Here are some helpful legal tips to keep in mind when you are buying a property, whether it is a shop or a house.

Buying a home is a complicated process and there are a number of legal aspects that need to be considered. Here are a few legal advices to keep in mind when you are searching for your dream home and finalizing the deal.

Choose the Right Solicitor

A good solicitor is worth their weight in gold and the choice of who to hire should not be made randomly. Take the time to do some research and choose a reliable solicitor who specializes in property conveyancing and who will offer you their experience and good service for an affordable rate. You can ask others for their recommendations of which lawyers to choose.

Before you decide on a solicitor, find out exactly what you are paying for and whether not there are any hidden charges or VAT. Also, make sure that your conveyancer has the proper qualifications, such as a license from the Council of Licensed Conveyancers.

Making an Offer

When you have found a home that you like, the next step is to make an offer on it. In England and Wales, an offer for a property is not legally binding until the contracts have been exchanged and the deposit has been paid. Until this point, both the buyer and the seller are allowed to renegotiate the price or the withdrawal of their offer. The deposit will not be paid until the solicitor of the buyer has confirmed the title of the property, the survey has been done and all other inspections have been completed.

Arranging a Survey

Before buying the property, you should decide for yourself whether or not to have an independent survey carried out on the house. The survey will not only determine the value of the property, it will also look closely at the structure and identify any potential problems or issues with the home. If your property is more than 75 years old you should consider a full structural survey, but on most homes a Homebuyers Report will be sufficient.

Insuring the Property

It is very important to make sure that the insurance on the building is arranged from the date of exchange. Once the contracts are exchanged you will be responsible for the property and liable for any damage which happens to it afterwards.

These are just a few of the many important legal details which need to be dealt with when buying a home.

The services of an experienced solicitor will help you ensure that all of the legal aspects of the transaction are handled properly.