The final step involved in selling your home is referred to as closing. This process entails the formal transfer of the title and the signing of all final legal documents.

Make sure you review all documents with your Solicitor before signing them. To avoid potential future litigation, the terms of the sale should be clearly laid out and meticulously completed. Any error could set back the entire transaction.

The term conveyancing basically refers to the legal work regarding transferring the ownership of your property from you to your chosen buyer. Their solicitor will do the following:

Preparation:

• Check the title deeds of the property to ensure it really belongs to the you
• Establishing the property’s legal boundaries
• Put together a list of fixtures, fittings and contents to establish what is to be included in the sale
• Prepare an enquiry form for the you to fill in concerning material or structural defects you may be are aware of
• Survey local authority plans for details on upcoming developments that could influence the property’s value
• Negotiate with you to change the offer if substantial repairs are needed
• Edit the draft contract for sale prepared by the vendor’s solicitor.

Exchange of contracts:

• Arrange the date for the completion and the exchange of contracts
• Hand over the deposit
• Sign the mortgage deed
• Perform final searches

Completion:

• Hand over the keys and title deeds
• Pay stamp fees;
• Record the transfer Land Registry Office for certification.

Your solicitor will ensure that all these documents are in order. Note that once these documents are signed they are legally binding.

For more information on selling a property on your own download our property guide

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