Sales
Our office offers sales on a boutique basis, taking on a maximum of six properties at any given time. This ensures that all our clients receive the highest level of care and attention. Our areas of particular expertise are: Streatham, Balham, Clapham, Brixton, and Dulwich.
Latest Properties for Sale
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A bright and spacious two bedroom, first floor flat in a well-maintained, secure development with video entry system.. -
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A large, Victorian terraced house. Spread across 3 floors, the large house has 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2.. -
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Light and spacious two double bedroom, one bathroom, top floor flat located on The Broadway, with lift access,.. -
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2
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A bright and spacious two bedroom, first floor flat in a well-maintained, secure development with video entry system.. -
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5
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3
A large, Victorian terraced house. Spread across 3 floors, the large house has 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2.. -
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2
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1
Light and spacious two double bedroom, one bathroom, top floor flat located on The Broadway, with lift access,.. -
Selling Your Property
Choosing an agent to help you to sell your home is one of the biggest decisions a vendor faces. At Emma’s we understand this, and our focus is on building relationships based on trust, honesty, and integrity. By limiting the number of sales we take on, we are able to ensure that each and every one of our clients is given our full attention. This allows us to better manage your sale.
Property Sales Fees
Emma’s does not upsell additional services though we’re happy to make introductions when required.
In the event that introductory fees are to be paid to Emma’s by any party, these will be declared at the introduction.
Sole agency – 1.20% inc. VAT (1.00% + VAT)
Multi agency – 2.10% inc. VAT (1.75% + VAT)
These fees are further defined in our Standard Terms of Engagement. All instructions are subject to receiving signed instructions from the client based on our Standard Terms and any variation that has been agreed between us.
Emma’s Guide to Buying a Home
When you find your perfect property, you’ll be at the start of a very hectic and demanding process. It’s sensible to have a full grip of what’s to come, so, here’s what you’ll have coming your way.
Your Offer
It’s important that you can back out of your offer if any unforeseen circumstances arise. Your offer should accordingly be made “Subject to Contract” and “Subject to Survey”.
If a dearly beloved relative, who was going to give you an important lump sum of money, suddenly decides to gift it all to their cat, you can back out of the purchase before the contract has been exchanged – that is unless something has already happened in the negotiations that has already taken you into a contractual position. Using “Subject to Contract” in all correspondence will avoid this risk.
Likewise, the “Subject to Survey” provision makes clear that a survey of the property hasn’t yet been done and that you will need one before you fully commit. Again, this gives you the opportunity to withdraw if something nasty turns up – e.g. dry rot, subsidence, the neighbour from Hell.
Solicitors
There is a wide divergence in fees charged by solicitors. It would be wise to do your homework and select one before you find your property. At Emma’s we suggest that you should speak to a selection of solicitors and obtain quotes. Lowest cost isn’t always best. You may want to meet your solicitor and have them deal with associated matters, such as making a Will or an agreement between joint purchasers, so the personality fit, and range of services may be important to you.
Finances
Exchanging Contracts
This is the big one. There’s no way back.
10% of the Purchase Price
You’ll normally be expected to pay 10% of the purchase price upfront. You will then have 28 calendar days to pay the remainder. If you are unable to do this, the vendor can serve a completion notice. This normally gives you an additional 10 working days to pay. If you then fail, the vendor can forfeit your deposit and claim any losses. There may also be other charges. Best avoided!
STAGE 1 OF 7
When Your Offer is Accepted
The vendor will want to know how long it will be before your lender’s offer of finance becomes unconditional. This will normally be after your income, and the property, have been scrutinised. It’s therefore wise to get your finances cleared with your lender before your offer is accepted. This way, the only issue is the survey (also called a valuation).
STAGE 2 OF 7
Home Surveys
Your lender will want to have a survey carried out – this is usually something that you’ll have to pay for. They will also appoint their own solicitor to protect their interest. Again, this is something that you are likely to pay for.
Surveys can take two different forms, the Homebuyers Report and the Full Survey Report. The Homebuyers Report is designed to give your lender the information they need about the worth of the property – this is for their security. Information on the condition of the property will be brief and is unlikely to cover potential problems such as drains etc. If you’re buying an older property (over 25 years old) it may be worth having a Full Survey carried out.
STAGE 3 OF 7
Full Home Surveys
Most lenders restrict who they’ll accept advice from, so it’s best to let them decide who to appoint for their valuation. Full Surveys often follow on from the Homebuyers Report as a means of investigating concerns raised. You’re more likely to have the freedom to appoint a surveyor of your choice, but this can cause delays.
STAGE 4 OF 7
Homebuyers Reports
Homebuyers Reports can take anywhere from one to four weeks to be completed. A Full Survey is likely to take an additional two weeks – and that’s if you can find a surveyor able to start straight away!
It’s important to know that the surveyor (also called the valuer) appointed by your lender reports directly to them, unless agreed otherwise. They will not usually want to engage in lengthy discussions with you, if at all.
All surveys are likely to take the pessimistic side of any uncertainty and it is prudent to have a builder give you their view on any works suggested in the report. This is the point at which to consider costs and whether to ask the vendor for a reduction.
STAGE 5 OF 7
Your Solicitor
Until your finance is fully arranged and confirmed by your lender, your solicitor will not want you to exchange contracts.
When your solicitor is ready, they will provide you with a package, known as a Report on Title. This contains the results of all their research. They will then ask you to sign the contract and transfer the deposit so that they can arrange the exchange.
Now it’s time to book the movers!
STAGE 6 OF 7
Completion of Ownership
Your solicitor and lender will have been in contact with one another, and within 28 days of exchange, the money will be handed over. You will then be given your keys!
Congratulations! You have now purchased your new home!
STAGE 7 OF 7
Please Get in Touch
If Emma’s approach feels like it would be of interest, we’d love to hear from you.