Before you begin house-hunting, it’s important to know exactly what you can afford. Speak to a mortgage advisor to get a mortgage in principle. This shows sellers and estate agents that you’re ready to proceed. You’ll also need to consider additional costs such as:
- Solicitor fees
- Survey fees
- Stamp Duty Land Tax (where applicable)
- Moving and insurance costs
At Lyons Bowe, we provide a clear, fixed-fee quote so you know exactly what to expect from day one.
Make an Offer and Instruct Your Solicitor
Once you’ve found the perfect property and your offer has been accepted, it’s time to instruct your solicitor. Your Lyons Bowe conveyancer will:
- Review the draft contract from the seller’s solicitor
- Carry out all necessary property searches
- Liaise with your mortgage lender
- Keep you updated through our Lyons Bowe App, so you can track every step in real time
Property Searches and Enquiries
We’ll conduct searches to make sure there are no surprises. These include:
- Local authority searches (for planning permissions, road schemes, etc.)
- Water and drainage searches
- Environmental checks
If any issues arise, we’ll raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor to resolve them quickly.
Exchange of Contracts
Once all checks are complete, both parties sign the contracts and agree a completion date. At this stage, you’ll pay your deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price). After the exchange, the sale is legally binding, and your home is almost yours!
Completion Day
On completion day, the remaining funds are transferred, and the keys are yours. We’ll handle all the legalities, including registering your ownership with HM Land Registry and paying any Stamp Duty due on your behalf. All that’s left is to move in and celebrate!
Why Choose Lyons Bowe?
We believe buying a property should feel exciting, not stressful. With offices across the Southwest and Wales, and an experienced team who care about your journey, you’ll always know exactly what’s happening and when. Our app allows you, your estate agent, and your mortgage broker to stay up to date every step of the way, giving you transparency and peace of mind from offer to completion.
Whether you’re buying your first home, investing, or moving up the ladder, Lyons Bowe Solicitors are here to make it an easy process.
Call us today on 01749 345 756 or visit our property law to enquire today.
