What are the timescales in a transaction?

It is not possible to be specific as to how quickly the matter will proceed as this is dependent on a number of other factors including the number and complexity of the issues that may arise, and, if there is a chain of linked transactions, the ability of every transaction to be completed on the same date.

By way of general guidance, however, the average property transaction in the UK take between 12 to 24 weeks to complete from the point of making your offer and instructing a Solicitor. Any average is made up of some cases which complete faster than the average, and some take longer. Freehold properties without an extended chain and without any complicating factors are likely to complete

On average in the UK, a freehold property completes in approximately twelve weeks following receipt of the draft contract from the sellers solicitors that we require to proceed, with a leasehold taking approximately 24 weeks to complete.

Any average is comprised of a mixture of some cases completing faster than this, and some cases that are slower. Often, "cash" purchases of a freehold house with no mortgage and with no "chain" of related transactions will complete faster than this average.

Cases containing an extended "chain" of properties (where the seller of your house will not complete until their own purchase is ready, and so on) are more likely to take longer, as are leasehold properties such as flats, where we have to wait for information from external providers such as the leaseholder where delays are outside of our control.

What are the key stages in the transaction?

The main steps to be taken in the transaction will be to:

• Check the seller's title to the property and then raise a series of checks and enquiries about it, including searches with the Local Authority and other information providers. I/We will then be able to ensure that you are aware of any relevant considerations in relation to your proposed purchase of this property and your subsequent use and enjoyment of it;
• Reviewing and, if necessary, amending the contract and any associated documents and to dealing with the requirements of your mortgage lender if you are applying for a mortgage;
• Exchanging contracts if and when you are ready to proceed and then arranging for completion of the purchase, including making the appropriate pre-completion searches;
• Making the appropriate return to H.M. Revenue & Customs for the purposes of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and on receipt of the signed Stamp Duty Land Tax Land Transaction Return Form submitting the same to H.M. Revenue and Customs; and
• Registering your ownership and any mortgage at the Land Registry and ensuring that all SDLT monies are paid to H.M. Revenue and Customs on your behalf.