Once you have a mortgage approved by the bank or building society and your offer is accepted one of the final stages when buying a property is to hire a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to complete the following tasks.

1. Local searches about any proposed changes or development in the area relating to new housing estates, roads and shops.
2. The solicitor or conveyancer will also deal with any questions about the sale of the property including mortgage details, boundaries, neighbour disputes, property fixture and fittings and guarantees for any work completed on the house plus more.
3. A property deposit will also be required which is normally 10% of the properties value.
4. Contacts will be exchanged between both solicitors which you will be required to sign. Once you have reviewed and signed the contract you are now legally bound by the contract.
5. The final stage is the completion which takes place around four to six weeks after the contacts are exchanged.
6. During the completion phase the mortgage lender releases the funds and the deeds for the property are transferred.
7. If everything runs smoothly you will now be the owner of your dream home.