First time buyer - timing writing a will

Alicefward

I'm grateful if anyone is able to offer any advice. I am a first time buyer purchasing a flat with my partner as tenants in common. I know I will need to write a will. I plan to use the Which? online service as suggested in an article on this website. I am just wondering if a will has to specify the exact property you own and therefore I would need to have completed on my purchase, before I write the will.
I'm just wondering if I can be organised and get it sorted in advance with reference to generic 'any property I own...'.?
We should be exchanging end of next week.
Thank you.

JimmyTheWig

Surely it would be easier, and safer, to wait a week than to rely on an answer you get from a stranger on the internet?

Are you concerned about dying between exchange of contracts and making your will a few weeks later?

MrJB

If you want to leave certain items to certain people, do that, but you can then state the remainder of your estate to be left in x%'s to y & Z or whatever. Obviously property changes in value, and the value of your estate may also change.

SmlSave

If you've had a good experience with your solicitors/conveyancer ask them if they do Wills. They should know you, know the property and how you wish to hold it.

Please do go for a more expensive solicitor to write your Will rather than a will writing service - it is worth it in the long run. But don't let any one charge you for 'storage', decent places store for free.

Alicefward

Thanks everyone. Unfortunately my solicitor only does conveyancing and so can't write me a will. The local solicitors in Surbiton are all quoting me around £400. This seemed like a lot of money although not in the grand scheme of buying a flat I know.

SmlSave

Is that for one Will or two Alicefward? If for two then it's an average price, being tenants in common means it's not a basic Will

ThePants999

Personally I'd just wait until completion. But if you want to be organised, you could just get it done now, naming the property you're going to buy!

Alicefward

That price was just for me as my partner can get his done through work. And I had 2 local quotes at that price.

AdrianC

You never HAVE to have a will - and buying a property doesn't change a will anyway.

davidmcn

Alicefward wrote: »

I'm just wondering if I can be organised and get it sorted in advance with reference to generic 'any property I own...'.?

Yes - and unless there's something special about the house, that's usually the best course of action - you might not get round to updating your Will the next time you move.

Or even simpler, if you simply want to leave your whole estate to your partner, you don't need to mention houses at all, as they'd be included.

Alicefward

Thanks that's hrelpful to know. I might try and get it done this week and keep it general.