We understand that moving house or buying a house can be a complicated and stressful experience, especially if it is your first home, which is precisely why you need an experienced and expert team of conveyancing solicitors on your side who can help to make the process as smooth, simple and stress-free as it can possibly be.
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on 01472 358686
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Fill in this form and a member of our residential property conveyancing team will give you a callJon Stones - Director
My name is Jon Stones and I'm the head of Conveyancing at John Barkers. Our expert team of property solicitors will guide you through the conveyancing process, providing expert guidance and support every step of the way.
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of property from one person to another. It involves preparing and lodgings various documents with the relevant authorities, and ensuring that all the necessary steps are taken to complete the transfer smoothly. Conveyancing can be a complex and time-consuming process, so it's important to have a good understanding of what's involved before you start. This guide will give you an overview of the conveyancing process, including what you need to do and when, so you can be prepared for every step along the way.
Once we are instructed, we will carry out various searches on the property to check for any potential problems that could affect the sale. We will also obtain a copy of the title deeds from the Land Registry and prepare a contract of sale. This typically takes two to three weeks. Raising enquiries: The solicitor will raise any enquiries with the seller's solicitor, such as questions about the property's boundaries or any disputes. This can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the enquiries. Arranging a survey: The buyer may arrange for a survey of the property to identify any issues that could affect the sale price or the safety of the property. This can take a few days to a week.
Mortgage offer: If the buyer is obtaining a mortgage, they will need to receive a formal mortgage offer from their lender. This stage can take around 4-6 weeks
The next step is to exchange contracts with the buyer. This is a legally binding agreement which commits both parties to completing the sale. At this point, you will also need to pay a deposit
Reviewing the contract and supporting documents: We will review the contract and supporting documents provided by the seller's solicitor, including the title deeds and property information form. This usually takes one to two weeks.
Once contracts have been exchanged, we will arrange for the transfer of ownership to be registered at the Land Registry. We also arrange for any mortgage or loan that is secured on the property to be paid off.
The final step is completion, which is when the balance of the purchase price is paid and you take ownership of the property. Once completion has taken place, we will arrange for the Land Registry to be updated with the new owner's details.
Conveyancing can be a complex process, but it doesn't have to be stressful, our team of experts have helped clients buy property for over 100 years, we ensure a smooth process where you are informed at every stage.
Jon Stones completed his Law degree at Lancaster University and Legal Practice Course at the College of Law, Chester. He qualified in 2003 as a solicitor and now has approaching 20 years post qualified experience. During this time he has grown both the residential conveyancing department, the commercial property department and the business acquisition and disposal team. Jonathan supports a number of farms and farming families in the region.
Tracey Pickard studied at Derby University obtaining he law degree before studying for her legal practice course. During this time she worked within John Barkers Solicitors Limited and has been with the firm since 2002. Tracey has been appointed a Director of John Barkers since 2022. She is the Head of Conveyancing for John Barkers Solicitors Limited
There's no definitive answer to this question as the length of time it takes to buy a house in the UK can vary considerably depending on a number of factors. However as a general guide it usually takes around 8-12 weeks from start to finish.
The first thing you'll need to do is find a property that you want to buy. Once you've found your dream home, you'll need to make an offer to the seller. If your offer is accepted, you'll then need to instruct a solicitor or conveyancer to carry out some legal checks on the property.
Once all of the legalities have been sorted, it's time for the big day - completion! On completion day, the funds for your mortgage will be transferred to the seller and you'll finally get the keys to your new home.
If you're thinking of buying a property in the UK give us a call today.
Understanding the rules that apply to planning permission is crucial when purchasing, selling, or remodelling a home in the UK. Obtaining planning authority is a legal procedure that controls how land is developed. The owner must submit an application and acquire planning permission from the local authorities before making any changes to an existing structure or property. This could involve anything from altering the interior of a structure to adding an expansion.
n most cases, making minor improvements like replacing windows or installing insulation does not require planning permission. However, any alteration that involves changes to the external appearance of a dwelling will require approval from local authorities before being undertaken. In some instances, buildings located in conservation areas will also require additional approvals from local councils before any construction can take place.
When applying for planning permission in the UK, it is important to note that there are different rules based on whether you are buying a new property or renovating an existing one. For instance, if you plan on converting an existing residential building into multiple units you will need additional permissions as well as specialist guidance from a solicitor who specializes in these types of transactions, such as the Conveyancing team at John Barkers.
It is also important to remember that while certain projects may not require formal planning permission they may still be subject to restrictions imposed by local authorities such as listed building consent and building regulations approval. As such, it is advisable to consult with your solicitor early on in the process so they can help guide you through the requirements and ensure all necessary approvals are obtained prior to commencing work on your project.
Neighbour disputes are a common occurrence when it comes to planning permission with property. These disputes arise when one party wishes to make changes to their home or land that could adversely impact the other. One of the most common causes is when an owner wants to build an extension or make other alterations that will affect the light, privacy, or outlook enjoyed by neighbouring properties.
For example, a neighbour may wish to build a balcony which faces another person’s garden and takes away some of their privacy or natural light. In such cases, it is important for both parties to be aware of the relevant planning rules and regulations that apply in their area and seek legal advice where needed.
If both parties cannot agree on a resolution, they may need to apply for planning permission from the local council. The application should include detailed plans and drawings along with evidence that shows how any potential problems can be mitigated and managed. During this process, consideration must also be given as to how others living nearby might be affected by the proposed building works, especially if this is a listed building or in a conservation area.
Once all paperwork has been submitted and reviewed by the council, they may then hold consultations with neighbours and other members of the public where objections can be made against any proposals. If such objections are raised and not addressed satisfactorily by the applicant, then this could lead to a rejection of their application by local authorities despite meeting all necessary criteria.
In order to avoid costly litigation over neighbour disputes related to planning permission applications, it is important for both parties to take time to discuss their concerns openly before submitting any official documentation. This way any issues can be resolved amicably between themselves rather than have them dragged through prolonged court proceedings where costs can quickly spiral out of control. Having professional legal advice at hand throughout this process can also help ensure smooth passage through what can otherwise be quite fraught territory for those involved in property transactions or renovations in the UK.
A Transfer of Title is a legal document that conveys the ownership of a property from one person or entity to another. The transferor (the seller) passes the legal title to the transferee (the buyer). This document, also known as a deed, must contain all the necessary information about the property and be signed by both parties in order for it to be legally binding.
Typically, a solicitor or conveyancer will act on behalf of both parties during this process. They will investigate any potential legal issues associated with the sale and provide advice if needed. Additionally, they will ensure that all local laws pertaining to the sale are followed and that all documents are completed accurately, such as mortgage applications and tenancy agreements.
The Transfer of Title is an important step in any house buying/selling process because it officially transfers ownership from one party to another. Once this document has been completed and signed by both parties, the new owner can legally move into their new home.
It is important to understand all of the legal requirements associated with property purchases and renovations in order to ensure a successful transaction. At John Barkers Solicitors, we are experts in this area of law and are able to provide comprehensive advice for those looking to purchase or invest in property.
We provide services such as negotiations on behalf of buyers or sellers, checking legal documents, due diligence checks on properties, applying for planning permission, providing guidance on taxation matters, helping to resolve neighbour disputes and more. We also have extensive experience when it comes to investment properties such as buy-to-let homes or holiday lets - ensuring that landlords meet all regulatory requirements and advising investors on how best to structure their deals for maximum return on investment.
Our team can guide our clients through the process from start to finish - from researching potential properties to completion of the sale itself. Our solicitors are available for any questions throughout the entire process and can help ensure that the sale of your property is concluded effectively and efficiently.
A freehold purchase is when a buyer purchases the entire property and the land it sits on, giving them ownership of both. This means that they can make decisions regarding what is done with both the property and land, such as carrying out renovations or extending the area. It also gives them exclusive rights to the property and any profits made from it, such as rental income.
By contrast, a leasehold purchase sees a buyer purchasing just the right to use a property for an agreed amount of time - usually between 50-125 years. During this period, they will be able to enjoy all of the benefits that come with owning a home but do not have full control over it as it will remain owned by the leaseholder (the person who owns the lease). This means that in some cases, any changes or improvements made to the property must be approved by them before being implemented.
We can provide invaluable assistance throughout the remortgage process - we can help to explain the legal implications of switching lenders, advise on the best course of action for your particular circumstances and make sure that all paperwork is in order
Beyond this, we can also help with other aspects of remortgaging such as providing advice on taxation issues associated with mortgage payments, helping to ensure that there are no potential pitfalls in contracts or agreements and verifying that all legal requirements have been met before the switch takes place.
At John Barkers Solicitors we are experienced in dealing with UK mortgages and all aspects of property law - meaning that you can trust us to guide you through what can otherwise be quite a complex process. Our team will work closely with you every step of the way, offering comprehensive advice on both legal matters and financial products - giving you peace of mind when it comes time to sign on the dotted line.
Transfer of equity is a process used when a homeowner wants to add or remove someone from the title deeds of a property. This can be done either during the sale of the property or as part of a gifting agreement. For example, if an owner wishes to transfer some of their ownership rights to another person, they will need to complete a transfer of equity. It is also possible for multiple people to become joint owners of a property through this process.
When completing a transfer of equity, both parties must agree on how much of the ownership rights each will possess and sign an agreement confirming this. A solicitor should then be consulted in order to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that the transfer is conducted according to the law. The solicitor will also help with reviewing documentation and drawing up deeds for signing and registering in order for the change in ownership to be legally binding and valid.
Buying a house can be an exciting, yet daunting process. From selecting the house you want to putting your house on the market and everything in between, there are numerous steps to follow throughout the entire process. Fortunately, getting legal advice from a solicitor can help make it easier for you to navigate through the complexities of purchasing property in the UK.
The first step when buying a house is to find one that suits all your requirements and needs. You should consider factors like location, size, amenities, condition of the home and other important aspects when selecting a property. Once you’ve found the house of your dreams, you may need to put up your own house for sale so that you can purchase it - this involves advertising it on different real estate platforms and negotiating prices with potential buyers until a final sale is agreed upon.
At this stage, legal advice from a specialist solicitor is essential in order to make sure that every aspect of the sale is conducted within the law and that both parties are fully protected throughout each step of the process. A solicitor will assess all documentation related to the sale; they will also look out for any risks or irregularities that would impact either buyer or seller before signing off on the agreement. They will also provide advice on topics such as freehold or leasehold agreements and how much money you may need to spend on stamp duty, solicitor fees and other costs associated with buying or selling a property.
Gazumping is a term used in the UK property market to describe when someone makes an offer on a property and then gets outbid by another buyer. It can be very disheartening for those who have already put time and effort into researching, viewing, and making an offer on their dream home only to find it snatched away from them at the last minute. To help avoid this scenario, there are several steps you can take - read our blog post What is Gazumping? for more information
On this day, any mortgage funding is transferred from the buyer to the seller and legal ownership of the property passes from one party to another. The solicitor acting on behalf of either side will coordinate with all parties involved in order to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that all necessary documents are signed correctly. In addition, any funds for stamp duty land tax (SDLT) will also be paid at this time. Once all paperwork has been completed, keys can then be exchanged between the buyer and seller and access to the property can be granted to its new owner. Find more information on our post What happens on Completion Day?
When purchasing a house in England or Wales it is essential to carry out certain searches in order to ensure that you are making an informed and secure decision. These searches can include a local authority search which will provide information on any planning permission issues or building regulations that may affect the property, as well as an Environmental Search which will provide details such as if the property is in a flood risk area. Additionally, it is also important to check for drainage and water searchers which can inform potential buyers of connections and risks associated with them. Find more information on our post What searches are carried out during the conveyancing process?
When buying a property in the UK, you will need to obtain and review a contract pack. This is an important document that your conveyancing solicitors should provide before completing the sale. The contract pack contains all of the legal documents necessary to complete the home purchase, including title deeds and transfer of ownership forms. It also provides details about other information related to the sale, such as any restrictions or covenants that may apply. You should carefully read and understand all of the information in the contract pack before signing the documents. Your solicitor will be able to provide you with advice and guidance if you have questions or concerns about any aspect of the contract pack. Once both parties agree on the terms and conditions contained in the contract pack, then you can proceed with the purchase of the property.
Call our friendly team now
on 01472 358686
Lines open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
