Conveyancing Solicitor Glossary - C

A Latin phrase meaning ‘let the buyer beware’. A longstanding legal principle which imposes a burden on the buyer to reasonably examine a property before proceeding and to take responsibility for its current condition.

The term used to describe several buyers and sellers of property where their transactions are all connected to each other. Typically this will start with a buyer who does not have a property to sell, and will end with a seller who does not have a property to buy; these being known as the ‘end of the chain’. A long chain can cause delays for the people buying and selling within the chain, as you will not be able to proceed until everyone is ready.

An obligation on some property owners to contribute towards the maintenance/repair costs to the chancel of their local church. Whether such a formal obligation exists is revealed within the title registers and a potential obligation can be checked through a Chancel Search.

Stands for Cleaning Houses Automated Payment Search (CHAPS). This is an electronic method used to transfer money from one bank account to another. CHAPS transfers clear within the recipient account the same day they are sent, although no guarantee on the time of clearance by the banking system. Funds are usually transferred by CHAPS transfer on Completion to ensure quick movement, and to avoid any delays in completing or in the redemption of an existing mortgage. An administration fee will be payable in respect of each transfer.

These are items at the property, such as furniture or fittings. They are normally excluded from the sale unless specifically agreed to be included. A price for Chattels agreed to remain at the property can be negotiated between the Buyer and Seller.

Money transferred to a solicitor which shows as available in their bank account. A solicitor will require cleared funds before they can use such money.

The date when ownership of the property transfers from the seller to the buyer. The completion date will be set when exchange of contracts takes place. Once the seller’s solicitor is in receipt of the full money, keys are handed over to the buyer. If completion does not happen on the agreed date then the party in default will be liable to financially compensate the other party.

A written calculation of the amount of money required to complete the transaction, as provided from the Seller’s solicitor to the Buyer’s solicitor.

Land affected by contamination that was caused by part usage of a property or from things stored on the property in the past. A failed pass in this regard can cause issues when buying a property due to the potential costs incurred to clean up or purge contaminated land.

Designed to cover the owner of a property in the event damage occurs and needs to be repaired, or that the property needs to be rebuilt. This will not cover damage and/or loss to the contents of a property which should be protected under Contents Insurance.

The legal agreement which sets out the details of the property, the parties involved, the purchase price and other terms of the conveyancing transaction. Otherwise known as an Agreement.

Otherwise known as Contract Pack. This is the collection of evidence and documents prepared by the seller's solicitor for the buyer's solicitor. This pack includes evidence of the seller's ownership, the title registers and title plan, the various property information forms completed by the seller and any relevant certificates applicable to the property.

Otherwise known as Contract Documentation. See Contract Documentation for definition.

When a seller has more than one buyer wanting to purchase a property. Contract packs are issued to each buyer’s solicitor. The aim is to get the buyers to race each other to be the first to exchange contracts, thus deciding who gets to buy the property.

A historical document transferring ownership of land.

A solicitor or licenced conveyancer who deals with all legal aspects of buying and selling property.

The legal process of transferring property/land from one owner to another.

Where two or more people jointly own a property and are legally entitled to it.

A historical promise contained within a Deed or Lease that imposes certain obligation to either do or not do something.

The land surrounding a property building that is used by the occupants for their quiet enjoyment.