Home buying and selling guides
Guides on buying, selling and remortgaging a home, leasehold and transfer of equity.
28 guides, newest first
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The Hidden Costs of Buying a House in the UK, and When You Pay Each One
The price and the deposit are only part of it. Here is every other cost of buying a home in England, from stamp duty and searches to surveys, insurance and leasehold charges, and the point in the process when each one falls due.
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Transfer Of Equity: The 5 Key Steps, The Tax And How Long It Takes
A transfer of equity adds or removes someone on the deeds of a home without selling it. Here are the five steps, when stamp duty is due even though no money changes hands, and what the Land Registry, the lender and the tax rules each need from you.
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Mortgage Tips: 3 Things People Don’t Know About Getting A Mortgage
Knowing these tips about mortgages can support you on your journey from property dream to property purchase. Dive in.
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The Single Girls Guide To Getting A Mortgage
Getting a mortgage when you are single is a very similar process to making a joint application. Dive in to know everything.
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Fixed-Fee Conveyancing: What Your Quote Covers and What It Doesn't
A fixed-fee conveyancing quote fixes the solicitor's own charge for the legal work. Searches, the Land Registry fee, stamp duty and some leasehold charges sit outside it. Here is what each line of a quote means, what can change the price, and what to ask before you sign.
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Buyers New Home Ultimate Appliances Checklist
Have a look through our handy buyer’s new home checklist and tick off as many of these as you can before you pick up the keys.
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Busting 3 Big Myths About Bridging Loans
Declan busts some common myths regarding bridging loans. Know how you can successfully finance your dreams. Dive in.
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Residential Conveyancing Myths Busted: Should You Look Before You Sell
Discover the truth about residential conveyancing. Wondering whether to put your house on the market before you start searching? Dive in.
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Stamp Duty: Your Questions Answered
What is stamp duty? What affects how much you pay? Is there a fee if you miss the deadline? Are you buying a property? Dive in.
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Gifted Deposits: The Rules, the Letter and the Tax for First-Time Buyers
Family helping with your first home? A gifted deposit can make it possible, but lenders, solicitors and HMRC each have rules. Here is who can give, what the gifted deposit letter says, the checks to expect, and the tax.
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How Hard Is It to Get a Mortgage as a First-Time Buyer?
Being a first-time buyer is not what makes a mortgage hard to get. Your deposit, income, outgoings, credit file and the property are. Here is what lenders check, why it feels harder now, and where a solicitor comes in.
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Why Is Conveyancing Taking So Long, and What Can You Do About It?
Most purchases in England and Wales take about 12 weeks from offer to keys. If yours is dragging, the cause is usually one of a handful of things. Here is how to find which, what you can do yourself, and how to push your solicitor without souring the deal.
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Your Go-To Glossary For Conveyancing
Does the word conveyancing make you say, huh?? We understand. So let’s start there. Here's your legal glossary for conveyancing. Dive in.
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Hot Tips For Selling Your Home This Summer
Enjoying the sunshine? As you should be. If you are selling your home this Summer we have some tips to make it even better. More.
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Can You Change Conveyancer Mid-Sale? How Switching Works
You can change conveyancing solicitor part-way through a sale or purchase. It costs time and some money, so it pays to know what happens to your file, what you owe the first firm, how your lender and the chain are affected, and when complaining is the better route.
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So, What EXACTLY Does A Conveyancer Do? P.S And How To Avoid Zebra’s
One question we get asked a lot (believe it or not) is do I really need a lawyer or conveyancer to handle my property transaction. Read more.
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What Is Joint Ownership of a Home? Joint Tenants vs Tenants in Common
Buying with a partner, friend or relative? You will own the home as joint tenants or as tenants in common. Here is how each works, what happens if one of you dies or you split up, and how to change it later.
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It’s All About The Base.. Is 2025 A Good Time To Remortgage?
Whether or not you choose to remortgage is a personal decision. If you do decide to go for it, make sure you do your research. Read more.
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How Can You Exteeeennnndddd A Lease?
In the UK, lease extension or leasehold is one of the most common types of property ownership, so it is worth getting your head around.
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What Is a Property Chain? How Chains Work and Why They Break
A property chain is a line of sales and purchases that depend on each other. One slow or failed link holds up everyone. Here is how chains work, what chain-free means, why chains break, how moving day is coordinated, and what you can do to keep yours together.
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What Is Gazumping, and Is It Legal in the UK?
Gazumping is when a seller accepts a higher offer after agreeing a sale with you. In England and Wales it is legal until contracts are exchanged, because nothing is binding before then. Here is why it happens, how gazundering differs, and what you can do to reduce the risk.
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Five Reasons Estate Agents & Conveyancers Need Each Other
The relationship between estate agents and conveyancers has not always had the best reputation. But, here we are to bust the myths. Read Now.
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Smart Way To Save When Buying A Home
Buying a home is among the biggest investments we all make. From negotiation to legal savings here are the top ways to save on your purchase.
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To Do List Before Selling Your Home
Your home could sell faster than you expected, especially if you have the best estate agent and property solicitor by your side. Read more.
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Top Tips For First Time Buyers in 2025
2025 means a lot of changes for first time buyers and it is worth arming yourself with what’s going on and how it can affect you. Read more.
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Is 2025 A Good Year To Buy A Property?
Will 2025 be a key year for legal changes to the property market? Get an insight from a property lawyer. Read now.
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Stamp Duty Explained: What You'll Actually Pay When You Buy A Home
Stamp duty is the biggest cheque most buyers write outside the deposit, and it is worked out in slices rather than all at once. Here is what you pay, at what price, and where the reliefs are.
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The simple checklist for first-time buyers
Purchasing your first home is hands down one of the most exciting moments in life. That said, as many people will likely let you know, it can be stressful. Being prepared is key to getting into your new home as quickly and smoothly as possible.
