Costs of the practicalities of moving

Yorkie1

The basic survey is for the lender's benefit only. You will generally not be allowed to rely on its contents or omissions if something crops up later on, as the lender is the client for that survey, and not you. Go for the middle or top ones, depending on the nature of the property and any indications you may have about the structure etc of the house. Do not just get a mate in unless he is RICS qualified and is doing it on a professional basis (indemnity insurance etc).

Get itemised quotes from 2 or 3 solicitors before you instruct one. Compare like with like, as well as asking the questions above about further charges (there may be some from the leasehold company for answering enquiries etc). I would avoid a cheap online conveyancer for a leasehold transaction in particular as there is scope for far more complications, and you won't get continuity of someone dealing with the file throughout. Increased delays and risk of things being overlooked.

pph

Thanks Yorkie1, I have started looking for a conveyencer with this in mind.

On the general topic of fees involved in buying, there was a great guide right under my nose:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mortgages/house-buying-guide#six

:T