Finding a solicitor to help you buy a shared ownership home is an important decision. They will be acting on your behalf throughout the purchase, keeping you informed of progress and advising on any concerns.
It is usually best to find a solicitor who is experienced in dealing with shared ownership purchases and leases. Here are some of the other things you need to consider.
Get a quote
Contact a couple of solicitors to obtain quotes before instructing. Ask them to advise you in writing if they expect any additional costs to arise. Many solicitors will ask you to pay the fees to cover the various local authority and other searches in advance, often around £250 upfront.
Check your lender's panel
If you know which lender you will be using for your mortgage, make sure the solicitor is on their panel of approved solicitors and so can act for your lender too. If your solicitor is not, and the lender has to instruct a different solicitor to act on their behalf, you will be charged additional fees.
Tell them who is involved
If you are receiving any money from a parent or another person to help pay for the house, then tell your solicitor and mortgage advisor as soon as possible. They will need to inform the lender and ensure that they are happy to proceed. This will prevent any delays later in the process.
Take your documents
A solicitor will usually need to see identification documents, such as your passport or driving licence and a bank statement or utility bill, before getting started so make sure you have these documents available.
If you need any help in finding a solicitor, please take a look at our solicitors panel below.
Shared Ownership Solicitors Panel
Solicitor Firm: Wartnaby Hefford
Location:Market Harborough
Contact: Rachel Alvey
Email: rachelalvey@wartnabyhefford.co.uk
Address: 44 High Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7AH
Telephone: 01858 463322
Solicitor Firm: Franklins Solicitors
Location: Northampton
Contact: Kris Raca | Maria Bevan
Email: marie.bevan@franklins-sols.co.uk
Telephone: 01604 828205
Solicitor Firm: NB Law
Location: Leicester
Contact: Nick Brown
Email: nick.brown@nblaw.co.uk
Address: 18 High Street, tattershall, Lincoln LN4 4LE
Telephone: 01526 344858
Solicitor Firm: Direction Law
Location: Nationwide
Contact: Direction Law
Email: online.enquiries@directionlaw.co.uk
Telephone: 01227 812745
Solicitor Firm: PLS Solicitors
Location: Nationwide
Contact: Alex Spragg
Email: legalunit7@pls-solicitors.co.uk
Telephone: 03300562194