Buying a Home
Purchasing a property is a major milestone and having the right legal support makes all the difference. At Rupert Wood and Son, our experienced residential conveyancing solicitors are dedicated to making your home-buying journey as clear and stress-free as possible.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, looking to expand your living space, or ready to downsize, your next move is more than just a change of address it's a life-changing decision. Let us help you make it with confidence.
As you're making important decisions about your property, it's also an ideal time to consider putting a will in place. Our experienced will writing team is on hand to discuss your needs and ensure your wishes are clearly documented. We'll guide you through the process with straightforward advice, helping you protect your assets and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. If you would like to speak with a member of our team regarding this, please call today or speak with your conveyancer who will be more than happy to put you in touch with our will and probate team.
We take care of every aspect of the legal process, including:
1. Pre-Contract Stage
Once your offer is accepted:
a. Solicitor Requests Draft Contract
Seller's solicitor sends the draft contract and title documents to your solicitor.Includes details about boundaries, tenure (freehold/leasehold), and fixtures/fittings.
b. Conduct Searches
Your solicitor usually conducts legal searches - some examples are set out below:
Local authority search: Planning issues, road schemes, building regs, etc.
Environmental search: Contamination, flooding risk, landfill nearby.
Water and drainage search: Confirms water supply, drains, and sewers.
c. Review Title Deeds
Confirms seller has legal right to sell the property. Checks for restrictive covenants, easements, rights of way, and boundary issues.
d. Review Lease (if Leasehold)
Examine lease terms, ground rent, service charges, and remaining lease years.
2. Mortgage Finalisation
Your lender carries out a mortgage valuation.
Once approved, your solicitor receives the mortgage offer.
3. Report to Buyer
Your solicitor provides a report on title, summarising:
Property details
Results of all searches
Mortgage offer
Key issues or risks
You then:
Sign the contract
Sign the mortgage deed
4. Exchange of Contracts
Both solicitors exchange signed contracts.
Legally binding — you're committed to buy, seller is committed to sell.
Completion date is set
5. Pre-Completion
Your solicitor:
Requests mortgage funds from your lender
Prepares a completion statement (including legal fees, stamp duty, etc.)
Carries out final checks (including an OS1 search to freeze title at Land Registry)
6. Completion
Your solicitor sends the purchase funds to the seller's solicitor.
Once funds are received, the seller releases the keys (via estate agent).
You now legally own the property.
7. Post-Completion
Solicitor pays Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) (if applicable).
Registers you as the new owner with the HM Land Registry.
Sends you a copy of the title register as proof of ownership.