Buy a house: conveyancing

From the contract pack to Land Registry, every stop on a residential purchase.

1. Open the file and run ID and anti-money laundering checks
2. Get the draft contract pack from the seller's solicitor
3. Order the local authority, water and environmental searches
4. Review the title register and plan
5. Raise enquiries with the seller's solicitor
6. Check the mortgage offer conditions
7. Report to the client on title and searches (Partner signs off)
8. Get the contract and transfer deed signed
9. Collect the deposit and check where it came from
10. Exchange contracts and fix the completion date
11. Ask the lender for the mortgage money
12. Complete and send the funds
13. File the Stamp Duty Land Tax return and pay it. Most people forget this: It is due within 14 days of completion, and the penalty starts the day after
14. Register the purchase at HM Land Registry

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