Conveyancing: SO Legal’s top tips for getting legally prepared

This can significantly speed up the entire sales process. There are several key documents that you’ll need to prepare for your solicitor, so ensure you have copies of all of these in a safe place and to hand:

• Personal identification
• Lender’s information if you have a mortgage
• Completed property information form, which will include boundaries and building certificates, amongst other things
• Details of any changes that have been made to the property since the purchase

There is nothing worse than the last minute panic when it comes to locating all those essential documents regarding the ownership of your home. Collating everything early on will allow you to move faster in the selling process and save you stress later on.

Further key documents to source and provide to your solicitor as early as possible:

• Building regulation certificates
• Gas and electrical certificates
• Council tax, utility, buildings and contents insurance bills
• Service charges and ground rent costs (where applicable for leasehold property)

Finally, it might be appropriate to complete a fittings and contents form (which forms part of the contract for sale) before agreeing on a sale or very soon after you have agreed on a deal with a buyer. 

You may, of course, wish to see what items are being left at a property you are moving into before deciding what items you will take with you from your current property.

Expert advice on conveyancing matters

SO Legal has experienced solicitors and licensed conveyancers in Eastbourne, Brighton, Hastings, London and Uckfield, and we work with clients across the UK.