Residential Conveyancing – Your questions, answered!

Understandably at this unprecedented and uncertain time there are a lot of questions surrounding property transactions, the guidance and what we can and cannot do.

The current Government guidelines advise that we all adapt our usual processes in order to be flexible around these guidelines while still trying to continue business as usual where possible.

If you are buying or selling a property you do not need to withdraw from your transaction! Here we provide the much-needed answers to some of your burning questions:

I’m looking at buying my first property, shall I wait?

If you’ve had an offer accepted on a property, there is no reason why you can’t continue the conveyancing process as usual. At Woollcombe Yonge we can overcome some of the current hurdles that are being faced by adopting a variety of methods, such as:

Verifying client identity via Skype, Facetime and Whatsapp

Sending documentation to sign via email or first-class post

Face to face meetings via Skype, Facetime and Whatsapp

Providing Property Reports in email format

Calls diverted to your Conveyancer’s direct line who are on call if you require them within our usual working hours

If you would like to instruct us to assist you in your new property purchase, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 01752 660384.

I’m looking at buying a new property, but the Estate Agents are closed?

In accordance with the current guidelines a lot of businesses have had to close their doors to the public however this does not mean you cannot be active in your search for a new property. Due to the current restrictions a lot of Estate Agents will be working from home however most will still be on hand to discuss with you your requirements and advise you on the properties currently on the market that would be most suitable. These restrictive times will not restrict your ability to research what’s on offer and start planning which properties you’d like to view when guidance permits, and we will of course be on hand to assist you in the conveyancing process when you’ve found that dream property.

I’m looking at putting my property on the market, but the Estate Agents are closed?

As confirmed above although a lot of business’ have had to close there will be plenty of Estate Agents working from home. They will be able to take all of the relevant details from you in order to prepare your listing to go live as soon as images can be obtained to accompany this. These restrictive times may also be a great opportunity to take a look at your property and undertake any home improvements that can be made by you in order to maximise potential, value and saleability.

The property I’m buying is vacant and we are at the stage of agreeing a date, can I complete this transaction imminently?

At Woollcombe Yonge we are committed to ensuring that transactions can proceed to completion where possible and we are able to facilitate the exchange of contracts and completion in these situations. In respect of vacant properties, providing the Estate Agent can facilitate the release of keys, we can complete on an agreed date however you will need to ensure you comply with all social distancing guidelines on your ability to physically move into the Property.

The property isn’t vacant, we are in a chain, but we haven’t yet exchanged?

The current guidelines advise that a completion date shouldn’t be agreed until such time that the current stay-at-home measures implemented by the Government are lifted.

The property isn’t vacant, we are in a chain, and we have exchanged?

The current guidelines advise that when contracts have already exchanged all parties should attempt to mutually agree an alternative completion date. If for some reason a date cannot be agreed, the transaction will be permitted to complete but you must follow the advice on social distancing.

If a new date can’t be agreed, can my removers refuse to move me?

The current guidelines advise that removal companies must honour any existing bookings where they can be done safely providing the individual is well and has no symptoms of coronavirus.

If the individual is not well and/or does have any symptoms or they believe they cannot facilitate your move safely, they will not be able to continue to provide this service.

You may well still be able to hire a removals van to undertake the removal work yourself, but again, you must ensure you abide by the rules of social distancing at all times.

What if my mortgage offer expires after exchange due to us having to agree a new completion date?

It has been confirmed by UK Finance that in these situations they will try to support customers by trying to find a way to extend mortgage offers for a further three months to enable completion at a later date. We would advise that you speak with your Mortgage Broker and/or Lender direct to discuss an extension. Alternatively, we might be able to contact your Lender direct depending on the circumstance.

At a time like this it’s important that we all work together to adapt our processes to overcome current obstacles where possible. We must also work together in agreeing to revise completion dates wherever possible in order to minimise any potential risk to ourselves, our family and our community, and remember everyone is in the same boat, we are all in this together but working together will relieve the pressure and will allow transactions to proceed as smoothly as possible under the circumstances. If you wish to discuss any of the above please contact me on lr@wysolicitors.co.uk or call 01752 660384