Conveyancing

# Conveyancing – AIM Mortgages

## Smooth Property Transactions, From Start to Finish

Buying or selling a property involves complex legal work that must be handled correctly. At AIM Mortgages, we take the stress out of conveyancing by connecting you with experienced solicitors who specialise in property law. As part of our one-stop shop service, we coordinate the legal process alongside your mortgage, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

—

## What is Conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another. Whether you’re buying, selling, or remortgaging, you’ll need a qualified conveyancer or solicitor to handle the legal aspects of your transaction.

This includes:

– Conducting property searches

– Reviewing and preparing contracts

– Handling the exchange of funds

– Registering the property in your name

– Ensuring there are no legal issues with the property

—

## Why Choose AIM Mortgages for Your Conveyancing?

### Coordinated Service

We work alongside your solicitor to ensure your mortgage and legal work progress together smoothly. No more chasing between different parties – we manage the communication for you.

### Trusted Legal Partners

We only recommend solicitors and conveyancers with proven track records. They’re experienced in all types of property transactions and are members of recognised professional bodies.

### Competitive Fixed Fees

No hidden costs or surprise charges. You’ll receive a clear, fixed-fee quote upfront so you know exactly what you’re paying.

### Faster Transactions

Our established relationships with conveyancing firms mean they prioritise our clients. This often results in quicker turnaround times.

### Expert Support Throughout

Your AIM Mortgages advisor stays in touch throughout the conveyancing process, keeping you updated and resolving any issues that arise.

### Single Point of Contact

Rather than juggling calls between mortgage lender, estate agent, and solicitor, you have us coordinating everything. We speak their language, so you don’t have to.

—

## Types of Conveyancing Services We Arrange

### Buying a Property

**Freehold Purchase**

– Residential houses

– Complete ownership of property and land

– Standard searches and title checks

**Leasehold Purchase**

– Flats and apartments

– Maisonettes

– Additional checks on lease terms

– Management company enquiries

**New Build Purchase**

– Specialist new build expertise

– Help to Buy scheme handling

– Snagging list coordination

**Auction Purchase**

– Fast-track conveyancing

– Expedited searches

– Exchange within strict timelines

### Selling a Property

– Marketing legal pack preparation

– Contract drafting

– Dealing with buyer’s enquiries

– Leasehold information packs

– Management of completion

### Remortgaging

– Transfer of legal charge

– Redemption of existing mortgage

– New lender registration

– Minimal paperwork and cost

### Transfer of Equity

– Adding someone to the title

– Removing someone from the title

– Matrimonial changes

– Gifting property shares

### Buy-to-Let Conveyancing

– Landlord-specific checks

– Tenancy agreement reviews

– HMO licensing requirements

– Limited company purchases

—

## The Conveyancing Process Explained

### For Buyers:

**Week 1-2: Instruction & Initial Checks**

1. You instruct your solicitor (we facilitate this)

2. Solicitor receives draft contract from seller’s solicitor

3. Initial property searches ordered

4. Mortgage offer reviewed

**Week 3-4: Searches & Enquiries**

5. Search results reviewed (local authority, drainage, environmental, etc.)

6. Contract reviewed in detail

7. Additional enquiries raised with seller’s solicitor

8. Title deeds examined

**Week 5-6: Review & Preparation**

9. All enquiries answered

10. Mortgage conditions satisfied

11. Survey arranged and reviewed

12. Exchange date discussed

**Week 7-8: Exchange & Completion**

13. Final checks completed

14. Exchange of contracts (legally binding)

15. Deposit paid

16. Completion date set (usually 1-2 weeks after exchange)

17. Final searches done

18. Completion day: Keys handed over!

**Post-Completion:**

19. Stamp Duty Land Tax paid

20. Property registered in your name with Land Registry

21. Final paperwork sent to you

### For Sellers:

**Week 1-2: Instruction & Pack Preparation**

1. Instruct solicitor

2. Complete property information forms

3. Gather documentation (title deeds, warranties, etc.)

4. Legal pack prepared for buyer

**Week 3-6: Enquiries & Negotiations**

5. Respond to buyer’s enquiries

6. Negotiate contract terms if needed

7. Agree on fixtures and fittings

8. Coordinate chain if applicable

**Week 7-8: Exchange & Completion**

9. Exchange contracts

10. Receive deposit

11. Prepare for moving day

12. Complete sale and receive funds

13. Hand over keys

14. Pay off existing mortgage

—

## Property Searches Explained

Your conveyancer will conduct several searches to uncover any issues with the property:

### Local Authority Search

Reveals planning permissions, building regulations, road schemes, and local land charges. Essential for understanding any future development plans.

### Drainage & Water Search

Confirms property connection to mains water and sewage, identifies if it’s adopted by the local water authority.

### Environmental Search

Checks for contamination, flooding risks, radon gas, and landfill sites nearby.

### Chancel Repair Search

Determines if property is liable for church chancel repairs (rare but can be expensive).

### Coal Mining Search

Required in areas with historical coal mining to check for subsidence risks.

### Additional Searches (if applicable)

– Commons registration

– Flood risk assessment

– Japanese knotweed

– HS2 and Crossrail proximity

We’ll advise which searches are necessary for your property.

—

## Common Conveyancing Questions

**How long does conveyancing take?**

Typically 8-12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion. This can vary based on chain length, searches, and mortgage processing. We work to prevent delays.

**How much does conveyancing cost?**

Costs vary by property price and location but typically range from £500-£1,500 plus disbursements (searches, Land Registry fees, Stamp Duty). We provide fixed-fee quotes with no hidden charges.

**What are disbursements?**

These are third-party costs your solicitor pays on your behalf: search fees, Land Registry fees, bank transfer fees, and Stamp Duty. They’re clearly itemised in your quote.

**What is exchange of contracts?**

The point where your purchase becomes legally binding. Both parties sign contracts, you pay your deposit (usually 10%), and a completion date is set.

**What happens on completion day?**

Your solicitor transfers the remaining funds to the seller’s solicitor. Once confirmed, you collect your keys and the property is yours!

**What is Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)?**

Tax paid on property purchases over a certain threshold. Your conveyancer calculates and pays this within 14 days of completion. Rates vary for first-time buyers, additional properties, and standard purchases.

**Can I use any solicitor?**

Yes, but using our recommended partners ensures smooth coordination with your mortgage process. Your lender must approve any solicitor you choose.

**What if problems are found during searches?**

Your solicitor will advise on any issues discovered. Minor problems may be resolved through indemnity insurance; major issues might require negotiation or withdrawal.

**Do I need to be available during the process?**

Mostly no – your solicitor handles the legal work. You’ll need to sign documents and be available on completion day. We keep you informed throughout.

—

## What Makes Good Conveyancing?

### Speed

Prompt responses to enquiries and proactive communication prevent delays.

### Accuracy

Thorough checks and attention to detail prevent costly mistakes.

### Communication

Regular updates keep you informed and reduce anxiety.

### Expertise

Knowledge of property law, local searches, and lender requirements.

### Technology

Modern case management systems for tracking progress and document sharing.

### Client Care

Friendly, approachable service that explains complex legal terms clearly.

Our recommended solicitors excel in all these areas.

—

## Conveyancing Costs Breakdown

### Legal Fees (Fixed)

Professional fees for solicitor’s work: £800-£1,200 (varies by property value and complexity)

### Disbursements

– Local authority search: £100-£300

– Drainage search: £40-£80

– Environmental search: £40-£60

– Chancel search: £15-£30

– Land Registry fees: £40-£910 (based on property price)

– Bank transfer fees: £30-£50

– ID verification: £10-£20

### Stamp Duty Land Tax (Paid to HMRC)

– First-time buyers: 0% on first £425,000

– Standard rate: 0% on first £250,000, then tiered

– Additional property: +3% surcharge on all rates

### Optional Extras

– Indemnity insurance: £20-£300

– Expedited searches: £50-£150

– Help to Buy completion: £150-£300

**Total typical cost: £1,500-£3,000 (excluding Stamp Duty)**

We provide a full breakdown specific to your transaction with no hidden fees.

—

## Leasehold vs Freehold Conveyancing

### Freehold

You own the property and the land it sits on outright. Simpler conveyancing process with fewer checks required.

### Leasehold

You own the property for the length of the lease (typically 99-999 years) but not the land. Additional checks required:

– Lease terms and restrictions

– Ground rent and service charges

– Management company details

– Buildings insurance arrangements

– Remaining lease length (short leases affect value)

– Extension possibilities

– Subleasing permissions

Leasehold purchases require more detailed conveyancing, which we’re experienced in handling.

—

## Protecting Yourself During the Process

### Fraud Prevention

Property fraud is increasing. Our solicitors use secure systems to verify identities and bank details. Never send money to a new account without verifying by phone first.

### Title Insurance

Protects against defects in property title that searches might miss. Often included or available as optional cover.

### Building Warranty

For new builds, ensure NHBC or similar warranty is in place (typically 10 years).

### Surveys

While not part of conveyancing, we strongly recommend arranging a survey to identify structural issues before committing.

—

## Why Use AIM Mortgages for Conveyancing?

### One-Stop Convenience

Arrange your mortgage and conveyancing together. We coordinate both services seamlessly.

### Cost Savings

Competitive fixed fees through our partner network. Often cheaper than sourcing independently.

### Quality Assurance

We only work with solicitors who meet our high standards of service and expertise.

### Proactive Management

We monitor progress and intervene if delays occur, keeping your transaction on track.

### Expert Advice

We’ve seen thousands of transactions and can advise on common issues and how to resolve them.

### Continued Support

From offer acceptance to keys in hand, we’re with you every step.

—

## Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re buying, selling, or remortgaging, let us arrange your conveyancing alongside your mortgage for a smooth, stress-free experience.

**Contact AIM Mortgages Today:**

– **Call us:** [Your Phone Number]

– **Email:** [Your Email]

– **Book online:** [Link to Booking System]

**Free Conveyancing Quote – No Obligation**

—

## Complete Property Service

Don’t forget, at AIM Mortgages we also provide:

✓ **Residential Mortgages** – Whole of market access  

✓ **Conveyancing** – Trusted legal partners  

✓ **Surveys** – Professional property inspections  

✓ **Wills & Trusts** – Protect your property investment  

Everything you need under one roof.

—

**AIM Mortgages – Your One-Stop Shop for all Property Needs**

*We work with a panel of trusted solicitors and conveyancers but you are free to use any qualified legal professional.*