Homebuyers' Guide - Edition 2

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Buyers’ GUIDE Buying and renovating property in North Wales

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Buyers’ GUIDE PUBLISHER

Grant Hamilton EDITOR

Kate Hamilton ART DIRECTOR

Simon Marriott SALES MANAGER

Scott Lawson

MARKETING MANAGER

Carly Redgers

OFFICE MANAGER

Sian Roberts

The Home Buyers’ Guide is an independent, regional magazine that is printed bi-annually by KSG Publishing, the publishers of North Wales Magazine and Exquisite Weddings. It is available to pick up, free of charge, from a wide range of estate agents throughout Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham, Gwynedd and the Isle of Anglesey.

Disclaimer: All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part (electronically or in print) without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of published content, and any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the Home Buyers’ Guide. The publishers assume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from participation in, or as a result of, any information, offer or advertisement contained within the magazine. The Home Buyers’ Guide does not endorse any of the advertisements featured.

All words and images remain the property of their respective owners and all copyrights are observed.

The Home Buyers’ Guide, North Wales Magazine and Exquisite Weddings are not associated with any newspaper group.

Welcome Moving house is one of the most exciting things that you can do. The new location provides a fresh start and the chance to really make a house a home – your home.

So whether you are going for a full on renovation, or are simply going to put your own stamp on the place with your own furniture and some new soft furnishings, then read on!

From gardens to garages, this issue of the Home Buyers’ Guide has plenty of hints and tips on how to get the best out of your new home – and the experts that can help you achieve it.

Privacy Notice: You can read KSG Publishing’s full privacy notice at www.ksgpublishing.co.uk For further information please email sales@ksgpublishing.co.uk

PUBLISHING Home Buyers’ Guide 2019 Page 3

Kitchens

OF CONWY

Kitchens / Utility Rooms / Bedrooms / Dressing Rooms Home Offices / Games Rooms

01492 472122

info@kitchensofconwy.co.uk Page 4 Home Buyers’ Guide 2019

www.kitchensofconwy.co.uk

SPACE INVADERS

A well-designed kitchen should make the most of every inch of space available…

We all know that the kitchen is the heart of the home, so it’s vital that it looks good and suits your own personal style – but it is important not to sacrifice space in order to achieve the desired look. The good news is that you can have both space and style if you plan ahead.

Good kitchen design utilises all of the available space, and properly considers the practical needs too. A kitchen is for cooking in after all!

So make sure that you have everything on your wishlist from the outset, and remember why you wanted that new kitchen in the first place. Was it extra freezer space, a dishwasher or a separate tumble dryer? Or was it a bigger dining table or a breakfast bar to help zone the room and provide entertainment space?

Whatever the reason, start there. Tell your kitchen designer how you want to use the room on a daily basis, and what appliances you simply can’t live without. If it’s a coffee machine but you are short of worktop space

then perhaps you can integrate one. If it’s a dishwasher but you are lacking in room then perhaps a slimline model is the answer.

Whatever the problem a good kitchen designer can help.

It’s very easy to get caught up in the existing layout and presume that you have to replace like with like. This is absolutely not the case!

Kitchen design has evolved to mirror how we use the room today, and the sink no longer has to be under the window, or the dining table in a separate room. Just be brave, and work with a reputable kitchen firm who is prepared to go the extra mile in order to make your dream kitchen a reality.

A good kitchen stands out from the crowd, but it’s all about balance: good design and high quality installation – you need both. But, if you design the space well, and install a quality kitchen, then you can’t go wrong. n Kitchens of Conwy www.kitchensofconwy.co.uk

Home Buyers’ Guide 2019 Page 5

Unit 6, Mochdre Industrial Estate, Blackmarsh Rd, Colwyn Bay LL28 5HA 01492 541126

Trade Only

Working on it

When choosing a kitchen, everybody tends to focus on the units – but it’s worktops that can make, or break, a new kitchen design.

Worktops are often over looked when it comes to planning the kitchen – but it can be a costly mistake. Worktops need to do what they say on the tin – work – and any surface that will scratch or stain might not be up to the job.

be a little more high maintenance than their laminate counterparts. When they are installed they will need to be treated with Danish oil (around four coats as a rule of thumb), and have an annual treatment from then on.

Laminate is a pretty practical solution, and the huge choice available means that there is bound to be a finish that complements your design. It is also probably the most cost effective worktop material currently on the market, and there is a wide variety of patterns and finishes to choose from.

Wood worktops will also need to be kept dry so, if your other half tends to get a bit messy when doing the washing up, then this probably isn’t the most practical worktop for you. But, if you wipe up spills as soon as they happen, then a wood finish adds a great depth of warmth to your most used room in the house.

Howdens in Mochdre stocks a wide range of laminate worktops in a choice of matt, gloss, smooth and textured finishes – including a realistic stone-like appearance. You can choose from either a square or bullnose edged profile and, while all of Howdens laminate worktops are moisture resistant, those marked P3 have an extra moisture resistant core.

Howdens sells a wide range of wooden worktops too, and they can be profiled or grooved to create intricate detailing. They are available in two thicknesses, 27mm and 40mm and all of Howdens worktops come with a one-year manufacturing guarantee for peace of mind. n

Solid wood worktops meanwhile add warmth and character to any kitchen, but they might

Howdens www.howdens.com

Home Buyers’ Guide 2019 Page 7

WOOD, GAS & ELECTRIC STOVES

GAS & ELECTRIC FIRES AND FIREPLACES

TRADITIONAL & MODERN RANGE COOKERS

CLASSIC HAND PAINTED KITCHENS

BATHROOMS, WETROOMS & TILES

OUTDOOR LIVING

Visit our inspirational showroom for the most important rooms in your home, with unique brands.

Chester Street, St Asaph, LL17 0RE | 01745 582254 | rnwilliams.co.uk

ON THE RANGE

Whether you’re inspired to create culinary masterpieces or looking for a stunning focal point in your kitchen, you’re certain to find the perfect range cooker and the right advice at RN Williams in St Asaph. If it’s a convenient conventional cooker, a classic heat storage range or even a model to run your central heating system, here’s a quick helping hand…

Conventional cookers from prestigious brands such as Smeg, Rangemaster, Britannia and Bertazoni are suitable for most homes and can be fired up as and when you need, providing a convenient option with low running costs. Available in practical sizes from 90cm to 110cm, and a choice of gas or electric fuel to suit your cooking style, including rapid induction hobs. For serious cooks, professional grade Lacanche range cookers can be truly customised with 30 colours, eight widths from 70cm to 220 and cooking options including planchas, chargrills, fryers, simmer plates, powerful wok burners and numerous oven choices.

aren’t stuck in the past. On trend colours to complement any kitchen, controllable technology including optional induction hotplates and extremely efficient electric options mean these ranges will endure for future generations.

Iconic brands such as Aga, Everhot and Esse have become some of the most desirable range cookers worldwide. These heat storage cookers really are the heart of the home – always ready to cook and providing gentle warmth into the kitchen. Their cast iron quality, heritage and stand out style are immediately obvious, but these classic ranges

Visit the RN Williams showroom to find your ideal range cooker and get ready to be the envy of your neighbours with mouthwatering meals and an eye-catching centrepiece to your kitchen. n

For a hard working range cooker capable of running your central heating system as well as serving up sumptuous meals, it has to be Rayburn. Finished in lustrous enamel, these ranges are both boiler and cooker in one compact unit. With models for use with wood, solid fuel, gas or oil, there’s an option for every home.

RN Williams www.rnwilliams.co.uk

Home Buyers’ Guide 2019 Page 9

Alan Daniels Plumbing & Heating Supplies Unit 4 Eagles Estate, Eagles Farm Road Mochdre Business Park, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, LL28 5HF 01492 541542 www.alandaniels.co.uk Showroom Open 6 days a week

Page 10 NWM Buyers Guide 2019

15% Off Bathrooms with this voucher

STORAGE WARS Bathrooms were once dominated by pedestal basins and a basic basket in which to house all of your odds and ends. Today wall-hung furniture is becoming increasingly popular, freeing up space and offering flexible storage solutions to keep clutter at bay.

For a modern sleek bathroom that offers contemporary clean lines then you can’t beat a wall-hung vanity unit. Available in a range of sizes and colours to suit any bathroom, experts advise on choosing a bright shade if you want to make a statement – or sticking to neutrals if you don’t want your vanity to dominate the space.

Wall-hung basins can also be personalised in terms of height. Traditional pedestal basins come at a set height, whereas wall-hung vanities can be positioned to your exact requirements. This is ideal if you’re tall, as bending to use the basin is uncomfortable and can be painful, or short – as no adult should have to stand on tip toes to clean their teeth!

it. After all, cleaning the bathroom is a necessary evil, so you may as well make it as easy as possible!

The final advantage of wall-hung furniture however has to be that of storage. Everybody needs somewhere to stash their toiletries, and this is where a vanity unit comes into its own with generous storage in the form of drawers or a cupboard. Drawers are proving particularly popular at the moment, as they pull out fully and nothing is lost at the back, while compartmentalised drawers help keep your bathroom organised and clutter free. n

It is also recommended to use a wall-hung vanity unit in small bathrooms where space is at a premium. Lifting the basin off the floor creates more visible floorspace which, in turn, gives the illusion of more square inches.

And, unlike floor-mounted furniture, a wallhung vanity unit leaves the floor free and accessible so you can easily clean under

Home Buyers’ Guide 2019 Page 11

Grand Madison Sofa Looking to furnish your new home? Make sure you pay us a visit, we're your local family run furniture store and we've got all you need under one roof!

FURNITURE FIRST Unlike the kitchen and bathroom, your living room is a pure blank canvas that is just waiting for you to put your own stamp on it…

Your kitchen and bathroom are ruled by practicality, in that there are a certain amount of items that need to be included in the room. Your lounge, however, is an entirely blank canvas that is completely open to personalisation.

The first thing to consider is a focal point.

This will determine the entire look of the room – and will also dictate how you use it.

For many people today the main attraction is the television – but a fireplace, an imposing piece of furniture and doors to the garden also make fabulous focal points.

Once you have decided on which item, or view, will take pride of place then you can arrange the rest of your furniture accordingly. If you are planning on arranging the room around the television, then its worth noting that the ideal distance between your TV and the seating is three times the size of the screen (measured diagonally).

Therefore, if you’ve got a 40-inch set,

your chair should be 120 inches away.

When you are dressing the room, start with the largest piece of furniture first, such as your sofa, which should face the room’s focal point. Then use symmetry to arrange the rest of the seating, which should be no more than eight feet apart to ensure that you can hear the rest of your family!

You also need to consider traffic flow. This is how people will walk through the room – usually from the doorway to the main sofa, and don’t block that path with any large pieces of furniture if you can avoid it.

Allow three feet for main traffic routes and a minimum of 24 inches of width for lesserused ones.

Finally, place a table within easy reach of every seat, ready for that morning coffee and relaxing glass of wine, and place lamps near every chair that will be used for reading. n

Home Buyers’ Guide 2019 Page 13

DON'T YOU HATE IT WHEN YOUR QUOTE FOR NEW FLOORING JUST KEEPS ON RISING! EXTRA FOR FITTING, EXTRA FOR UNDERLAY & DOORPLATES, EXTRA FOR DELIVERY, SURCHARGES! Speak to Steve at Corwen Carpets & Flooring, his prices are totally transparent with fitting, underlay, door plates, all inclusive! FREE delivery & no surcharges!

After being in the business for 40 years, whatever the style or design, domestic or commercial & best prices guaranteed, Steve can sort it.

With free quotations, free advice & free measuring on all types of carpeting & cushionfloors, commercial flooring, L.V.T designer flooring, laminate & wood floors, as well as window blinds & shutters, wood venetian rollers & a large stock of mattresses & beds at top discount prices, why go anywhere else!

BEST FOOT FORWARD When installing a carpet in your new home, make sure that you know the pros and cons of the different types available.

It has to be said, that when you are thinking of installing a new carpet, wool wins out every time. Firstly it is practical – wool carpet will provide superior performance over many years as it can offer unique resilience and long-lasting durability. The natural crimp of wool offers a valuable ‘bounce-back’ so that pile compression is resisted, and the effects of tracking and shading are reduced – maintaining good appearance over many years.

It is also easy to care for. Wool is a natural fibre that has an inbuilt resistance to soiling due to its natural oils and its outer surface of microscopic scales and, as a result, additional anti-soil treatments are not necessary. Simply vacuuming the carpet will keep it looking good and while wool initially repels spills, prompt and complete blotting with white paper towels or an absorbent cloth is advised and will address many household spillages.

Wool is also extremely comfortable, adding a touch of underfoot luxury and warmth to the home. In addition it acts as an insulator, improving both heat retention and energy efficiency. Wool is naturally fire resistant too – it has a slow ignition rate and tests show

that it is self-extinguishing within seconds.

It meets many safety regulations without additional treatments and is favoured in contract locations for this reason.

And, as a natural ‘smart’ fibre with a complex physical and chemical structure, wool helps to create a balanced atmosphere in the home.

It absorbs humidity in the air, then releases it when the atmosphere becomes dry, and helps improve air quality by absorbing airborne toxins in indoor air.

The WoolSafe Organisation, in partnership with some of the UK’s leading wool carpet manufacturers, has now launched an industry first, a brand-new aftercare service for those who purchase a wool carpet. So, when you buy a wool or wool rich carpet from any of the ranges from a participating manufacturer, and register the purchase online, you will be allocated you own personal carpet care advisor, a WOW Registered Carpet Cleaner.

No other warranty offers a free spot removal service, free bottle of spot remover and free personalised carpet care advice. n Corwen Carpets www.corwencarpets.co.uk

Home Buyers’ Guide 2019 Page 15

HP St Davids Plastics.pdf

1

04/10/2019

13:01

Best Price’s Best Service Best Products FREE Delivery

St Davids Building Plastics

St. Davids Building Plastics Ltd are a North Wales supplier of decorative interior wall cladding panels. Our panels are the perfect alternative to tiling a bathroom or kitchen but are also used in numerous other rooms throughout homes and commercial premises Showroom:

01492 546503 Tel: 07539 736215

Email: mike_sdbp@yahoo.co.uk St. David’s Building Plastics Ltd Unit 9 Blackmarsh Rd, Mochdre Business Park, Mochdre, Colwyn Bay, LL28 5HA

New Showroom for all your PVC decorative / Bathroom and Shower panels / PVC click flooring / Shiplap cladding / Fascias / Soffits / Rainwater /Soil / Waste / And much more!

www.stdavidsbuildingplastics.co.uk

Exceptional Service Our team are very experienced in the bedding industry and will talk you through all the options to ensure you have the best night’s sleep possible

Family Run Business Family run business with over 45 years in the bedding industry

Quality Specialising in top quality beds and mattresses

Free Delivery in your Area 10 Vaughan Street Llandudno LL30 1AB 01492 877 711 Email: llandudno@nowtobed.co.uk

222-224 High Stret Prestatyn Denbighshire LL19 9BP 01745 852 877 Email: prestatyn@nowtobed.co.uk

HP - BG - Kitchesn of Conwy.pdf

www.NowtoBed.co.uk1

18/10/2019

11:20

Kitchens

OF CONWY

Designing, supplying & fitting kitchens, bedrooms & home offices throughout the Conwy county Get in touch today for a free quote and some expert advice on how to truly make the best use of the spaces in your new home

01492 472122

info@kitchensofconwy.co.uk

www.kitchensofconwy.co.uk

Fires and Fireplaces The Fireplace Specialist You Can Trust...

CHOOSE FROM OUR STUNNING FIREPLACE SELECTION AT OUR LARGE SHOWROOM AND ENHANCE YOUR HOME

• Home surveys and made to measure bespoke service • Quality installation from start to finish - No outside contractors • Plasterwork, gas runs, load bearing lintels, chimney cowls, all rubbish removed from site Call: 01492 536353 or Visit our showroom at:

Unit 1, Falcon Estate, Eagles Farm Road, Mochdre Business Park, Mochdre, LL28 5HF Mon – Fri: 10.00 - 5.00 and Sat 10.00 - 4.00 Sunday CLOSED • Customer car park • Wheelchair friendly

WARM AT HEART Warm the cockles of your heart with a new fire and fireplace, and give your house a golden glow to boot…

There is nothing quite like sitting in your lounge of your new home in front of a fire and fireplace. Not only is it the focal point in your room, but it is where we all get together with family and friends to sit and chat and watch TV, a room that requires the cozy feeling of looking at dancing flames and giving a warm feeling to the room.

We offer a complete in-house full-fitting service by our GAS SAFE registered engineer (no gas appliance can be fitted without this qualification). We construct false chimney breasts, plaster work, skirting boards, chimney sweeping, anti-downdraft cowl fitting and boiler work. Basically, we can do whatever you want!

A bare wall can soon be changed, and it is also not a problem to remove old outdated fires and fireplaces, by adding a new fire and fireplace.

Today there are several options that are so varied that you have more choice than before.

Let us list a few: 1. Complete fire (gas/electric/solid fuel), fire surround and hearth in various materials – e.g. marble, limestone, granite, travertine & wood 2. A hang-on-the-wall alone fire (gas or electric) 3. An Inglenook to house either a gas, electric, or solid fuel stove

Satisfaction and complete trust are what we aim for, and this is of extreme importance to us as a family-run business. We have several thousand very happy customers who are proof to this.

Several options are available, and you do not always need a chimney or even a chimney breast. A fire and fireplace will bring a sense of elegance and luxury to the heart of your home.

Here at Eternal Flame Fires and Fireplaces on Mochdre Business Park, we also manufacture a large range of fireplaces in various materials.

This allows our customers to design and style a fireplace of their choice to suit their individual requirements.

Please visit our showroom to browse through the large selection of fires and fireplaces on display. After a visit to our showroom, we will then arrange a call out to your home to conduct a survey (free service within a certain large mileage area). We discuss your requirements and do all the relevant gas safety checks (if gas is required). A visit back to our showroom is then advised so we can chat face-to-face about our ideas and get started on the project.

So what are you waiting for? Pop in and see us and give your house that homely feel that only a fire can provide… n Eternal Flame Fires and Fireplaces www.eternalflamefiresandfireplaces.co.uk

Home Buyers’ Guide 2019 Page 19

Making property dreams come true throughout North Wales

Conwy based Mainly Money Matters can help with: First Time Buyers | Home Movers | Remortgages | Help to Buy | Buy to let | Let to Buy | Right to Buy | Holiday Lets | Shared Ownership

In addition: Life Insurance | Critical Illness Insurance | Income Protection | Buildings and Contents Insurance Contact us for a FREE initial consultation 07882 136015 siobhan@mainlymoneymatters.co.uk www.mainlymoneymatters.co.uk

Mainly Money Matters is a trading style of 163 Consulting Limited, who are an appointed representative of HL Partnerships Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

163 Consulting Limited is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 09011721. The registered company address is 60 Willclare Road, Birmingham, B26 2NT

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All images used are for illustrative purposes. Please check with our Sales Adviser in respect of individual properties.

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LLWYN Landscapes LTD Landscape Design, Construction & Maintenance Contractors

Commercial & Domestic: Driveways, Decking, Lighting, Paving, Brickwork, Turf Laying, Water Features, Artificial Grass, Fencing, Tree Work, Stump Grinding, Ground Maintenance

LLWYN LANDSCAPES LTD

Quinten Hazell Enterprise Parc, Glan Y Wern Road, Colwyn Bay LL28 5BS Office: 01492 552521 Mobile: 07896 222702 Email: info@llwynlandscapes.co.uk

www.llwynlandscapes.co.uk

GRAND DESIGNS Your garden should be viewed as another room of your house, so make sure that you give it the care and attention that it deserves…

It’s all too easy to ignore your outside space until the sun starts shining in the spring. But, if you haven’t planned and maintained your garden well, your first barbeque of the year could be taking place in a jungle…

This means that your garden has time to establish itself while you are busy making the rest of your house a home. It is also a good idea to try and keep all products in the garden natural and low maintenance.

However fear not, because there are many tips and tricks that you can embrace in order to ensure that your garden is looking its absolute best – whatever the time of year.

“We often advise people to plant shrubs and low maintenance trees, and to use bark chippings to cover over the soil to ensure it isn’t tracked around house or garden,” continues Karl. “This will assist with weed control too, and will continue to look neat and well kept.”

The first thing to do is to plan ahead. It might sound obvious, but gardens take time to mature, and so it’s no good tackling it as an afterthought.

“If you have just moved house, make sure that both your front and rear gardens are done prior to starting work on your home,” advises Karl from Llwyn Landscapes. “In all cases start with the rear garden if there is no access around the property.”

Another tip from Llwyn Landscapes is to limit the amount of grassed areas that you have – you could try using various helix and hedera ivies to cover the ground in areas where you won’t access much, or where you don’t want bark e.g. around tree bases, under shrubs and along boundary walls. And, if you are looking for a really low maintenance solution then you could always plump for artificial grass – meaning that your garden is ready to enjoy whenever the sun rears its head…n Llwyn Landscapes www.llwynlandscapes.co.uk

Home Buyers’ Guide 2019 Page 23

ON A ROLL Improve the kerb appeal of your home with a roller garage door…

of time and will be a signature focus of your home for years to come.

As the nation’s largest roller garage door installers, Garolla know a thing or two about providing superior products with unbeatable customer service. Work directly with your local installer to create the garage door of your dreams, completely transforming your home with one quick and easy installation.

Garolla roller garage doors are a timeless piece of technology that bring your home right into the 21st Century. Remote controlled, quiet and easy to use these garage doors allow you to enter your home in style as well as comfort. Combining the latest safety features with unbeatable quality, every Garolla garage door is built to stand the test

Manufactured in-house, every Garolla roller garage door is created with your home in mind. Built to fit your home’s exact specifications, no two doors are ever the same. Choose from a vibrant array of 18 colours and two finishes. So, whether you’re looking for a classic garage door, or something a little more show stopping, Garolla have the right choice for you.

And with a no-nonsense approach to pricing, a new Garolla roller garage door might be cheaper than you’d think. Based on your measurements, colour and slat choice you could receive a free, no strings attached quote within minutes that is valid for up to 30 days. The price is inclusive of measuring, fitting and VAT so you can rest assured that you’re getting the very best garage door for the very best price. n Garolla www.garolla.co.uk

Home Buyers’ Guide 2019 Page 25

MOVING MOUNTAINS Ok, well maybe not mountains as such – but moving the entire contents of your house is no mean feat at any rate…

Moving house, or rather its contents, is a rather stressful undertaking. The trick is to plan your removal well beforehand, and don’t leave it until it’s too late to book either a removals firm or storage – or both!

When you are asking for removals quotes remember things like your garden shed, contents of your loft and garage and garden furniture. These are often big-ticket items that can fill a van on their own and could alter the price of your quote dramatically.

Many removals companies offer a full packing service, but if you are undertaking it yourself then make a list to help you to record what’s in each box or container. Devise your own system, but keep it simple and ensure that it will allow you to easily identify where everything is. BOCS Self Storage in Mochdre has a range of labels available so that you know exactly what is packed where…

And, regardless of whether your boxes are going straight to your new home or into storage for a while, make sure that they aren’t over or under filled. Overfilling will make the boxes very heavy to lift and will run the risk of splitting them at the bottom, while partially filled boxes may collapse if heavy items are placed on top of them.

It is essential that you have plenty of paper,

bubble wrap, cartons and containers. You will also need lots of string and parcel tape, but try to avoid newspaper as the print will rub off on your belongings.

As far as your soft furnishings go, make sure that you use mattress covers and settee covers, and ensure that you don’t place heavy items with sharp corners on top of sofas and other upholstery – as these can be damaged quite easily if you do this.

Start packing two or three weeks in advance, keeping only essential items aside until the last day or two.

These will include things like your credit cards, keys, wallet, phone and medication – and the kettle! Moving house is thirsty work after all…n BOCS Self Storage www.bocs-storage.co.uk

Home Buyers’ Guide 2019 Page 27

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THE BUYING PROCESS Understanding the property buying process is the key to a stress free purchase, says Samuel Highcock of Osborns Legal.

Moving house can be a stressful time for anyone. Part of that stress comes from the feeling of helplessness and lack of understanding around what is going on. It’s probably the most amount of money you will ever spend but often you can feel like you’re not really involved at all.

Once you have appointed someone to act, you will usually be asked for some money on account and to provide ID. Strict guidelines are in place surrounding ID and proof of funds and although it can be frustrating having to provide documents, the checks are in place to protect you and whoever is acting for you.

One way to relieve that stress and give yourself time to get excited instead is to have more of an understanding of what exactly happens between instructing a solicitor or conveyancer and completion.

Next, you may not hear from your chosen representative for a little while. They will be carrying out searches, checking the title to the property and asking any questions. They may also be checking your mortgage offer at this time. During this time, if you have any questions about the property that you have been wondering about, it is worth mentioning your concerns to your conveyancer so that

It’s important to choose a solicitor or conveyancer that you feel comfortable dealing with and who won’t mind answering questions.

Home Buyers’ Guide 2019 Page 29

they can get the answers for you. If you are selling, the other side will be asking questions.

You may have to fill in some forms or answer some queries yourself. This can take a little time and it is here that most frustrations arise.

Don’t be afraid to ask your conveyancer for an update and assistance.

Once both sides are happy with the answers provided, a completion date will be agreed. If you are buying, you will be asked to provide a deposit or even the full amount. You will also be asked to sign a contract and a transfer document.

Once contracts are exchanged, both sides are committed to complete the transaction. Your mortgage funds will be requested or you will be asked to provide the rest of the purchase money.

On the day of completion, the full purchase price will be transferred. If you are selling, your conveyancer will pay off any mortgages, pay your estate agent bill, bill their costs and arrange for

Page 30 Home Buyers’ Guide 2019

the balance to be sent to you. You should ensure that keys are with your agent before completion and that you have read your meters.

If purchasing, the agent will be told once money has been received meaning that you can collect the keys to your new property. Be sure to take meter readings and check that everything was left as agreed.

After completion, the property is transferred at the Land Registry in to the new owners name and any land tax is paid. You will be informed once this has taken place.

Choosing the right conveyancer at the start will help take away some of the stress of the process. If you are able to ask questions and feel that the process is explained to you properly, it can make a huge difference and change what could be a stressful period in to one of the most exciting things you could do. n Osborns Legal www.osbornslegal.co.uk