Christmas Guide 2018

Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, 15 November, 2018

A new year, a new home

Win £250 vouchers to spend at Camp Hopson

THERE’S nothing like starting a new year in a new home. If you are thinking of a move around the festive period, the last thing you want is a nerve-wracking time filled with uncertainty. You are already likely to consider the impact of festive travel and the potentially disruptive winter weather, but to help smooth the process here are seven tips from Gardner Leader to give you peace of mind that you will be able to make your New Year resolutions in your new home. n Start Early The rule of thumb is that conveyancing for a freehold property normally takes between six to eight weeks and often between eight to 12 weeks for a leasehold. Nothing is guaranteed, but being well-prepared improves the chances of a speedy move. A tight timetable you have set your- self is not a licence to take short-cuts. Research the market thoroughly. If someone has put their house on the market over this quiet period, there is a good chance they seriously want to sell their home, will be happy to negotiate on the price and will push the process along at a quicker pace. n Failing to prepare means you should prepare to fail Many offices will be closed over Christmas and the New Year, so it’s essential to put everything in place well in advance, particularly if you are in a chain. Get a mortgage offer in writing from a lender, tee-up a surveyor and make sure that the seller is equally prepped and ready to go. Remember, if you are buying with a mortgage, the mortgage lender’s requirements must be satisfied and

n Arrange for a survey on the property You may consider it worthwhile getting a more detailed survey than your mortgage provider requires so that you are aware of any defects in the property and their potential cost. Allow enough time for the survey to be booked and the inspection report to be returned. n Plan your move Plan ahead. Moving house can be one of the most stressful events you go through. Removal companies often charge more in the run-up to Christmas and often have fewer staff working so it can be hard to book a slot. Invariably the reverse is the case for January – they will be less booked up and most likely cheaper. Gardner Leader Residential Property Team offers an online conveyancing e-quote facility to give you a clear estimate of the costs involved in your conveyancing process. www.gardner-leader.co.uk/ ConveyancingQuote Whether you’re hoping to be in a new home soon or just looking forward to a relaxing break over the festive season, Gardner Leader is offering you the chance to win £250 Camp Hopson vouchers, to help towards your Christmas shopping. To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question and send your entry to the address on page six. Q : Which established law firm in the Newbury Market Place has a residential property team who can offer you trust, value and peace of mind?

Gardner Leader competition

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this is likely to affect the time taken. n Find the right firm of solicitors A residential property team you trust will give you good value, peace of mind and take you through a hassle-free conveyancing process. A good team will help you understand each step of the process and explain the estimated cost so there are no last minute surprises. They will also keep you updated regularly so you don’t have to worry during the festive period. n Good communication with your solicitor can help to speed up the process Communicating promptly with your solicitors to authorise searches will

help the process run smoothly and swiftly. For example, your solicitor will allow around two weeks for property searches to be carried out. This is normally down to the time it takes to receive your local authority search. n Allow time for your property valuation to be carried out If you’re buying using a mortgage, you’ll only get your mortgage agreed when your lender is satisfied with the valuation. You will need to arrange this yourself directly. Once again, the mortgage lender’s requirements must be satisfied and this is likely to affect the time taken.

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