Josephine (Joe) Michael is a conveyancing executive in the firm with over 30 years experience in residential conveyancing freehold and leasehold. She is efficient and skilled at giving advice on this issue and taking all the worry out of the process for you.
Each matter is different. When you contact us we will provide you with a written quote specific to your transaction. There are no hidden charges as we provide you with details of the likely fees and disbursements before you formally instruct us. We calculate a fixed fee estimate based upon a number of factors, including the purchase/sale price, the value of any mortgage and any other relevant factors which are likely to arise in your transaction.
When we provide our estimate, it is based on the information available at the time and occasionally matters and complications arise which have to be dealt with which were not included in the original estimate. Should this happen, we will let you know and provide an estimate for dealing with that work on your behalf. Property can be a complicated business and it is impossible to give examples of every complication that may arise.
Property Purchase (Freehold)
The following fixed fee information gives an indication of our fees for the purchase of a freehold residential property at a purchase price of £400,000 in a simple uncomplicated transaction.
Our fixed fee covers all of the work required to complete the purchase of your new property, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry and dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (Stamp Duty) if the property is in England, or Land Transaction Tax (Land Tax) if the property you wish to buy is in Wales.
- Acting for you in the purchase of your new home – £950
- Acting on behalf of your mortgage company – £100
- Transfer of funds, per item – £30
- Stamp Duty Land Tax Form Completion – £75
- Searches Administration – £25
- ID check – £5
VAT at 20% will be charged on the above.
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. The following disbursements may be incurred and will not attract VAT at 20% unless stated:-
- Standard Search Pack: Local Authority, Water & Drainage, Environmental, Chancel Indemnity – £300 (this will vary according to the Local Authority)
- Land Registry Fee – £135
- Land Registry Search Fee – £3
- Bankruptcy Search Fee (per name) – £2
- Stamp Duty Land Tax – This depends on the purchase price of your property and your circumstances as different rates apply. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website at https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/calculate-stamp-duty-land-tax/#/intro
The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances – the key stages are as follows;
- Take your instructions and give you initial advice
- Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed
- Receive and advise on contract documents
- Carry out searches
- Obtain further planning documentation if required
- Make any necessary enquiries of seller’s solicitor
- Give you advice on all documents and information received
- Go through conditions of mortgage offer with you
- Personal attendance with you to go through the paper work and sign the contract
- Agree completion date (date from which you own the property)
- Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened
- Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and you
- Complete purchase
- Deal with payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax
- Deal with application for registration at Land Registry
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 takes between 8-12 weeks.
It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are a first time buyer, purchasing a freehold house with a mortgage in principle, it could take 8-10 weeks. However, if you are buying a leasehold property with a management company it can take from 12-16 weeks especially if there is a chain.
Property Sale (Freehold)
The following fixed fee information gives an indication of our fees for the sale of a freehold residential property at a sale price of £400,000 in a simple uncomplicated transaction, including redeeming any mortgage secured against the property.
- Acting for you in the sale of your property – £850
- Acting on behalf of your mortgage company – £100
- Transfer of funds, per item – £30
- ID check – £5
VAT at 20% will be charged on the above.
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. The following disbursements may be incurred and will not attract VAT at 20% unless stated:-
- Land Registry Office Copy Entries, per title – £6
The precise stages involved in the sale of a residential freehold property vary according to the circumstances – the key stages are as follows;
- Take your instructions and give you initial advice
- Arrange for you to complete the protocol forms
- Obtain and investigate the title to the property and your right to sell the property
- Obtain a redemption statement from your mortgage lender
- Obtain replies to enquiries from any management company
- Prepare contract documents and send these to the buyer’s solicitor
- Respond to any necessary enquiries of the buyer’s solicitor
- Give you advice on all enquiries received
- Send final contract to you for signature
- Agree completion date (date on which you sell the property)
- Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened
- Calculate any apportionments to be collected
- Arrange for all monies required to be collected from the buyer’s solicitor
- Pay the estate agent, if any
- Redeem the mortgage, if any
- Account to you.
How long it will take from the offer being accepted until the sale completes will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 6-12 weeks. It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain.
Residential Conveyancing Freehold – Contact London Solicitors Goodge Law
For further information and to discuss your requirements, please contact us. You can phone Goodge Law on 020 7636 9222.