If the property is in good structural order we will instruct the solicitors to proceed with the purchase.

Your solicitors will firstly contact the seller's solicitors and ask for all the information about the property you are buying, the information will include:

• Title Deeds - These documents provide evidence that the person selling the property actually owns it, and set out any rights or obligations that affect the property.

• Contract - This is the agreement between the buyer and the seller. It sets out the main terms of what has been agreed such as the address, the price, the names of the buyer and the seller. It also contains information on what happens if something goes wrong.

• Property Information Form - This is a questionnaire filled out about the property by the sellers. It covers such things as any guarantees for any part of the property or fixtures and fittings, neighbour disputes and boundaries.

• Fixtures, fittings and Contents Form - This is a list of the items that will be included in the sale, this is for items such as carpets, curtains, garden shed etc.

• HIP's Pack, this must contain the following documents:

   

  Freehold properties

  • Home Information Pack Index

  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

  • sustainability information (required for newly built homes only)

  • sale statement

  • evidence of title

  • standard searches (local authority and drainage and water)

   

  Leasehold properties

  • all the compulsory documents above

  • a copy of the lease

   

While all this is taking place the remaining legal searches will be started, these are a list of questions about the property that may be relevant to a sale. For example, to ensure that there is no compulsory purchase pending, this is where you could be forced to sell your home to make way for a new motorway etc.

Next the solicitor will need to see a copy of your mortgage offer, to ensure that you have the funds in place to proceed. You will then be asked to sign the contract.