What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring a property from a seller to a buyer
Who are Setfords?
Setfords Solicitors a trading name of Meaby and Co Solicitors which is a Limited Liability Partnership. We specialise in property and Private Client related matters and our offices are headed up by experienced lawyers.
Who will carry out my conveyancing if I instruct you?
One of our experienced lawyers will have overall responsibility for your matter and will be assisted by a team of individuals to ensure that you receive a high level of service at all times.
What will it cost?
The cost will vary depending on various issues including the complexity of the matter, whether the property is freehold or leasehold and value. If you would like a no obligation breakdown of costs please go to our Fees section of this web site.
Are the costs likely to increase?
Generally no. Sometimes, if a matter becomes very protracted or complex, then we may need to charge additional fees. In the unlikely event of this becoming necessary we will advise you of this during the transaction.
Do I have to pay anything up front?
Yes we require payments on account of initial disbursements which would include search fees.
Can I make payments with credit or debit card?
Yes you can. Please note however that a fee will be charged on most credit cards. Payments of deposit monies can be made by direct bank transfer to our client account. We would remind clients that when buying with a mortgage any borrowed money such as from a credit card, which is going towards the purchase of a property, would need to be declared to the mortgage company.
How do I instruct you?
You can instruct us by telephone, or you can instruct us online by completing our enquiry form on this website.
How long will it take?
For most freehold transactions approximately 6-8 weeks. Leasehold matter can take longer as there are third parties involved. The timing will also depend on the length of the chain and individual requirements.
Should I arrange a survey?
We always advise clients to arrange surveys which can be done through the mortgage company or by using an independent surveyor.
Will I need to arrange insurance?
Unless the property is leasehold yes you will need to arrange buildings insurance from exchange of contracts. This can be arranged through your mortgage company or independently. You will also need to arrange suitable contents insurance from completion
How much deposit do I have to pay?
Usually 10% on exchange of contracts. A seller will sometimes accept less than this but if a buyer defaults and fails to complete then the full 10% deposit will be due to the seller together with possible damages.
When will I need my deposit?
We need to be holding this in order to exchange contracts. We will contact you prior to this to make the arrangements.
On the day of completion what time will it complete and how will I know?
Completion usually takes place between 12pm-2pm. We will telephone you on the day to confirm it has taken place
Where will I get the keys on completion?
You will pick these up from the selling estate agent.
If I am selling do I need a Home Information Pack?
No but you will require an Energy Performance Certificate.
If I am due money back on completion how will I receive this?
We can arrange a direct bank transfer so that any money due to you on completion arrives in your account on the same day (time permitting).
Why do I need a Will?
If you care about what happens to your property after you die, you should make a will. This will allow you to decide who deals with your property and who it is left to.
What Happens if I die without a Will?
Your estate will be distributed according to the Intestacy Rules. The rules specify that your estate will pass to your relatives in a prescribed order, however if there are no qualifying parties your estate will pass to the Treasury.
Is making a Will Expensive?
Contrary to popular belief it is not an expensive or complicated process to create a Will but many people put it off until it is too late. The cost will vary depending on the complexity of your Estate and the requirements to effect o your wishes, however for a normal married couple leaving everything to each other and then to their children the cost will be between 250-300+VAT for the two documents.
Why should I use a Solicitor to write my Will?
It is possible to write your own Will or buy a pre-printed Will from one of the providers. However putting in place a valid will is a complex process and mistakes, which are easy to make, can render the Will invalid and result in a full or partial intestacy. Our Private Client department are able to prepare your will and also advise you on aspects that you may not have considered and won't find in a Pre-Printed Will pack.
How Long does it take to make my Will?
This depends on the complexity involved however for a normal Will we aim to have the document completed within two weeks of you instructing us.
Can I give you my Will instructions online?
At present we do not offer this service, but we are working on making this facility available in the near future. At the moment please call our Private Client department if you would like to discuss your requirements.
