There are a number of searches that are compulsory: Local authority search, Land Registry Search and Bankruptcy Search, and Water search.

• Local searches. These are enquiries made to the local authority about any matters which affect the property which involve the local authority, such as whether there is a compulsory purchase order on the property. Local searches also include questions about any proposed changes or development in the area that might affect the property such as roads, housing, shops. During the local search, the local Land Charges Register (Registry of Deeds in Northern Ireland) is also checked. This gives information about any matter which affects the property such as tree preservation orders, if it is a listed building or in a conservation area; and
• Enquiries made to the seller by the solicitor or licensed conveyancer. These are a set of standard questions about the property, boundaries, neighbour disputes and fixtures and fittings that will remain in the property. There may also be additional questions that the solicitor or licensed conveyancer thinks are necessary, such as the transferability of guarantees for any work done on the house, for example, a damp proof course; and
• from the Land Registry.

The Solicitor now does all the searches, checks the deeds (who owns the property), planning permission for any extensions before drawing up the contract. Your Solicitor will send you a copy the contract.

Exchange Contracts between yourself and the vendor. Once you have signed the contract you usually pay the deposit for the property. This is usually 10%. Once the contracts are signed you are now legally committed to buying the property.

Make sure that you arrange immediate insurance cover this is usually arranged upfront by your financial adviser. Once you have agreed the completion date with your solicitor you can start planning your move!

On the point of completion your name will be registered with the Land Registry and you will have to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax.

Stamp Duty Land Tax is payable in different amounts via the conveyancing solicitor, depending on the purchase price of the house.

Your solicitor will arrange this for you. At this stage you will also pay any telegraphic transfer fees for transferring money from one account into another.