If you’re buying a property through us, firstly, great choice! Foxtons are proud to get it done for the homeowners – and aspiring homeowners – of London. While our local office will support your purchase every step of the way, the journey from offer to keys can sometimes get bogged down. Here's how you can help keep things moving:
Instruct your solicitor as soon as possible
If you don’t have one, check out Conveyan, our panel of recommended third-party firms – all with proven track records for Foxtons clients. Make sure they keep your agent updated.
We'll chase for updates, but a responsive solicitor is worth their weight in gold.
Timing is everything
Currently renting? Check your lease to refresh your memory on what your notice period should be. The paperwork stage of your purchase can be a bit difficult to predict, which can affect your final exchange date. So, we recommend you keep in communication with your landlord, your solicitor and us to avoid housing gaps or overlaps.
Prepare for the solicitor
• Gifted Money: If family is helping with your purchase, tell your solicitor right away - proving the source of these funds sometimes takes longer than expected
• Fund the Searches: Your solicitor can't begin work for you until there's 'monies on the account', meaning your payment has to come first. Slow property searches can have a big impact on your timeline, so pay your solicitor's fees promptly so they can start property searches straight away.
Action their requests
Answer your solicitor's questions quickly - delays are frustrating when they're waiting on you.
Chase the draft contract
After the ‘Memorandums of Sale’ have been sent out, check with your solicitor to ensure that they’ve received a draft contract.
Keep us posted
Let us know when your solicitor gets or answers enquiries – paperwork can sometimes gather dust without anyone noticing. We're brilliant at keeping things moving along.
Your exchange-ready checklist
✔ Make sure you have your money ready and transferred for exchange.
✔ Check if your bank has limits on large electronic transfers - you might need to visit a branch. We will schedule in the date to exchange, so give your bank a quick call once the date is set and they’ll tell you what to do.
✔ If your funds are coming out of an account where notice is required, plan ahead.
✔ Review and sign the contract promptly to avoid holding up the exchange.
The secret to a smooth and successful property purchase is responding quickly and communicating clearly. Stay on the ball, and you'll be unpacking boxes in your dream home before you know it.
Source: This article has been reviewed by Foxtons Sales department and Conveyan, to ensure you have the best information for your property purchase. These teams have guided thousands of happy homeowners through this process. If you have any questions on this article, ask a Foxtons expert.
