Estate agents could improve the chances of sales completing before Christmas by encouraging buyers and sellers to instruct conveyancers as early as possible, according to Attwells Solicitors.
With less than four months until Christmas, the law firm says buyers hoping to be in their new home for the festive period should ideally have a conveyancer instructed by mid-September.
Early instruction can allow legal work to begin promptly once an offer is accepted and provide additional time to deal with searches, enquiries, surveys, mortgage offers and problems elsewhere in a property chain.
It also highlights the importance of vendors having relevant property information, warranties and guarantees available before a transaction gets under way.
GETTING TRANSACTIONS MOVING
Laura Catania (main picture), Partner and Head of Conveyancing at Attwells Solicitors, says delays frequently occur while searches and enquiries are being dealt with, particularly when problems emerge from surveys, property titles or missing documentation.
Mortgage offers and delays elsewhere in a chain can also push completion dates back.
Catania says: “Buyers hoping to be settled in their new home before Christmas should ideally instruct a conveyancer by mid-September. Starting the process early gives you the best chance of completing before the festive period and provides some flexibility if unexpected delays arise.”
The advice also underlines the potential benefit to agents of encouraging sellers to prepare documentation and instruct legal representatives before a buyer is found, rather than waiting until after an offer has been accepted.
CHRISTMAS DEADLINE
Catania recommends buyers arrange surveys early, have their finances prepared and return documents to their solicitor quickly.
Sellers can similarly reduce avoidable delays by responding promptly to requests from conveyancers and agents and ensuring relevant paperwork is readily available.
She adds: “For anyone hoping to wake up in their new home on Christmas morning, the worst thing you can do is leave the process until the last minute.
“While some aspects of conveyancing are outside a buyer or seller’s control, starting early and being proactive throughout the process can help minimise delays and increase the chances of completing before Christmas.”
