This is often because this is not only one of the largest investments a person will make in their lifetime, but this can also represent a good deal of emotion in saying goodbye to a property where so many important family events have taken place, or conversely where people intend to settle down with their lives and families. At Philip Vint & Co. Solicitors we understand this and exercise the greatest care in delivering the best possible service to you.
In most situations, the purchase or sale of property broadly involves a three step process.

• Stage one ends with the “exchange of contracts” which means that both the seller and purchaser have entered into a legally binding agreement that the property will be transferred. At this point the balance of a deposit is usually paid.
• Stage two involves the actual transfer of the property itself. This is done by both parties completing a deed of transfer and the total balance of monies due being paid.
• By the end of stage two, the transaction is completed, however, registration of the property still needs to take place at stage three. This entails final registration of the property (and any mortgage) with a central registration authority known as the Land Registry.

Useful pointers
LPT – Local property tax
As part of a purchase, a buyer will insist that the seller ensures that Local Property Tax is paid up to date as it acts like a charge or mortgage over property. The flip side of this is that sellers can insist on an apportioned payment to cover the balance of the year in which they are not in occupation.
Deposit
A buyer will normally be asked to pay a 10% deposit of the purchase price on signing contracts. Any booking deposit amount already paid is credited to this.
Survey
A buyer ought to arrange for a property to be examined by a qualified architect, engineer or surveyor who should also advise on any relevant planning issues.
Loan offer
Contracts ought not to be signed by a buyer unless a final loan offer has been received or funds are available.

How we can help
Philip Vint & Co. Solicitors keep you informed throughout the process and help you to understand what is going on. The firm is meticulous, organised, prompt, precise and professional in all of its dealings in buying and selling property.