Step 1: Draft Contracts
Once your Offer has been accepted, contracts will be issued between the solicitors acting on behalf of the buyer and seller. These will be checked over by both parties.
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Solicitors Guide
What to expect from your Solicitor when buying a home
Why Use a Solicitor?
When buying a home, it is strongly recommended you appoint a solicitor. At Cala, we require you to have a solicitor to manage the legalities around your purchase. You should do this within 48 hours of reserving and let us know their contact details when you have.
Solicitors can provide legal advice throughout the conveyancing process and will also be able to:
- Check and query draft contracts
- Organise the Conclusion of Missives/Exchange of Contracts
- Recording your purchase with the Land Registry
- If you are eligible, arrange your Stamp Duty/LBTT payment
The Conveyancing Process
The conveyancing process is the legal term given to the buying process and transfer of ownership of a property. When you reserve your Cala home, the conveyancing process will start and follow the stages below.
Step 2: Surveys and Searches
For second-hand properties, a Home Report or Survey will have been undertaken prior to the property being put on the market. For new builds, a Valuation Report will be completed to make sure the property price is a true reflection of the property value.
Step 3: Exchange of Contracts/ Conclusion of Missives
You will be invited to sign your contracts prior to your Completion Date. This will also be the point at which your deposit is transferred to your solicitor along with any additional funds. Once your contract is signed, you are legally bound to buy the property.
Step 4: Transfer of Funds
On your Completion Day, your solicitor will transfer all funds on your behalf, including mortgage funds from your lender.
Benefits of a Solicitor
Buying a new home is one of the biggest decisions you can make, and so it can understandably be overwhelming as a purchaser. It’s likely something you’ve only done once or twice before, if at all.
Less Stress and Worry
For solicitors, this is something they manage as part of their daily job and so are well-equipped to manage your purchase and provide advice throughout. This will remove some of the worry and stress that comes with buying a new home, allowing you to enjoy the process.
Contracts and Funds
Solicitors can check draft contracts to ensure all legalities are correct and flag any issues for clarification. They will transfer funds on your behalf, meaning if you are using a mortgage, you do not need to worry about receiving or sending this money, you only need to send your deposit.
Getting Timings Right
If you are selling a property to buy your new home, solicitors can ensure timings on these purchases are aligned so you aren’t paying for two houses. This also means you won’t be put out should your sale fall through, for example. If you are interested in a chain-free move, have a look at our Part Exchange Service.
Quicker Completion
Using a solicitor usually means your purchase will complete quicker too, as they can deal with any problems as they arise on your behalf, allowing for a smoother purchase. Once your purchase is complete, your solicitor will also arrange for this to be recorded with the Land Registry and your Stamp Duty/LBTT payment (if applicable).
Recommended Solicitors
We have recommended solicitors who we can put you in touch with, just ask. Our recommendations are based on our knowledge of the solicitor, but we won’t receive any benefits or commission if you do choose to use them. You are free to appoint any solicitor you choose, but we ask that you use one on a lender’s panel as this will make the transaction smoother for you.
