Buying a Property

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but the legal process can often feel overwhelming. At Capital Property Lawyers, we make it simple, stress-free, and efficient. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving home, or investing, our expert solicitors ensure your transaction is handled with care, precision, and speed.

We provide direct solicitor contact, proactive updates, and a smooth process from start to finish—ensuring you never have to chase for an update or be left waiting.

The Legal Process of Buying a Property

1. Instruct a Conveyancing Solicitor – Once your offer is accepted, contact us, and we’ll begin the legal work immediately.
2. Review of Contracts & Searches – We will liaise with the seller’s solicitor to obtain the draft contract, title deeds, and property details. We’ll also carry out searches to check for any issues affecting the property.
3. Survey & Mortgage Offer – If required, you’ll need to arrange a survey and ensure your mortgage is in place. Your lender will also carry out a valuation.
4. Legal Checks & Enquiries – We thoroughly check all legal documents, search results, and contract terms, raising any necessary enquiries with the seller’s solicitor.
5. Signing Contracts & Exchange – Once all enquiries are resolved, we will arrange for you to sign the contract and agree on a completion date. The contract is then exchanged, making the purchase legally binding.
6. Completion Day – Your mortgage lender (if applicable) releases funds, and the property is officially yours. Keys are collected, and you can move in!

How to Speed Up Your Property Purchase

While conveyancing involves several steps, there are ways to expedite your transaction:

• Have Your Finances Ready – Ensure your mortgage is agreed in principle and your deposit is readily available.
• Instruct Us Early – The sooner you instruct us, the faster we can start legal work and avoid unnecessary delays.
• Respond Promptly – Answer any queries or document requests as quickly as possible to keep the process moving.
• Book Your Survey Quickly – If a survey is required, arrange it as soon as your offer is accepted.
• Use an Efficient Seller’s Solicitor – A proactive seller’s solicitor can significantly reduce delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does the conveyancing process take when buying a property?

On average, a purchase takes 8-12 weeks, but we work proactively to reduce this timeframe where possible.

2. What searches do I need when buying a house?

The main searches include local authority, environmental, water & drainage, and chancel repair searches. Additional searches may be required depending on the location of the property.

3. Do I need a survey if I’m getting a mortgage?

Yes. Mortgage lenders usually require a valuation survey, but this is not a full property inspection. We recommend a HomeBuyer’s Report or Full Structural Survey for a more detailed assessment.

4. When do I need to pay my deposit?

Your deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price) is required at the point of contract exchange.

5. What happens on completion day?

At Capital Property Lawyers, we guide you through every step of buying a property, ensuring a smooth, stress-free transaction. Contact us today for a free quote and let’s get your purchase moving.

Start Your Property Purchase Today

Once funds are transferred to the seller, the transaction is complete. The estate agent will release the keys, and you can move in.