There are two Sales and Purchase Agreements signed during the stages of the transaction, one is provisional with a 5% deposit paid, binding the buyer to the purchase. The second is the Formal Sales and Purchase Agreement, with another 5-10% payment required. After this, you are well on your way to becoming a proud property owner.

When the paperwork begins, you will need a solicitor to handle the deeds, deposits and payments at the signing of the Sales and Purchase Agreements, and to work with the owner’s solicitor to get the transaction completed smoothly. A solicitor will offer advice, alert you to any discrepancies and most of all, provide solid advice should you have any questions, fears or doubts. This might be good time to consider writing up a will too.