Reading time: 7 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Conveyancing Team at Ives & Co Solicitors
When should you instruct a conveyancing solicitor? Find out the best time to appoint your solicitor when purchasing or selling a property and why getting started early can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Reading time: 8 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Conveyancer at Ives & Co Solicitors
Wondering what happens on completion day? Find out how funds are transferred, when you can collect the keys, what can cause delays and what happens after your property purchase or sale completes.
Reading time: 8 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Property searches reveal important information that may affect your purchase, including planning matters, flood risks, drainage arrangements and local authority restrictions. Understanding the results can help you make an informed decision before exchanging contracts.
Reading time: 8 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Exchange and completion are two distinct stages of a property transaction. Exchange makes the sale legally binding, while completion is when the purchase money is transferred and the buyer can normally collect the keys.
Reading time: 7 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Once your offer is accepted, the conveyancing process begins. From instructing a solicitor and arranging searches to reviewing the legal title, raising enquiries and preparing for exchange, several important steps must be completed before the property becomes yours.
Reading time: 8 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Conveyancing commonly takes around 8–12 weeks from a property being sold subject to contract to completion, although every transaction is different. Searches, mortgage arrangements, legal enquiries, property chains and unexpected title issues can all affect the timeframe.
Reading time: 6 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership. This step-by-step guide explains what happens from instructing a solicitor and carrying out searches to exchanging contracts, completing the transaction and registering the new owner.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Proposed reforms could make buying and selling homes faster, clearer and less likely to fall through. Plans include more upfront property information, standardised sales packs, digital property logbooks, improved estate-agent standards and future binding conditional contracts.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Renters’ Rights reforms are creating new legal and financial considerations for landlords. Changes to tenancy structures, property standards, possession procedures and compliance requirements may increase the cost and complexity of managing rental-property portfolios.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Shared ownership purchases have specific Stamp Duty Land Tax rules. Buyers must consider whether to pay SDLT on their initial share or make a market value election, as the decision can affect upfront costs, staircasing and future tax liabilities.