Q. How long does it take? A. Very hard to say. On average approximately 4 to 6 weeks to Exchange of Contracts with Completion 2-4 weeks later. It can be much quicker, and it can take longer. Q. What dictates the speed of the transaction? A. If you are in a chain, Exchange cannot take place until everyone is ready. The matter will proceed at the rate of the slowest party involved. Where you are buying you will want to see your Mortgage Offer and all the Property Information before you agree to exchange. Q. What happens at Exchange? A. The Buyer pays a deposit, usually 10% of the purchase price. It is paid before Exchange to the Buyer's solicitor who will then, at the time of Exchange, pay this to the Seller's solicitor. On Exchange of Contracts all parties are bound to proceed. Exchange is organised by the solicitors over the telephone and there is no requirement for either the Buyer or the Seller to be present. At the time of Exchange the Completion Date is written into the Contract. Where you are both buying and selling at the same time, you can use the Deposit receivable on your sale towards the Deposit required for your purchase Q. What happens at Completion? A. The balance of the purchase price is paid by Bank transfer to the Seller's solicitors. The Buyer collects the keys which are usually left with the Estate Agents and moves in. Completion usually takes place by 2.30pm. Q. What do I have to pay, when and to whom? A. £250 to us on account of expenses and costs at the outset of the transaction. Where you are buying you need to arrange to transfer the Deposit to us before Exchange. The balance of the purchase money plus Stamp Duty, Land Registry fees and other expenses needs to be paid shortly before Completion Q. How do I proceed? A. Click above on contact us, or telephone Andrew Weir or Alan Zeffertt on 020 7357 9494