Buying, Selling or Letting a Property
What do we do?
Our experienced property solicitors provide a wide range of services to help safeguard your home or property investments. From tenancy agreements to advice on buying property at auction, we’re here to provide guidance and support whatever your circumstances may be. If you’re facing a housing or property issue, contact us on 0121 511 2233 and we’ll arrange for you to have a free, initial chat with one of our specialist legal experts.
How we do it?
Our job is to look after the legal aspects of moving house. We promise to explain how it works in plain and simple language, quote you a fixed price up front and provide you with regular updates. All the work is done here in Oldbury in the West Midlands.
Our friendly, knowledgeable solicitors are here to provide all the help and advice you need, freeing you up to start planning the move. So if you’re looking for legal help to buy or sell a house, call us today on 0121 511 2233.
Moving House
Widely regarded as being one of the more stressful of life’s experiences, the process of buying or selling a house (or doing both at the same time) can at least feel much smoother when you have a great solicitor working hard for you on your behalf.
Are you looking for conveyancing solicitors in the Black Country area?
At Silks Solicitors we know how stressful it can feel when you’re buying or selling property, which is why we combine expert legal advice with fast, attentive and practical help that’s tailored to your circumstances. We will work quickly and efficiently, whilst ensuring we always keep you in the loop from start to finish. We’re here so that you don’t have to worry about the legal side of buying and selling property. We protect your interests, check all documentation, and identify any appropriate issues relating to the property, land and local area.
Customer Service
We also work hard on our excellent customer service. That’s because our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We’re more than happy to fully explain our legal fees upfront, so there are no hidden costs that appear on your bill. We’re accessible, and we give all clients direct contact details for their solicitor so if you have a query that’s troubling you we’ll always do our best to get a same-day response back to you. We hope you find us friendly, efficient and professional at all times.
Want specific help regarding some aspect of conveyancing?
We have many years of experience in providing services as conveyancing solicitors in the West Bromwich area (covering Oldbury and Netherton). If you’re thinking about buying at auction, looking into investment and buy-to-let properties, want advice on leasehold properties or planning law, considering remortgaging, or want to take legal advice on tenancy agreements and deposits, we can help with expert legal advice tailored to precisely your own particular needs.
Friendly expert conveyancing solicitors who are local to Oldbury and Netherton
Amarjit Chohan is a valued part of our Residential Conveyancing Department; “A very rewarding part of my job is when I liaise with all relevant different parties in order to ensure that a property transaction happens as smoothly as possible. Naturally, I understand how important a property transaction is, and I work very hard to provide the excellent level of customer service that all my clients demand and deserve.” Call an expert law firm in the Black Country today.
Investment and buy to let properties
Remortgaging
Planning Law
Leasehold Properties
Tenancy Agreements and Deposits
Transfer of Title
Buying at Auction
Prices
- WE DO NOT PAY ANY FORM OF REFERRAL FEE
- WE DO NOT CHARGE FOR ACTING FOR THE LENDER (OTHER THAN IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES)
- ALL POSTAGE AND CORRESPONSE COSTS ARE INCLUDED IN OUR FEE
Purchase of a freehold residential property
Our fees cover all of the work* required to complete the purchase of your new home, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry and dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (Stamp Duty) if the property is in England, or Land Transaction Tax (Land Tax) if the property you wish to buy is in Wales.
Conveyancer’s fees and disbursements
- Legal fee (average) £590 +VAT
In this example, a property valued at £180,000 the legal fee is £600 +VAT
Fees are dependent on the value of the property. For example, on a freehold property sale on a property value of £150,000 the fee will be £575 +VAT, and on a freehold property sale on a property value of £400,000 the fee will be £875 +VAT.
- Search fees average £300-350 +VAT (dependent on Local Authority) assuming £325 +VAT for this example
- HM Land Registry fee £30 for this example (fees vary depending on the nature of transaction and value of property)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-land-registry-registration-services-fees
- Electronic money transfer fee £25 +VAT
- Client ID fee £15 +VAT
- SDLT fee £75
- VAT payable £193
Estimated subtotal: £1,263
Depending on the nature of the transaction, we may also apply the following:
- Dealing with each gifted deposit on any transaction £75 + VAT
- Dealing with the draw down of each HTB/Lifetime ISA bonus £75 +VAT
- Dealing with any HTB equity loan/mortgage £375 + VAT
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process
Stamp Duty or Land Tax (on purchase)
This depends on the purchase price of your property. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website or if the property is located in Wales by using the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website here.
SDLT £1,100
Estimated total including SDLT £2,363
How long will my house purchase take?
How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between six-twelve weeks.
It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are a cash buyer, purchasing a freehold property, it could take four-six weeks. However, if you are buying a freehold property with a mortgage and with a number of parties in the chain, this can take significantly longer, potentially between three and four months. In such a situation additional charges would apply.
Stages of the Process
The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below is a brief outline of the process:
- Take your instructions and verify identification
- Check the source of funds
- Check finances are in place to fund purchase
- Receive and check contract documents
- Carry out searches
- Make any necessary enquiries of seller’s solicitor
- Receive mortgage instructions on behalf of your mortgage provider and go through conditions (where a mortgage is required)
- Advise you on all documents and information received as events occur
- Arrange a meeting to see you at the office to go through all relevant documentation and obtain your signature, to discuss prospective dates for exchange of contracts and completion with you, and advise you on joint ownership
- Agree completion date with all parties in the chain (date from which you own the property)
- Arrange to collect your deposit from you
- Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened
- Arrange for all monies needed to be collected from lender and you
- Complete purchase
- Deal with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax
- Deal with application for registration at Land Registry
* Our fee assumes that:
- this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction
- the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication arise
- all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
- no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required.
Purchase of a leasehold residential property
Our fees cover all the work* required to complete the purchase of your new home, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry and dealing with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (Stamp Duty) if the property is in England, or Land Transaction Tax (Land Tax) if the property is in Wales.
Conveyancer’s fees and disbursements
- Legal fee (average) £725
In this example, a property valued at £180,000 the legal fee is £850 +VAT
Fees are dependent on the value of the property. For example, on a freehold property sale on a property value of £150,000 the fee will be £700 +VAT, and on a freehold property sale on a property value of £400,000 the fee will be £875 +VAT.
- There is no fee for acting on behalf of the mortgage lender
- Search fees average £300-350 +VAT (dependent on Local Authority) assuming £325 +VAT for this example
- HM Land Registry fee £95 for this example (fees vary depending on the nature of transaction and value of property)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-land-registry-registration-services-fees
- Electronic money transfer fee £25 +VAT
- Client ID fee £15 +VAT
- VAT payable £243
Estimated subtotal £1,553
Depending on the nature of the transaction, we may also apply the following:
- Dealing with each gifted deposit on any transaction £75 + VAT
- Dealing with the draw down of each HTB/Lifetime ISA bonus £75 +VAT
- Dealing with any HTB equity loan/mortgage £375 + VAT
Disbursements
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as search fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. There are certain disbursements which will be set out in the individual lease relating to the Property. The disbursements which we anticipate will apply are set out separately below. This list is not exhaustive and other disbursements may apply depending on the term of the lease. We will update you on the specific fees upon receipt and review of the lease from the seller’s solicitors.
Anticipated Disbursements*
- Notice of Transfer fee – This fee if chargeable is set out in the lease. This can be as low as £10 but can be in excess of £200.
- Notice of Charge fee (if the property is to be mortgaged) – This fee is set out in the lease. This can be as low as £10 but can be in excess of £200.
- Deed of Covenant fee – This fee is provided by the management company for the property and can be difficult to estimate. Often it is between £50 and £200.
- Certificate of Compliance fee – To be confirmed upon receipt of the lease, as can range between £50 – £200.
*These fees vary from property to property and can on occasion be significantly more than the ranges given above, and may or may not be subject to VAT. We can give you an accurate figure once we have sight of the leasehold information pack.
You should also be aware that ground rent and service charge are likely to apply throughout your ownership of the property. We will confirm the ground rent and the anticipated service charge as soon as this we receive this information.
Stamp Duty Land Tax
This depends on the purchase price of your property. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website or if the property is located in Wales by using the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website.
SDLT £1,100
Grand estimated total £3,053
Stages of the process
The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential leasehold property vary according to the circumstances. However, below we have suggested some key stages that you may wish to include:
- Take your instructions and verify identification
- Check the source of funds
- Check finances are in place to fund purchase
- Receive and check contract documents
- Receive leasehold information pack from seller’s solicitors (this can extend the length of the transaction as it can take several weeks for this to be made available)
- Carry out searches
- Make any necessary enquiries of seller’s solicitor
- Receive mortgage instructions on behalf of your mortgage provider and go through conditions (where a mortgage is required)
- Advise you on all documents and information received as events occur
- Arrange a meeting to see you at the office to go through all relevant documentation and obtain your signature, to discuss prospective dates for exchange of contracts and completion with you, and advise you on joint ownership
- Agree completion date with all parties in the chain (date from which you own the property)
- Arrange to collect your deposit from you
- Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened
- Arrange for all monies needed to be collected from lender and you
- Complete purchase
- Deal with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax
- Deal with application for registration at Land Registry
- Send the Notice of Transfer/Charge and/or Deed of Covenant and/or Certificate of Compliance (and make payment)
How long will my house purchase take?
How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between two-three months. It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are a cash buyer, purchasing a property with no other parties in the chain, it could take two months. However, if you are buying a leasehold property which requires a mortgage and there are a number of parties in the chain, this can take significantly longer, between three and four months. In such a situation additional charges would apply.
* Our fee assumes that:
- this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction
- this is the assignment of an existing lease and is not the grant of a new lease (only for LH)
- the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication arise
- all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
- no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required
Remortgage
Our fees cover all of the work* required to complete the remortgage of your home, including redeeming the current mortgage and dealing with registration at the Land Registry.
Conveyancer’s fees and disbursements
- Legal fee (average) £400 +VAT
Fees are dependent on the value of the property and if the property if freehold or leasehold.
- Office Copies average £6
- Search fees average £300-350 +VAT (dependent on Local Authority) assuming £325 +VAT for this example
- HM Land Registry fee £30 for this example (fees vary depending on the nature of transaction and value of property)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-land-registry-registration-services-fees
- Electronic money transfer fee £25 +VAT
- Client ID fee £15 +VAT
- VAT payable £153
Estimated total: £954
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.
How long will my remortgage take?
How long your remortgage will take depend on several factors. The average process takes between one to two months.
Stages of the process
The precise stages involved in the remortgage vary according to the circumstances. However, below is a brief outline of the process:
- Take your instructions and verify identification
- Obtain Office Copy Entries and redemption figure
- Check the source of funds in the event that you are reducing your borrowing or providing any funds yourself
- Receive mortgage instructions on behalf of your mortgage provider and go through conditions
- Carry out searches
- Discuss terms of mortgage offer with you
- Arrange a meeting to see you at the office to go through all relevant documentation and obtain your signature, to discuss prospective dates for completion with you
- Agree completion date with you (date from which you own the property)
- Arrange for all monies needed to be collected from lender and you
- Complete remortgage and discharge any existing mortgage
- Deal with application for registration at Land Registry
Sale of a freehold residential property
Our fees cover all the work* required to complete the sale of your home, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry.
Conveyancer’s fees and disbursements
- Legal fee (average) £560 +VAT
In this example, a property valued at £180,000 the legal fee is £575 +VAT
Fees are dependent on the value of the property. For example, on a freehold property sale on a property value of £150,000 the fee will be £550 +VAT, and on a freehold property sale on a property value of £400,000 the fee will be £875 +VAT.
- Office copy entry and title plan £12-32
- Electronic money transfer fee £25 +VAT
- Client ID fee £15 +VAT
- VAT payable £120
Estimated total £752
Depending on the nature of the transaction, we may also apply the following:
- Dealing with the discharge of any HTB equity mortgage £350 + VAT
Disbursements
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as search fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. There are certain disbursements which will be set out in the individual lease relating to the Property. The disbursements which we anticipate will apply are set out separately below. This list is not exhaustive and other disbursements may apply. We will update you on the specific fees upon receipt and review of the lease from the seller’s solicitors.
Stages of the process
The precise stages involved in the sale of a residential freehold property vary according to the circumstances. However, below we have suggested some key stages that you may wish to include:
- Take instructions and ID documents
- When sales memorandum / details of the buyer’s solicitors are received, prepare and send the draft contract papers to the buyer’s solicitors
- Deal with any pre-contract enquiries raised and, more often than not, this will involve your assistance
- Obtain redemption figures from your mortgage lender (if you have a mortgage secured on your property)
- Arrange to see you at the office to sign contract papers and go through redemption figures with you
- Contact the buyer’s solicitor to negotiate dates for exchange and completion
- Exchange contracts
- Complete the sale
- Discharge any mortgages you have on the property and account to you for the balance of the sale proceeds.
How long will my house sale take?
How long it will take from your offer of sale being accepted until legal completion will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between two to three months. It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you have a cash buyer, purchasing your property with no other parties in the chain, it could take four to six weeks. However, if your buyer requires a mortgage and there are a number of parties in the chain, this can take significantly longer, between three and four months. In such a situation additional charges would apply.
* Our fee assumes that:
- this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction
- the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication arise
- all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
- no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required
Sale of a leasehold residential property
Our fees cover all the work* required to complete the sale of your home, including dealing with registration at the Land Registry.
Conveyancer’s fees and disbursements
- Legal fee (average) £750 +VAT
In this example, a property valued at £180,000 the legal fee is £800 +VAT
Fees are dependent on the value of the property. For example, on a leasehold property sale on a property value of £150,000 the fee will be £800 +VAT, and on a freehold property sale on a property value of £400,000 the fee will be £850 +VAT.
- Office copy entry and title plan £12-32
- Electronic money transfer fee £25 +VAT
- Client ID fee £15 +VAT
- VAT payable £168
Estimated subtotal £1,040
Depending on the nature of the transaction, we may also apply the following:
- Dealing with the discharge of any HTB equity mortgage £350 + VAT
Disbursements
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as search fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process. There are certain disbursements which will be set out in the individual lease relating to the Property. The disbursements which we anticipate will apply are set out separately below. This list is not exhaustive and other disbursements may apply depending on the term of the lease. We will update you on the specific fees upon receipt and review of the lease from the seller’s solicitors.
- Leasehold Sales information pack – This fee is provided by the management company for the property and can be difficult to estimate. Often it is in excess of £400.
- Estimated total: £1,440
Stages of the process
The precise stages involved in the sale of a residential leasehold property vary according to the circumstances. However, below we have suggested some key stages that you may wish to include:
- Take instructions and ID documents
- Obtain from you details of the freeholder’s managing agent; obtain from the agent their costs to provide the leasehold sales information pack
- Obtain funds from you for the leasehold info pack and apply to the agent for the pack (this can take an average of two to four weeks to be produced)
- When sales memorandum / details of the buyer’s solicitors are received, prepare and send the draft contract papers to the buyer’s solicitors
- Send Leasehold Sales Information Pack to buyer’s solicitors once received
- Deal with any pre-contract enquiries raised and, more often than not, this will involve your assistance
- Obtain redemption figures from your mortgage lender (if you have a mortgage secured on your property)
- Arrange to see you at the office to go through redemption figures and ground rent service charge figures
- Discuss provisional exchange and completion dates with you
- Contact the buyer’s solicitor to negotiate dates for exchange and completion
- Exchange contracts
- Complete the sale
- Discharge any mortgages you have on the property, any ground rent or service charge liabilities, Estate Agent’s fees and account to you for the balance.
How long will my house sale take?
How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between two-three months. It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you have a cash buyer, purchasing your property with no other parties in the chain, it could take two months. However, if your buyer requires a mortgage and there are a number of parties in the chain, this can take significantly longer, between three and four months. In such a situation additional charges would apply.
* Our fee assumes that:
- this is a standard transaction and that no unforeseen matters arise including for example (but not limited to) a defect in title which requires remedying prior to completion or the preparation of additional documents ancillary to the main transaction
- this is the assignment of an existing lease and is not the grant of a new lease (only for LH)
- the transaction is concluded in a timely manner and no unforeseen complication arise
- all parties to the transaction are co-operative and there is no unreasonable delay from third parties providing documentation
- no indemnity policies are required. Additional disbursements may apply if indemnity policies are required.
Thank you so much for the fantastic news.
Thank you to you and your team for all the help and support through it all.
To Amarjit and all the team at Silks, many thanks for your assistance with the sale of our two properties.
We appreciated your efforts and advice and being kept fully up to date at all times.
We have spread the word among our remaining family and friends in the Black Country and have recommended you for any future purchases or sales of their properties.