Our Conveyancing Solicitors in Lytham’s guide to buying land next to your property
Posted on 19th March 2024
Purchasing land adjacent to your existing property can be an attractive proposition for many homeowners. Whether you are looking to expand your garden, build an extension, or simply enjoy a larger buffer from your neighbours, acquiring neighbouring land can enhance your property’s value and your enjoyment of it. However, the process involves several key steps and considerations, particularly in the realm of conveyancing—the legal process of transferring property from one owner to another. Here’s a step-by-step guide from our Conveyancing Solicitors in Lytham on how to buy land next to your property and navigate the conveyancing process effectively.
Fixed-fee Conveyancing Solicitors:
MG Legal's leading Conveyancing Solicitors offer all of our Conveyancing services on a clear, fixed-fee rate.
Our team put your first, and work with care to ensure that your wishes are met. Call us today on a free, no-obligation basis at: 01253 202452.
Get in touch today to speak to our Conveyancing Solicitors.
Step 1: Expressing Interest and Negotiating a Purchase
The first step is to express your interest to the owner of the adjacent land. This could be a direct approach if you know the owner personally or through a solicitor or estate agent. Once you have made contact, you will need to negotiate a price. It is wise to have the land appraised by a professional, such as an estate agent or surveyor, to ensure you are offering a fair price.
Step 2: Engaging a Conveyancing Solicitor
Once you have agreed on a price, the next step is to engage a conveyancing solicitor, such as our team of Conveyancing Solicitors in Lytham. The solicitor will handle all the legal aspects of the purchase, from conducting searches, if required, to raising enquiries, to drawing up and finalising the purchase contracts. Choose a solicitor experienced in land purchases, as this can be more complex than buying a built property, due to the rights of way and easements that need to be added to the Transfer to secure your rights over the land.
Step 3: Conducting Searches and Surveys
Your Conveyancing Solicitor will conduct various searches to ensure there are no legal impediments or issues with the land. These may include local authority searches, environmental searches, and title searches. It is also advisable to commission a land search to establish the exact boundaries of the property and identify any potential issues, such as rights of way or easements that could affect your use of the land.
Step 4: Securing Financing
If you are not purchasing the land outright with cash, you will need to secure financing. This might involve extending your existing mortgage or obtaining a new loan. Financing land can be more challenging than financing a property with a building, as lenders often see it as a higher risk. Be prepared to shop around for a mortgage provider willing to lend on land purchases.
Step 5: Exchanging Contracts
Once the legal work is complete and financing is in place, you will move to exchange contracts with the seller. This is the point at which the sale becomes legally binding on both parties. A deposit is usually paid at this stage, and a completion date is set, which is when the balance of the purchase price is paid, and ownership of the land transfers to you.
Step 6: Completion and Post-Completion Formalities
On the completion date, your solicitor will transfer the remaining funds to the seller’s solicitor, and you will become the legal owner of the land. Your solicitor will then handle the post-completion formalities, such as paying any Stamp Duty Land Tax (if applicable) and registering your ownership with the Land Registry.
Why choose MG Legal Solicitors?
Transparent fees.
Our solicitors offer their services on a clear fixed-fee or hourly rate, and accept personal injury claims on a no win no fee basis.
We are the experts.
Here at MG Legal, our team of friendly solicitors are fully-qualified and have over thirty years' experience in helping clients just like you.
Regular communication.
When you work with MG Legal, your solicitor will be in regular contact so you have step-by-step updates.
Multiple office locations.
If you are looking to instruct our solicitors, we have offices in Garstang, Longridge, Lancaster and Lytham for your convenience.
Additional Considerations
Planning Permission
If you intend to develop the land, it is crucial to check the local planning permissions and restrictions before you buy. You may want to secure conditional planning permission as part of the purchase, to ensure you can use the land as intended following completion.
Access and Services
Ensure the land has access to essential services like water, electricity, and sewage. If not, you will need to factor in the cost and feasibility of connecting these services.
Rights and Restrictions
Buying land adjacent to your property can significantly enhance your living space and property value, but it requires careful planning and consideration. Engaging a CQS-accredited conveyancing solicitor early in the process is key to navigating the legal complexities and ensuring a smooth transaction. By understanding the steps involved and preparing adequately, you can make your vision for expanding your property a reality.
Contact our team of Conveyancing Solicitors in Lytham on 01253 202452 or email property@mglegal.co.uk for your fixed-fee quote for your land purchase. Our Solicitors are CQS-accredited, SRA Regulated, and have the experience and knowledge to make your land purchase proceed seamlessly and quickly, with as little stress to you as possible.
Why choose MG Legal, Conveyancing Solicitors?
Clear, fixed-fees
Fully-Qualified Conveyancing Solicitors
Tailored Service
Multiple Office Locations
Decades of Experience
Home Visits
Tagged as: Conveyancing, Solicitors in Lytham
Share this post: