With lockdown forcing people to work from home, many are now choosing to upsize their property.

Natasha Bunclark, solicitor at RDP Law, advises how you can speed up the initial stages of the conveyancing process in order to take advantage of the temporary reduction in Land Transaction Tax / Stamp Duty Land Tax.

To speed up your sale:

• Instruct a solicitor as soon as your property goes on the market
• Complete the Property Information Form and Fittings and Contents Form as soon as you receive them - this will allow your solicitor to provide the draft contract pack as soon as a buyer is found
• Provide your solicitor with any original title deeds (if the property is unregistered); installation certificates and service records for the heating and electrics; any planning permissions, building regulations approvals and guarantees for works done during your ownership

To speed up your purchase:

• Instruct a solicitor as soon as your offer is accepted
• Provide ID and money on account so that searches can be requested immediately, as these can take several weeks to come back
• If you’re having a mortgage, you should start this process early
• You should also consider whether a full survey is required - this will highlight any defects in the property and again should be arranged as early as possible to enable any defects to be rectified or used to negotiate the purchase price

Choosing a solicitor:

• Look for a firm that holds the Conveyancing Quality Scheme and Lexcel Certificates as these recognise exceptional service
• Always be mindful that you get what you pay for; a lower price doesn’t necessarily mean a better deal

At RDP Law we offer a quality bespoke conveyancing service. You will be allocated a dedicated solicitor who you will have direct contact with throughout your transaction. Contact us today on 01633 603178 or simply use the enquiry form on the Residential Property page.