• Once we have the contract, and other documents, we will read these carefully.

• We then send you a copy of the title plan and advice regarding surveys and searches.

• We may also write to the sellers solicitor's for additional information.

• We send an application to the relevant authority, requesting a search of the local area. A search is a series of questions on matters such as planning, roads, drains, and conservation orders.

• Carry out any special searches. Examples might include questions about the effect of underground mines or open-cast workings.

NOTE about Mortgages
At this stage you will need a mortgage offer. The process cannot continue unless this is the case. Be sure to read the conditions of your mortage offer carefully, particularly those relating to life assurance. Occasionally, your mortgage lender may instruct additional solicitors. This is unlikely to be a problem, but may have cost and time-scale implications.

• Next, we send you a report on the title, contract, and search(es). We are happy to discuss any issues in this report that you do not understand or are unhappy with.

• Once you have read and understood the report, you must sign it and return it to us

• This is the point in the process when the contract becomes binding. Both you and the seller are committed to the transaction.

• At this point the completion date (stage six) must be decided and written into the contract.

• It is usual for the deposit to be paid at this stage.

• The property should be insured by you or your lender at this point, and, any life assurance associated with your mortage should be put on risk.

• Final Searches are carried out to check that there have not been any changes that may affect the title.

• A completion statement, and account are prepared to tell you whether we need additional funds from you before you can complete. These take into account the price, the amount of a mortgage, a deposit paid, and other expenses such as stamp duty, land registry fees, and legal costs.

• When the mortgage funds reach us, along with any other balance required, we will prepare for completion. You may need to call at our offices in person to sign the mortgage deed, and possibly the transfer deed

• The BIG DAY !

• Early in the morning we send the completion monies by electronic transfer to the seller's solicitor's bank.

• On receipt of the funds, the estate agent will be instructed to release the keys (usually before 2.00pm).

• The seller's solicitors forwards the deeds and transfer deed by post or courier.

• The Stamp Duty Tax Return is filed on line with the HMRC website and the tax paid by BACS payment. The return has to be filed within 30 days of completion and the tax paid within the same period. Delay can lead to penalty charges.

•The tax certificate is filed at the Land Registry with the Transfer Deed and Mortgage if appropriate.

• When registration is complete the Land Registry issue a Title Information Document that contains details of the property and owners. We send you a copy of this along with any other relevant documents. Title deeds no longer exist for registered land and all information is held on the Land Registry’s secure servers.

• Enjoy your new home !