Having your own home is one of the most important things in life, regardless of whether you own or rent the property. Having expert legal advice to guide you from the start will ensure that things run smoothly for you. Also, should you have any problems in the future, you can trust that we will be by your side.

We can offer advice and support on a wide range of safeguards in relation to your home or property. From buying and selling, whether this be privately, through an agent or at auction, to arranging tenancy agreements you can be assured of having us on your side.

• Conveyancing
• Buying Property at Auction
• Property Investment and Buy-to-Let
• Re-mortgaging
• Transfer of Title

Please contact us for more information.

Conveyancing

First time buyer or moving home? There are lots of things to think about and consider when buying or selling a property. Instructing a solicitor who you can trust to have your best interest at heart will probably be at the top of your list. You don’t have to use the solicitor recommended by your mortgage advisor or estate agent, you have the right to choose. Most of our clients have been recommended to use us by their friends and family members.

Our aim at Cowling Swift and Kitchin, is to make the buying and/or selling process as straightforward and hassle-free as possible. We will undertake any legal checks and searches as necessary and will thoroughly check and explain all the documents to you at each stage in the process. We will liaise with the other parties, including your lender and estate agent if applicable, in order to eliminate any delays and thus ensure that timescales are adhered to.

Cowling Swift & Kitchin carry out all aspects of residential conveyancing including sales and purchases of houses and flats of all types together with remortgages and transfers of equity.

The individual fee earners that carry out conveyancing work within the firm are Mr Richard Rusby, Miss Claire Spence, Mr Jonathan Hanley, Miss Louise Harvey, Mr Michael Leaf and Mrs Holly Knight.

The cost of carrying out conveyancing work on your behalf can vary depending upon the complexity of the transaction, the nature of the property and its value. Typically, our costs can range between £500.00 and £3,000. We will always provide you with a quote tailored to your transaction at the outset and this will form part of the instruction pack. Within that instruction pack we would also forward to you information regarding the conveyancing transaction generally together with a “Frequently Asked Questions” sheet.

In addition to our own costs most transactions will require the payment of disbursements. Typically these will be made up of:-

Sale Transactions

Obtaining Office Copy Entries of the Registers of Title together with any other ancillary documents. Of course that will be approximately £6.00 +VAT per document obtained. If any money has to be transferred by, us then an additional bank charge will be raised amounting to £9.60 inclusive of VAT. This will apply for example where a mortgage has been redeemed or funds transferred to you at the end of the transaction.

Additionally, it may be necessary from time to time to arrange indemnity insurance if any issues arise during the course of the transaction. These can be issues such as missing deeds, access issues or where certain gas or electrical certificates are not available. The cost of the indemnity insurance policy would depend upon the value of the property, and this will always be discussed with you fully during the transaction and advice given regarding the cost and necessity of the policy being arranged.

In addition, a fee is often required to obtain a Management Pack where you are selling a leasehold property. It may be that a Management Pack will be required from both the management company managing the property and also the freeholder. Information will be obtained during the course of the transaction, and you will be advised of the cost of any such pack.

Purchase Transactions

Within a purchase transaction certain searches will need to be carried out. Typically a local, drainage and environmental search would be required. The cost of such searches would depend upon the area of where the property is situated and the full pack will range between approximately £170.00- £300.00 depending upon this.

It may be necessary to arrange additional searches again depending upon the area where the property is situated. For example a coalmining search may be required if the property is situated in a historic coalmining area.

It may also be necessary, depending upon the area where the property is situated to arrange chancel indemnity insurance but details of this will be discussed with you at the property stage in that transaction.

Usual additional disbursements would include:-

• Land Registry Search- £3.00 +VAT.
• Bankruptcy Search- £2.00 +VAT per search.
• Registration Fee. This is a fee payable to the Land Registry to complete the registration of the property and the fee would vary depending upon the value of the property.
• Banking Charge- £9.60 for each funds transfer.

In addition stamp duty may be payable in the transaction and advice will be given on this at the outset. Further information regarding stamp duty can be found at www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax/residential-property-rates

Buying Property at Auction

Thinking of buying a property at auction? This can be a very exciting and rewarding experience. However, it could also be a step into the unknown, especially if it will be your first time at auction. You will probably be aware of the phrase ‘Have you read the Legal Pack?’

We can advise you on everything that should be considered and checked before the auction to help to ensure that the property will be a sound investment for you. We would take care of the legal practicalities i.e. establishing property ownership, arranging surveys and searches etc. This will enable you to bid at the auction with confidence and avoid any costly mistakes.

Property Investment and Buy-to-Let

If you are looking for a good return as well as a regular income on your property investment, then buy-to-let may be the answer. In order to do this successfully it is important that you know your market, which will involve some homework on your part, and also that you engage the services of a solicitor who is experienced in this type of work. With a buy-to-let property purchase there are differing legal requirements to those that are necessary when buying your own home. We will explain your rights as a landlord and help you understand your responsibilities to your tenants. Your solicitor will also draft a tenancy agreement on your behalf. We provide you with peace of mind that everything will be in place and more importantly that it is legally sound.

Re-mortgaging

Are you looking to take advantage of a better deal, changing lender or do you want to release money from your property?

By taking care of the legal checks and any paperwork, we will make the process as quick and simple as possible. If applicable, we will review the terms and conditions of your current mortgage to ensure that you are aware of any additional costs that may be applicable.

We will be happy to guide you through the process of your re-mortgage and provide you with the support necessary to complete the transaction.

Transfer of Title

There can be a number of reasons why you would wish to transfer ownership of your property to someone else and although this is a reasonably straightforward transaction, it is very important that the legal details are completed correctly. We will explain any factors that may arise and therefore avoid any unexpected problems in the future. Having the right support from the start will ensure that all the processes are conducted correctly and in a timely manner.

We will be happy to assist you at each stage in the process and provide you with the support necessary to complete the transfer.

For speedy support and accurate advice every step of the way, you know you can place your trust with Cowling Swift and Kitchin.