A list of all documents that prove title to land.

To transfer the right or interest in a property from one person to another.

The person to whom the right or interest of property is transferred.

The person who transfers a right or interest of property to another person.

A cheque drawn directly from a bank’s funds, and not from an individual’s account.

The person or people who are entitled to receive the proceeds of a sale.

Where one of the parties bound by a contract fails to keep to the contract’s terms and conditions.

A standard form used by solicitors to request the mortgage or loan funds from the lender.

A loan that is secured against land or property.

A solicitor’s bank account where a client’s money is held.

The date that a contract takes effect and property ownership passes from seller to buyer.

A list of all the financial aspects of a transaction. Produced by a solicitor, it sets the costs against the money being received and shows whether money needs to be paid to the client or whether a shortfall needs to be made up before completion.

A written and signed agreement between buyer and seller.

When a seller deals with more than one prospective buyer and exchanges contracts with whichever is ready first.

A person qualified to undertake conveyancing.  Either a solicitor or licensed conveyancer.

The term used to describe the legal process of transferring a property from one owner to the next.

An agreement contained within a contract or a deed that binds somebody to do something (or not to do something).

A formal document that is executed by a formally witnessed signature.

The amount of money paid by the buyer on exchange of contracts, usually 10% of the purchase price.

Fees paid by the buyers solicitor on his or her behalf, which include stamp duty, land registry and search fees.

A right granted over a property or land e.g. a right of way.

This is a new type of survey that assesses the energy efficiency of a property along with the environmental impact based on its CO2 emissions.

A report on the land uses of a property and its surroundings now and in the past. This will indicate the likelihood of contamination or pollution.

The point at which the signed contracts to buy and sell are exchanged along with your deposit, to legally commit the buyer and seller to the transaction, at the price agreed.

Fixtures are items that have become part of a building or land and are therefore included in the sale. Fittings are not attached to the building or land and so are not included in the sale unless otherwise agreed. The seller will complete a fixtures and fittings form that will confirm what is included in the sale, what isn’t included, and what is for sale separately.

When a property belongs entirely to the owner (subject to any mortgage or lease granted).

The charge made by the freeholder to the leaseholder as a right to occupy a property.

Insurance against any aspect of a property transaction such as an adverse search result or breach of planning/building regulations. This will not solve any problems but it will provide compensation

Where a property is purchased under joint tenancy. Normally used for husband and wife purchases because if one of the owners dies then his/her share will automatically pass to the survivor. Also see tenants in common.

The Government department responsible for registering ownership of land.

For a leasehold property, this document sets out the terms of occupation between landlord and tenant.

Owning a property for a fixed term but not the land on which it stands.

Application made to the Local Authority for information that may affect a property. The search results will show such things such as planning restrictions and whether the roads have been adopted and are maintained by the Council.

An amount paid by a leaseholder as a contribution to the cost of maintaining and repairing the structure of the building and its insurance. Can be paid to a landlord, managing agent or management company. Also known as service charge.

Company formed to manage obligations of a lease such as insurance and repairs.

Firm employed by a landlord or management company to arrange practical maintenance and general management of a building.

Loan secured against a property.

The mortgage lender e.g. a bank or building society.

Mortgage borrower.

National House Builder Council.  The NHBC provide a ten year insurance policy on the main structure of new properties.

Certified copies of entries on a register title, provided by the Land Registry.

Official consent/approval from a Local Authority for works undertaken on a property.

Also known as a Protocol Form the PIF is provided by the seller's solicitor and is completed by the seller. It forms part of the conveyancing process and covers such matters as boundaries, services, guarantees for work carried out and planning consents.

This is issued by the HIP provider and forms part of the HIP. It must be completed by the seller to provide details relating to the ownership of the property and information about services such as council tax banding and the utilities.

When a mortgage is paid off.

Where a mortgage lender retains part of a loan, pending satisfactory completion of specified works.

Amount paid by a leaseholder as a contribution to the cost of maintaining and repairing the structure of a building and its insurance. Can be paid to a landlord, managing agent or management company. Also known as maintenance charge.

Tax payable to HM Revenue & Customs when a purchase price is more than £125,000 or more than £250,000 for first time buyers.

Negotiations between a buyer and seller before exchange of contracts. Any agreement is not binding until contracts are exchanged.

The electronic transfer of funds from one bank account to another.

A person who pays rent for the use of property or land.

Where a property is purchased jointly with equal or unequal shares.

The type of ownership, either freehold or leasehold.

Land Registry deed transferring ownership to a buyer. This will be prepared by the buyer’s solicitor.

A further lease of whole or part of a property granted by an existing tenant.

Seller.