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The Legal 500

Downsizing

At Banner Jones, we’ve helped many couples, and individuals downsize, reduce their outgoings and free-up a lump sum amount that’s tied up in their home.

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Downsizing in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Dronfield and Mansfield

Talk to Banner Jones. We are ready to help you.

How Can Our Conveyancing Solicitors Help?

We know it can be hard when the children have left the nest. However, with all the extra space, it is a good opportunity to consider moving to a smaller property.

At Banner Jones, we’ve helped many couples, and individuals downsize, reduce their outgoings and free-up a lump sum amount that’s tied up in their home. As a leading ‘UK Legal 500’ Law Firm and accredited by the Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), you can rest assured that Banner Jones can help. We have dealt with every aspect of conveyancing under a variety of circumstances.

  • Our conveyancing costs are competitive and fixed fee.
  • There are no hidden fees.
  • Your case will be managed by a member of our dedicated conveyancing team.
  • Banner Jones is a long-lasting law firm and has been in business since 1878.
  • You can choose to visit our offices, or the conveyancing process can be done over the phone all supported with our "Flying Start" online conveyancing portal

Contact our residential conveyancing solicitors on 0330 017 6309.

Get in touch with our team

Buying and Selling Houses

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Buying and Selling Houses

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I received excellent service for the purchase of my house

Mrs S,Sheffield

Talk to Banner Jones. We are ready to help you.

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Frequently Asked Downsizing Questions

An investor has pulled out causing our chain to collapse, what can we do?

The current market and national economy is so uncertain that people may choose to wait and indeed remove their risk by pulling out of the transaction.  Although there is no reason not to carry on as normal in terms of the legal process we have to consider slower transaction times or hesitant investors or buyers.

At what point in the process is it legally binding?

You can withdraw from a sale or purchase up until the point contracts have been exchanged. Any deposits paid after exchange of contract will then by non-refundable. After contracts are exchanged you are then responsible for the property you are buying and should arrange suitable insurance from this date.

How long are local searches valid for?

A local authority search completed for a house purchase is valid for 3 months.

How long does the conveyancing process take on average?

We usually say 8-12 weeks for an average sale or purchase. Queries and concerns can often come out of the local authority searches which need further investigation and sometimes this leads to re-approval from the Mortgage lender. This can add further time into the process.

What happens if the house I am buying has quarantined owners in it?

Unfortunately, in this situation the seller will not be able to give vacant possession, which will lead to completion delays.  As a preventative measure, as per question 1, we can offer to exchange contracts and complete on the same day, which ensures that contracts are only exchanged if all parties in the chain are able to move on that day, thus reducing the risk to all parties.  This can be more stressful so we ask that clients be sensible and accommodating of the situation.

What happens if we can’t produce certificates for work we’ve had done on the house we’re selling?

You can indemnify the work by taking out an insurance policy. This means that you can not be held liable for any future fault on the work that was done. We can arrange this for you

What is Stamp Duty and how much will I have to pay?

Stamp Duty is a tax levied by HM Government on a transfer of property. For residential single property ownership this tax is calculated at 5% for the portion of the property value between £250,001 and £925,000, 10% for the portion between £925,001 and £1,500,000 and 12% for the portion £1,500,001 and over. Duty may also be chargeable on any rental charge (leases only) - this affects both residential and commercial leases where different thresholds are applied. There are different rates for First time buyers and "second homes/buy to let".

See our stamp duty page for more details

What is the difference between Joint Tenants and Tenants in Common?

Tenants is Common is where two or more people are entitled to the proceeds of sale in distinct shares - on the death of one, his/her interest will not pass to the survivor(s) but will be part of his/her estate. Joint Tenants are on the other hand 50/50 Co-owners of land - when one of them dies, his/her rights of ownership pass to the survivor(s).

Downsizing Resources

How to Avoid Property Fraud

How to Avoid Property Fraud

We know that moving house is often a very busy and stressful time. This may leave you more susceptible to falling victim to property fraud. This guide outlines useful advice on what you can do to help protect yourself.

Thinking of turning your home into an Airbnb?

Thinking of turning your home into an Airbnb?

The restrictions on overseas travel has seen a race for UK holiday accommodation.  Where property owners look to make money from ‘staycations’ by offering their homes on sharing platforms such as Airbnb, the ease of letting does not take away the responsibility to understand and keep up with relevant rules and regulations.   

5 steps to a simple house move

5 steps to a simple house move

Is it ever possible to get the keys to a new home without gaining a few grey hairs? Read on to find out how to make it as simple as possible.

Is Downsizing Right For you?

Is Downsizing Right For you?

There are several reasons why downsizing your home may become a serious consideration for you in the future.

Selling Your House

Selling Your House

We have outlined the process of selling a home in our easy to digest, downloadable guide which provides you with essential information on the 6 stages of buying a home.

Is Equity Release Right For You?

Is Equity Release Right For You?

To find out whether equity release is really for you, we have developed the following article outlining key information.

Buying and Selling Houses

Buying and Selling Houses

Download our free guide covering everything you need to know about the process of buying or selling a residential property.

Online Privacy in the Office

Online Privacy in the Office

Companies are within their rights to monitor the private online activities of their employees when they are in the office.

Birth Injury- The patient’s right to information

Birth Injury- The patient’s right to information

A woman recently won damages on behalf of her son for injuries sustained at his birth as a result of the alleged negligence of a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist.

Divorce Survival Tips

Divorce Survival Tips

We’ve enlisted the help of some local relationship counsellors in Sheffield to provide you with some survival advice to help get you through a divorce.

Great service from start to finish. Josh kept us updated throughout the process and was always very prompt with responses. Highly recommended.

Mr & Mrs B, Mansfield

House moves are very stressful. First rate service. I was put at ease with everything and the way our move was handled. I would highly recomend Banner Jones.

Mr & Mrs B, Chesterfield

I received excellent service for the purchase of my house

Mrs S,Sheffield

Hollie was really great! What a great team, thank you very much!

Mr & Mrs H, Mansfield

Holly

Many thanks for all your help in making the sale /purchase of the above properties such a thoroughly smooth, stress free journey.

We can highly recommend your company .

Mr & Mrs C, Hockley

Thanks very much Jenna. I have been very happy with Banner Jones's help in the sale of my home. Please pass on my thanks to Gemma. Best wishes.

Mr W, Derbyshire

Hollie was excellent. They responded to all our enquires straight away and explained everything in great detail. Banner Jones offer a friendly and reliable service.

Mr & Mrs J, Isle of Wight

Thank you for my Dad's house sale.  We were really impressed with the service you gave.  The whole process was fast, we never had to chase and you kept us up to date with everything very quickly.

Mrs B, Matlock

Excellent communication throughout our conveyancing process. Thank you.

Mr & Mrs B, Chesterfield

From start to finish on dealing with the selling of the property Karen Askew has been most helpful in keeping us informed and we are very grateful for that. Thank you.

Mr & Mrs W, Old Whittington

Meet the Downsizing Team

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