Buying property. When to send signed contract?

red_imps_2003

Can somebody confirm for my peace of mind, please? I'm buying a property and we (me and the vendor) are the only people in the chain. Our mortgage offer has been issued and we are happy with the survey results, property information form and fixtures and fittings form. The only thing we are waiting on is the search results. Is it too early to sign the contract and send to the solicitor? I know things aren't legally binding until they are exchanged by the solicitors (which requires our agreement); I am just seeking reassurance that there is no risk in sending the signed contract before search results are through.

With thanks, as always.

fed_up_and_stressed

Signing and returning the contract doesn't mean its binding at that point.

Exchange is the key matter when both parties have formally agreed the contract and when it "kicks in". I would contact the solicitor when you return the contract (perferably in writing) to explicitly state that you insist the solicitor contacts you to request authority to exchange.

In my experience they always have anyway but I'm a bit OCD like that !

soundmary

We have just bought and sold recently and I had exactly the same question. I did sign the contract at the same sort of stage as you. It was all fine with my solicitor only exchanging contracts after speaking to me.

red_imps_2003

Thank you both; that's reassuring. We have purchased twice before but you forget exactly when you did when. Am posting off the transfer of deeds form tomorrow and figure I may as well send the signed contract at the same time.