Completion Flashcards
Sellers summary of completion
Draft/approve Transfer Deed (TR1) – Rely to Completion Information – Prepare for completion – COMPLETION
Buyers summary of completion
Draft/approve Transfer Deed (TR1) – Requestion Completion Information – Pre-Completion Searches – Prepare for Completion - COMPLETION
What is the buyers solicitors checklist before completion
- draft the transfer deed for the seller’s solicitor’s approval
- once approved by the seller’s solicitor, arrange for the buyer to sign if it contains indemnity covenants (or any other obligation on the part of the buyer)
- if the buyer is taking a mortgage loan, arrange for the buyer to execute the legal charge
- send requisitions on title to the seller’s solicitor
- carry out relevant pre-completion searches
- send certificate of title to the lender, and request the loan advance in time for completion (usually to arrive the day before)
- send the buyer a statement of money needed to complete the purchase
- Stamp Duty Land Tax form approved by client
What is the sellers solicitors checklist before completion
- approve the transfer deed drafted by the buyer’s solicitor
- arrange for the transfer to be executed by the seller
- reply to requisitions on title
- request a redemption statement from the seller’s lender (if any)
- in a residential sale, ask the seller or agent to take final meter readings
Who drafts the transfer deed
Traditionally, the seller’s solicitor drafted the contract, and the buyer’s solicitor drafted the transfer deed.
This is still the default position taken in the Standard Conditions of Sale (SCS) and Standard Commercial Property Conditions (SCPC).
However, in recent years, it has become quite common for the seller’s solicitor to draft the transfer at the same time as the contract, and for the draft transfer to be annexed to the contract in approved form.
Does a transfer of land need to be in the form of a deed
Yes
What land registry forms are most used for the transfer of land
TR1 – the most common, this transfers the whole of a freehold or leasehold title
TP1 – this is used for the transfer of part only of a registered title
TR5 – this is used for the transfer of a portfolio of registered titles (and may include unregistered titles
When is the date written in to the TR1 form
The date is handwritten in on completion, which has the effect of completing the deed, so it should be left blank until completion.
What will a residential buyer put in the address for service section of the TR1 form
put the address of the property being purchased
Can panel 7 TR1 from ‘The transferor transfers the property to the transferee’ which operates to transfer title.’ Be amended
No
What could be included in panel 11 of TR1 form
additional provisions: Anything that is not relevant to panels 1 to 10 but needs to be included in the transfer deed is included in this panel.
This could be an indemnity covenant for positive covenants, or new covenants and easements (although these are more common in transfers of part).
If the transferor is a sole surviving tenant in common, the appointment of a second trustee would appear here.
When must the transferee execute the TR1 form
- if they are tenants in common or agree to hold the property on trust for someone else in Panel 10
- they are providing an indemnity covenant, or any other obligation in Panel 11
How does an individual execute a transfer deed
An individual signs the transfer in the presence of an independent witness who also signs and prints their full name and address
When is the transfer considered delivered (comes into effect)
when it is dated, usually by the transferor’s solicitor.
What are the options for a company executing a deed
- No company seal, but signed by two directors or one director and the company secretary
- Signed by one company director and witnessed by an independent witness
- Signed by a senior employee (not a director or the company secretary) who is authorised under a power of attorney
What pre completion search does the buyers solicitor carry out agaisnt registered land
search with priority (form OS1 or OS2 for part of land) at the Land Registry against the title number.
What does and OS1 or OS2 search do
This updates the official copies that were initially provided, and identifies any changes that have been made. It also confers a priority period of 30 working days in favour of the person searching.
If the buyer’s solicitor submits the application to register the transfer within that priority period, the buyer’s transfer will take priority over any other application, even if lodged before the buyer’s application
What pre completion search is carried out for unregistered land
The buyer’s solicitor carries out a land charges search of the Land Charges Registry (Form K15).
This identifies any incumbrances or other adverse matters registered against the owner/seller of the unregistered land.
It confers a priority period of 15 working days.
Is the seller under an obligation under SCS and SCPC to disclose any adverse issues that may have resulted in changes to the official copies originally provided.
Yes - If the seller does not, the buyer may have a claim for damages for breach of contract and/or misrepresentation, or even to rescind the contract.
Is it professional negligence if the solicitor forgets to undertake the OS1 Search
Yes
When a solicitor is acting for buyer and lender what search must the buyers solicitor carry out
A bankruptcy search (from k16) agaisnt the buyer to protect the lender
If the buyer is a company what search will a lender want carried out
Company search to check that there is no pending insolvency of crystallisation of a floating charge
If the seller is a company what search should a buyers solicitor undertake just before completion
A company search
What is the purpose of requisitions on title
used more generally to refer to the questions that the buyer’s solicitor needs answering before completion
What form is completed for requisitions on title for residential property
usually in the form of Law Society TA13. The form is also headed ‘Completion information and undertakings’ which is a more accurate description than ‘requisitions on title’.
What is the form for requisitions on title for commercial property
Requisitions on title for commercial transactions may be in the firm’s own precedent form, or the Commercial Property Standard Enquiries (CPSE) form SCR (Solicitor’s completion requirements)
What is the content of a TA13 form
Vacant possession: Asks about arrangements for collecting the keys; for example, whether they are left with the agents.If there is a rent-paying tenant, then asks for an authority for the tenant to pay the rent to the buyer following completion.
Deeds and documents: For unregistered property, asks for a list of deeds and documents to be sent on completion Completion: Asks for confirmation that completion will take place according to the Law Society’s Code for Completion by Post. Similar to Law Society Formula B for exchange, the Code for Completion by Post sets out expectations and undertakings of the solicitors on completion. Money: Asks for the seller’s solicitor’s client account details (to send the money), and for the exact amount payable on completion.
Mortgages and charges: Asks the seller’s solicitor to list any mortgages secured on the property and confirm their undertaking to redeem them on completion.
What does the sellers solicitor undertake in relation to mortgages
The seller’s solicitor undertakes in the Law Society Code for Completion by Post to redeem the mortgages against the property which it will have already notified to the buyer’s solicitor.