“How long will it take to sell my house?” is probably the question we are asked most as conveyancing solicitors.
So how long does it take?
If you like watching soaps, you may be under the impression that by simply signing a Transfer Deed and handing over a suitcase of money will effectively complete the transaction. This could be not be further from the truth.
The national average conveyancing transaction can take anywhere between 6-12 weeks. It can also be much quicker or slower than this.
It can be very difficult for a conveyancing solicitor to give you an accurate timescale for your transaction. Not because they don’t want to, but because there are so many factors to consider with each transaction. No two conveyancing transactions are identical and there can be so many varying factors applicable to each person in the chain which is why it is so difficult for timescales to be agreed at the very the outset.
Instruct a Solicitor
We would recommend instructing a solicitor as soon as you decide to market your property. This will ensure you have time to complete the necessary paperwork in readiness for when an offer has been accepted.
Furthermore, here at Brethertons you do not need to have placed your property on the market before instructing us. We are happy to take an instruction from you prior to you marketing your property and finding a suitable buyer. We believe that the quicker we can open a file for you and obtain your key documents the quicker you will be able to move forward to an exchange of Contracts and completion once you have been able to secure your buyer.
Choosing a solicitor is a difficult task as there are so many firms out there. I would recommend telephoning for a quotation rather than looking at prices online. It may be easy to obtain a price online but can you speak to somebody quickly when required? Can you speak to the same person each time you ring who will be familiar with your transaction? Does the person you are speaking to have knowledge of your case and can deal with your enquiry quickly?
Once you have instructed a solicitor they will open a file for you and send you any necessary paperwork. When selling a property this will consist of the forms that make up your contract package. At Brethertons, we are aware this may be a daunting process so are happy to meet and go through the paperwork with you either over the phone, or in person where no appointment is necessary.
You should also inform your estate agents which solicitor you have instructed so that they can send out their sales particulars.
The conveyancing process
As soon as you have returned the protocol forms to your solicitor, a contract package can be prepared and sent to your buyer’s solicitors. At this point they should apply for their searches and check through the contract and raise enquiries with your solicitor to resolve any issues that may have arisen from the contract papers.
Your solicitor will discuss their enquiries with you as necessary and will then respond to your buyers solicitors accordingly. Once your buyers solicitors have received all search results and their client’s mortgage offer (if applicable) they will then be in a position to obtain their clients signatures to the contract and request deposit funds.
Exchange of contracts
Exchange of contracts will take place when everyone in the chain is ready and all solicitors are holding signed paperwork from their clients. This makes the transaction legally binding. A completion date is set and nobody can change their mind without incurring financial penalties.
Completion
This is the moving day.
Funds will be transferred from your buyer’s solicitors, usually first thing in the morning, and upon receipt of these the keys are handed over.
At Brethertons we feel that communication is key to the process which is why we update our clients at regular intervals negating any need for you to chase us. You are also able to call in to our offices at a time convenient to you without needing to make a prior appointment. Furthermore, our offices are open on Saturday mornings between 9am and 12.30pm for your convenience.
If you would like any further information or to instruct Brethertons to act on your behalf then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
We have offices in Rugby – 01788 579579, Banbury – 01295 270999 and Bicester 01869 252161 and our team of experts will be more than happy to assist you.
Let us take the stress out of your move.
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