In our follow up article, we look at home buying – the final process. After you have found your dream home, there is still plenty to do!
Solicitors & More
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring legal ownership of property or land from one person to another. This is handled by the buyer’s and seller’s solicitors. Once the seller accepts your offer, notify your lawyer. They can then begin examining the lease, ordering council searches, and drafting paperwork.
Home Buying – The Final Process. Contracts
You’ll be ready to exchange contracts and put down a non-refundable deposit once the survey and searches have been completed and your lender grants you a mortgage. Your solicitor will handle everything.
Move Preparation
You’ll need to arrange for your mail to be forwarded to your new address. Also notify your utility companies that you’re moving, get home insurance, and set up your landline and broadband connections.
You’ll also need to hire a moving company or rent a van. A thorough decluttering now will make life much easier both during and after the relocation!
In England and Northern Ireland, stamp duty is due two weeks after the sale is completed. your lawyer should handle the documentation. A stamp duty calculator can help you figure out how much you’ll have to pay. In Scotland and Wales, the government charges similar levies.
Home Buying – The Final Process. Sale Completion
On completion day, there’s not much you can do but sip endless cups of tea. Then wait for the call from your estate agent informing you that the money has cleared. Now you can finally pick up the keys to your new house. Then you’re ready to move in!
Time To Move
Keep these bags separate from the rest of your belongings and pack everything you’ll need for your first night or two, including bedding. That way, you won’t have to waste time rummaging through a mound of boxes for a toothbrush.
To keep things in some form of order, label your other boxes with which room you want them to go in.
Schedule a grocery delivery for the next day — and start unloading.
