Are you a First Time buyer looking to get on the property ladder? Our team can help you throughout the process of buying your home and answer all the questions you may have – we promise we have probably heard the questions before!

We can offer a no obligation quote including fees and search costs to give you the best possible information at that stage as to costs for the process. We can also discuss the general process with you to give you an idea of the steps involved from start to finish, so that you know what to expect next during the transaction. 

Buying as Joint tenants or tenants in common?

If you are buying with another person, this is an important question that our team will ask you and discuss the differences between the two options. We can also offer a declaration of trust, which can protect the deposit each party is putting down if suitable in your circumstances.

Help to Buy ISA or LISA?

Over the years, the Government have introduced various schemes to assist people with getting on the housing market. Help to Buy ISAs and LISAs encourage individuals to save for a house deposit by offering an extra 25% on top of the amount saved (up to differing limits) as long as the money is used towards a house purchase. You are now unable to open a new Help to Buy ISA account, however if already have one opened and have been saving money, you may still be eligible for the extra 25% from the Government. You are still able to open new LISA accounts and they work in a similar way to the Help to Buy ISA. Our team can assist you by discussing if you are eligible, and then claiming the extra 25% money you may be entitled to receive to use towards your house deposit.

Is Stamp Duty Land Tax payable?

There are many different rules about stamp duty and this can be a complicated area. The Government rules for Stamp Duty Land Tax are based on many factors, including the area you are buying a property in, the amount you are buying for and if any reliefs or exemptions are applicable. Our team will ask you to complete a short series of questions to establish the information we need to let you know the amount of stamp duty payable. Even if there isn’t any stamp duty payable, it is still necessary to file a stamp duty land tax return with HMRC, and our team will do this on your behalf.

When can you get the keys?

This is probably the most common question that first time buyers ask as they are incredibly excited to get the keys to their new home and be on the property ladder. Our team will work with you to try to accomplish your timescale for completion, we will discuss with you the various stages and how long they may take, so that you have an idea at the outset how long transaction may take. When agreeing moving dates, it is often the case that comprises have to be made with other parties in the chain to agree a convenient completion date for all. 

If you have any queries, or would like to speak to one of our team, please contact our Property Department.