Moving house can be either overwhelming or a smooth experience as each property, individual circumstances and the legalities of the conveyancing process can be very different. There are some factors which can be out of your control and others which you can prepare for, with both the support of a Conveyancer Solicitor and reading our tips for moving house:
This gives you an overview of how to prepare yourself:
Tip 1. Make sure it’s the right decision to move
Deciding if you should move house is a complicated, costly decision and you will need time to think through the pros and cons so you are making the right choices. Should you stay and extend your property, downsize, upsize or rent?
There could be many drivers for your property move. You may have the opportunity of starting a new job with a greater remuneration package which will allow you to invest in a larger property or your new employer may be providing a relocation allowance. Or simply, you are a different stage in your life whereby your kids have moved out or your personal relationship has changed, and you are ready to downsize to a smaller property. This could provide benefits of lower maintenance costs and releasing financial capital.
Tip 2: Costs
Budget for the entire process of moving, adding in some contingency costs. You may encounter some additional costs, for example you may need to progress additional searches if your property is in a mining district or conduct a Chancel Repair Search if the property is in the boundaries of an Anglican Parish Medieval Church and the Church was built prior to 1536.
In addition, there may be hidden costs which you may not be expecting such as paying stamp duty if your property is over £125,000 and you are not a first time buyer, a Snagging Survey report for a new build or
paying for a Deed of Covenant for your flat, which could cost up to £300.
Fully prepare yourself for every eventuality, by reading our blog which details more costs on what to expect when moving house.
Tip 3: Choosing the right property and location
Moving house and/ buying another property can be a result of many drivers; Whether it’s due to a change in your family household, ill-health or if it’s for financial reasons. Ask yourself some questions so it fits your current and perhaps long term goals if these are important to you:
- Are you paying the top price for the property?
- If you invest in the property, will you receive a return on investment if that is important to you?
- Can you afford the ongoing bills? Are the monthly maintenance service charges affordable if you are purchasing a flat and for instance?.
- Will the property size, location and local amenities meet your current and future needs?
- Is it a safe neighbourhood?
- Is the car parking sufficient?
- If you are using it for a business as well as a home, does it give you a good broadband connection and will the property or land give you enough space? The questions will continue.
Tip 4: What to expect from the legalities of moving house and choosing the right Solicitor
Employing a Conveyancer Solicitor to navigate you through the complex legal web of the conveyancing process will give you peace of mind. They will ensure all legalities are met, will understand and pre-empt any current or potential difficulties which will need to be probed further to ensure you have a smooth process and the property is sound.
Tip 5: Being prepared for the unexpected
If anything is revealed from your searches during the conveyancing process that could be a potential problem, either related to your property, land or neighbourhood, then your Conveyancing Solicitor will have the knowledge on how to deal with these in your best interests and advice accordingly.
Remember that the time for the conveyancing process may vary as there may be factors which are out of your Solicitor’s control when liaising in particular with other third parties, such as when the search information will be available or waiting for other parties to transfer funds and sign documents.
There could also be a long chain of vendors and buyers in the property transaction, so you will need to be prepared for timings to change and be open-minded to the fact that this could impact the dates for exchanging and house completion.
Tip 6: Being prepared for moving house
From day 1 when you decided to move house, there will always be a list of ongoing actions to keep you busy until the day you move in. Read our moving house checklist so you don’t fall short. For instance on the final day:
- Take a final utility reading of your gas, electricity and water.
- Keep in touch with your Conveyancer Solicitor that the funds have been transferred so you know you can collect your keys.
Author
Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law.
Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing Agency for the Professional Services Sector.
