Fast Completion of a New Build Property Purchase

Introduction

This case study highlights how Bridger’s Law stepped in to support a young couple -first-time buyers – who were facing significant delays and stress with their property purchase. Having previously worked with our team, they returned to us after experiencing poor service from a developer-recommended Solicitor. With tight deadlines and complex financial circumstances, our team acted swiftly and efficiently to ensure a successful completion.

Background

The clients had initially instructed Bridger’s Law for a property purchase but withdrew due to delays caused by another party in the chain. They then found a new build property and were persuaded to use the developer’s recommended Solicitors, who offered to cover legal fees. Unfortunately, the service they received was slow and uncooperative, particularly around verifying their source of funds.

Bridger’s Law Steps In

On 13th August, the clients contacted us expressing dissatisfaction with their current Solicitors and a desire to return to Bridger’s Law. With an exchange deadline of 26th August – just 8 working days away and over a bank holiday weekend, we needed them to complete all initial paperwork immediately to allow us to progress swiftly, which they did.

Actions Taken

14th August: Received paperwork from developer’s Solicitors and requested searches from previous firm.

15th August: Searches received; report and enquiries updated.

18th August: Mortgage offer received; error in client’s name identified and reported to lender. This can cause delays of up to a week as the client will need to request an amended mortgage offer.

19th August: Mortgage report drafted.

20th August: Enquiries sent to developer’s Solicitors; updated mortgage offer received, and report sent to clients with Deed for signing.

26th August: Replies to enquiries received (after bank holiday); exchange and completion targeted for end of week.

27th August: Final report sent to clients.

28th August: Signed documents and source of funds received; final checks completed, OS2 submitted, file signed off for exchange.

29th August: OS2 returned; request for funds submitted and contracts exchanged.

4th September: Completion achieved.

Total time from instruction to exchange: 11 working days

Total time from instruction to completion: 15 working days

How We Addressed Client Challenges

Unusual Source of Funds: We liaised with our MLRO (Money Laundering Reporting Officer) to ensure full understanding and compliance with lender requirements.

Tight Deadlines: Our team worked outside standard hours and adjusted workloads to meet deadlines without compromising client protection.

As first-time buyers, the couple was understandably anxious about costs and timing. Our fixed conveyancing fees provided financial certainty, and we kept them updated at every step, ensuring all parties were aligned on deadlines and expectations.
We were very pleased to welcome a previous client back and help them to get into their new home.

What the Client Said

“We first went with Bridger’s Law and were assigned Kylia and Paige for our conveyancing. Our first purchase unfortunately fell through due to delays, and when we bought again, we went with a different Solicitor that was recommended through an incentive – big mistake. The other firm turned out to be slow and difficult, so we decided to switch back to Kylia and Paige. They were absolutely fantastic and managed to get us into our new home in just two weeks under crazy time pressure! They were fast, professional, and incredibly reliable throughout the process. We honestly wish we had stayed with them from the start. Couldn’t recommend them more highly!”