2. Finding a solicitor

Once your offer has been accepted you will need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer. Most estate agents will recommend you to a solicitor, but you do not have to use that one. You can find a list of all the solicitors in your area at:

http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/choosingandusing/findasolicitor.law

Ask your solicitors what you will have to pay them.

What your solicitor will do

Check the deeds and documents
The seller's solicitor will give your solicitor evidence that the seller owns the property. This will include other useful information about the property.

Make enquiries
Your solicitor will raise enquiries with the seller's solicitors and carry out searches, which will give them more information about the property you are buying. For example, they will find out about the heating and electrical systems; whether the property is connected to the public sewers and water systems; and whether there are any environmental problems.

Deal with stamp duty land tax
You have to pay stamp duty land tax on your purchase if the price is more than £125,000.00. Your solicitor will tell you how much this tax will be.

Register your legal ownership
Your solicitor will register your ownership of the property with HM Land Registry.