CORONAVIRUS UPDATE APRIL 2021

A message to our clients:

With the recent move to allow shops and offices to fully re-open, we will continue to review our policy on clients attending our offices. Currently, we are not inviting clients into the office but we are able to briefly meet with clients by appointment at the door of the office. Please note that face coverings are still required indoors until further notice. We remain committed to following the Government guidelines as rules continue to change in line with the easing of lockdown.

We continue to operate our business as usual across all the services that we offer our clients, both current and prospective.

We continue to offer teleconference-based or telephone consultations.. We are aware that not everyone has been offered full vaccination yet and understand that some people may feel safer continuing with socially distanced communications.

Our family and wills / probate solicitors continue to offer initial advice remotely by video conferencing and by telephone for up to one hour (as advertised on this website). Please call us if you would like to speak to one of our experts.

If you have a case in court, please telephone us so we can discuss representation.

We appreciate your patience, support and understanding over the past year since the restrictions related to the pandemic began. We hope you continue to stay safe, and wish you a brighter 2021!

Talk to a solicitor today 0117 973 1391
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The impact of COVID-19 on your conveyancing transaction

Conveyancing

May 1st 2020

The Property department are still working and contactable as normal whilst continuing to follow Public Health England’s guidance. We have noticed some disruption to conveyancing transactions in the current COVID-19 pandemic, however we are trying to work around these causing as minimal stress to our clients.

The conveyancing directors are following the government updates and guidance issued to best assist their clients with their property transactions.

The government have issued guidance in relation to conveyancing transactions and if they should proceed.

The government have advised that only moves into unoccupied properties should continue and that the health of individuals and the public must be the main priority.

In conveyancing if contracts are exchanged you are legally obliged to leave the property at the said time and date contained within the contract, unless an agreement can be made to vary the contract. This means that if contracts are exchanged and you are unable to move, due to illness or cancellation of your removal company etc., you would be in breach of contract. If you are found to be in breach of contract you could be liable for the costs of the delay and interest that have been incurred throughout the chain.

We are currently not recommending that anyone exchanges contracts on a property. Instead, providing that there is no chain and the property is vacant we are suggesting that exchange takes place on the day of completion. This is called a ‘simultaneous exchange and completion’. A simultaneous exchange and completion means that although a date has been agreed in principle from the chain and usually arrangements have been made such as mortgage monies being requested there is no legal obligation to complete on this day. On the day of completion all parties will confirm they are happy to complete and exchange and completion will then happen at the same time.

Simultaneous exchange and completion limits the risk, as you would not be in breach of contract should you need to self isolate or delay completion for any other reason.

If you have any questions or concerns then please do get in touch on 0117 973 1391.