There are lots of legal documents involved in buying a house, and if you’re unfamiliar with the process, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The kinds of legal considerations you’ll need to factor into your purchase can include:

• Surveys and stamp duty fees
• Financials (such as your deposit)
• The exchanging of contracts
• Completion

Find a Shared Ownership solicitor 

Before you start worrying about the legal process, keep in mind that you’re not expected to sift through land registration documents or carry out surveys yourself. In fact, your first step should be to find a suitable Shared Ownership solicitor (or any solicitor familiar with the Shared Ownership process) before you reserve your home. This ensures you have the right support from the outset and can proceed smoothly with your purchase.

If you seek out a Shared Ownership solicitor as early in the process as possible, it will make your life easier in the long run. This is because they’ll often do more than just file documents on your behalf – a great solicitor can help by:

• Explaining how the whole process works, start to finish
• Giving advice and recommendations at every stage
• Communicating with other legal representatives, such as the seller’s solicitor
• Resolving any issues as and when they arise

Once you’ve found a Shared Ownership solicitor you’d like to work with, make sure to provide them with as much information and documentation as you can at this stage. This includes things like your ID and current financial status, as well as information on the property you’d like to buy, whether you have a mortgage in principle already, and how you plan to pay for your deposit. 

We have a number of recommended solicitors you can contact to progress your Shared Ownership purchase, and our team liaise directly with your solicitor to move the purchase along efficiently.

Mortgage documents 

In the UK, purchasing a house with a mortgage will require the involvement of a solicitor. This is a safeguard for both the buyer and the seller, ensuring you fully understand the legal commitments you are making throughout the process.

Before you can move past the qualification stage of your home purchase, it is important to secure a mortgage in principle. This is a formal statement from a lender, indicating the amount they are prepared to lend you based on your current financial circumstances. Having this agreement in place signals to seller that you are a genuine buyer, ready and financially able to proceed.

If you are considering Shared Ownership, it’s wise to consult a specialist mortgage adviser who can recommend the most suitable products for your situation. Once you have chosen a mortgage, your solicitor will make sure everything is correct and that there are no hidden pitfalls. 

This step offers an additional layer of protection, giving you peace of mind before you commit to your new home.

Searches and surveys 

During the homebuying process, searches and surveys will be undertaken. These are often used to make sure that the seller has the right to sell the property. Surveys will then highlight any issues that you may not have been aware of.Searches carried out during this stage can include:

• HM Land Registry
• Local Authority
• Environmental
• Water and Drainage

Often, many mortgage lenders will only be able to offer a mortgage if these searches have been carried out.

Contracts 

The contract is one of the most important legal documents when purchasing a home, as it sets out all the binding terms and conditions of your purchase. 

Your solicitor will manage the process of exchanging contracts, which makes the agreement legally binding, and will also oversee completion – the stage at which the purchase funds are transferred to the seller and you officially take ownership of your new home.

Do I need a Shared Ownership solicitor to buy a house in the UK?	Yes, it is highly recommended to engage a qualified Shared Ownership solicitor or conveyancer during the process of buying your Shared Ownership home. They handle the complex legal processes, paperwork, and ensure your interests are protected throughout the transaction.
What is conveyancing?	Conveyancing is the legal process involved in transferring the ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer. It includes tasks like conducting searches, reviewing contracts, and handling the financial aspects of the sale.
What is the difference between freehold and leasehold?	Freehold means that you own the property outright, including the land it’s built on. Leasehold, means that you own a property but not the surrounding land on which it’s built. Our properties are always leasehold, but you can find out more in our comprehensive guide to freehold vs leasehold homes.
How long does it take to buy a house?	Because of all the legal work involved in the homebuying process, it can take time. For a more detailed breakdown, take a look at our step-by-step timeline.