Buying house for first time: what's next?

HaleD4819

This is a bit of a clueless post, sorry. Not bought a house before and trying to gauge how long it will be before the sale is finished/I can move in. I asked the solicitor and he sort of gave a laugh and palmed me off with some talk of the various things he is waiting on. I'm not looking for a precise date, more just an idea of when I can expect to move in.

For reference, the survey was done at the beginning of January, and I've sent all my documents etc to the solicitors. I've got my mortgage offer and deposit ready. The estate agent did e-mail me to tell me that the vendor pack with the draft contracts etc did not initially go to the right place, so the seller got the documents last week. My solicitor says they haven't started the searches yet, and that they haven't received something from the estate agent/vendor yet, which I haphazardly presume is draft contract that has been delayed. The estate agent also told me that the property will come "with vacant possession" at the beginning of March, which is my best clue as to when I might be able to get in.

I'm a little antsy to know when I can get the ball rolling, as where I am living now is not ideal (currently sharing with a very impatient, bad-tempered relative who loves to tell me how useless I am etc, which I do my best to tune out, but it takes its toll.) From what I've said, can anyone more experienced give me a rough idea of what to expect in the next few weeks/estimate how long it will take from this point onwards? Also, would it be possible to get a general idea of what else needs doing in the process (I know the solicitors and estate agents might assume I know what the process entails, but I do feel a little bit kept in the dark. For example, I had no idea searches were a thing until I googled it immediately after the conversation with the solicitor)?

Edit for additional question: I've just gotten an e-mail. The solicitor is talking about waiting for the title information, and that he needs to check if they are "good." I understand what the title information is, but what does he mean by "good"?

Thank you very much in advance!

PasturesNew

I'd guess a date in May's likely as a moving in date.

Things take longer than you think/like, nothing seems to happen, then there'll be a question asked that somebody will think "should have asked at the start", with an "unknown" answer leaving you to make a decision. Then it goes quiet again ..... and all the actual "buying bit" occurs at very short notice towards the end.

Tips: Don't complete on a Friday - if anything goes wrong you've no time to sort it out as it's then the weekend and everybody's gone home.

hazyjo

Is it currently tenanted?


If the tenants don't move out, it could be months. Don't exchange until they are definitely out (although your solicitor shouldn't allow that anyway).


It's 12 weeks on average from offer to completion. I've done it in 5 weeks and another 5 months - it's very vague.

HaleD4819

It's tenanted, but the tenants were given notice to move out back in December, when I first got my offer accepted. I think that is what the estate agent meant by "with vacant possession," from what I've googled about that phrase.

gary83

HaleD4819 wrote: »

It's tenanted, but the tenants were given notice to move out back in December, when I first got my offer accepted. I think that is what the estate agent meant by "with vacant possession," from what I've googled about that phrase.

So best case scenario if the tennants cooperate they'll be out at the end of the notice period, I'm assuming 2 months taking it to February? Worst case scenario and the tenants don't cooperate expect them to be evicted in 12-18 months.

Pixie5740

HaleD4819 wrote: »

It's tenanted, but the tenants were given notice to move out back in December, when I first got my offer accepted. I think that is what the estate agent meant by "with vacant possession," from what I've googled about that phrase.

No, the tenants were given notice that the landlord might go to court seeking a possession order because the tenancy can only be ended by the tenants or a court. If the tenants decide to take it all the way to court it could easily take up to 40 weeks to evict.

G_M

'Good Title' means the seller genuinely owns the property and is legally in a position to sell it to you.

Buying a property with tenants is frauht with risk. Just because they've been given notice does nott mean they will leave. or won't trash the place in a hissy fit at being kicked out of their home.

I would never spend money on survey, legals, mortgage application etc till after the tenants have left.

Now go to the library:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Buy-Sell-Move-House-Navigating/dp/1844901424