual survey and require a more experienced RICS Building Surveyor.
Usually purchased at auction, a run down property often has a very clear defect which can mean you can't raise finance over the property. You need the most detailed survey to flag issues in the property.
No matter the age, if the property has had a number of extensions to the original fabric of the property then the property is likely better suited to the more comprehensive RICS Home Survey Level 3.