contact@cplawyers.co.uk Charlotte House, 35-37 Hoghton St, Southport PR9 0NS
Your Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers on timescales, costs and what happens at each stage of your move.

Get A Quote

Buying a Property

The process usually takes 8-12 weeks from the point your offer is accepted to completion. However, this can vary depending on factors such as chain length, mortgage approvals, and search turnaround times.
Disbursements are third-party costs that we pay on your behalf, such as property searches, Land Registry fees, and bank transfer charges. We provide a full breakdown of these costs upfront.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a government tax on property purchases above a certain price threshold. It is paid upon completion, and we handle the submission on your behalf.
Completion is the final stage of the property transaction, where the purchase price is transferred, and you receive the keys to your new home.
While not legally required, we highly recommend getting a survey to identify any potential structural issues before you commit to the purchase. Your mortgage lender may also require one.

Selling a Property

On average, the conveyancing process takes 8-12 weeks, but this can vary depending on chain lengths and buyer readiness.
Yes, an EPC is a legal requirement when selling a property. You should arrange one before listing your home for sale.
Typical costs include solicitor's fees, estate agent fees, EPC costs, and any mortgage redemption fees. We provide a clear breakdown of our costs upfront.
Yes, we handle the redemption of your mortgage as part of the sale process. Any outstanding balance is paid from the sale proceeds.
Before exchange of contracts, either party can withdraw without penalty. After exchange, the buyer would forfeit their deposit.

First Time Buyers

For first-time buyers, the process typically takes 8-12 weeks from offer to completion, but this depends on factors like mortgage approvals and searches.
Typical costs include your deposit, legal fees, mortgage fees and Stamp Duty Land Tax. Qualifying first-time buyers currently pay no SDLT on the first £300,000 of a property costing £500,000 or less. Rates and eligibility can change, so we will confirm the position for your circumstances.
A survey isn't legally required, but it's highly recommended to check for structural issues before you buy. Your mortgage lender may also require one.
Yes, before exchanging contracts, you can withdraw without penalty. After exchange, the purchase is legally binding, and pulling out could mean losing your deposit.
This is when both buyer and seller sign the contract and agree to the sale. After this point, neither party can back out without serious consequences.

Cash Buyer Conveyancing

A cash purchase can often complete within 2-4 weeks, depending on how quickly legal checks are completed.
Although lenders require searches for mortgaged purchases, cash buyers are not legally required to conduct them. However, we strongly recommend them to avoid unexpected legal issues later.
Yes, a solicitor is still required to review contracts, check for legal risks, and register your ownership with the Land Registry.
Yes! Sellers often prefer cash buyers because there's no risk of mortgage delays or chains, making your offer more attractive.
Paying with cash does not change the Stamp Duty Land Tax rules. For a standard residential purchase, SDLT currently starts above £125,000. Qualifying first-time buyers pay no SDLT on the first £300,000 of a property costing £500,000 or less. We will confirm the position for your circumstances.