Chapter 11: Post Completion

Question 1

After completion, what steps must a seller’s solicitor take before closing their file?

Answer 1

1. Call client confirming completion and follow up by written confirmation.
2. Discharge any mortgage
3. Pay estate agent

Question 2

If the buyer is a company, what must the buyer’s solicitor do?

Answer 2

Register any company charge at the Companies Registry within 21 days of completion

Question 3

When must a buyer’s solicitor register title?

Answer 3

Registered land: 30 working days of HMLR official search with priority
Unregistered land: Within 2 months of completion

Question 4

If the conveyance is for a new leasehold of more than 7 years, what must the buyer’s solicitor do?

Answer 4

Apply to register the lease at HMLR to create a new title for the lease

Question 5

If the conveyance was an assignment of an existing lease, what must the seller’s solicitor do?

Answer 5

• Send the buyer’s solicitor the original lease and original licence to assign (if one exists)
• Prepare final service charge adjustment

Question 6

If the conveyance was an assignment of an existing lease, what must the buyer’s solicitor do?

Answer 6

• Arrange for payment of SDLT
• Serve notice to the landlord of the assigment to the buyer (and notice of any new mortgage created)
• Arrange for registration at HMLR for the transfer of the lease and any new mortgages

Question 7

If the land in question is not registered, when must an application for first register of title be made?

Answer 7

Within 2 months of completion