MOVING HOUSE - A SMOOTHER MOVE

New Conveyancing Guide Helps Over 50s Move House With The Minimum Of Fuss

Almost two thirds of over 50s have spent more than 20 years in the same property, according to new research released by Saga Legal Solutions.

Having the deepest residential roots, the older generations rate moving house as the third most stressful life event – even more so than dealing with debt or being made redundant.  Suggesting the process of moving doesn’t necessarily improve with age, over 50s are consequently now the least likely to be aware of changes to the Conveyancing process over the last two decades, according to the Conveyancing provider. 

Helping to re-educate on this, Saga Legal has released a Smooth Moves Guide to Conveyancing which offers expert insight on what’s changed over the last 20 years and is free to download from www.saga.co.uk/legal. Whilst the arrival of the internet and the ubiquity of smartphones have made keeping on top of the Conveyancing process much easier, changes have also taken place which could catch unawares those who haven’t moved in a while. As well as the introduction of Stamp Duty Land Tax, a newer requirement is also to produce guarantee certificates for any alterations made to a home such as conservatories or double glazing. Failure to provide these could result in serious delays or even the sale falling through.

The cost of moving also seems to be a major concern with nearly a third of 45-59 year olds saying they couldn’t afford a bigger mortgage and 23% worried about the additional costs of moving such as Stamp Duty and Legal fees. To help with this, the Smooth Moves Guide To Conveyancing also offers advice on how not to pay over the odds and how to choose the right Conveyancer for you.

Chris Harris, Conveyancing Expert for Saga Legal Solutions says:

“Whilst in some ways the Conveyancing process has never been easier, in others it’s more complicated and those who’ve not moved for a long time should reacquaint themselves with the process. The Smooth Moves Guide to Conveyancing offers expert advice on moving with the minimum of fuss and we hope this will help future moves become that much more smoother”.

Top five unusual items removed from homes

• Light bulbs (30%)
• Plants from the garden (14%)
• Carpets (12%)
• Light switches / toilet seat (6%)
• Door handles (5%)

Top five most stressful life events

• Bereavement (69%)
• Getting divorced (49%)
• Moving House (36%)
• Being made redundant (26%)
• Dealing with debt (23%)

Top five reasons for not moving house

• Love the area (30%)
• Can’t afford a bigger mortgage (28%)
• Worried about additional costs (25%)
• Happy with my house the way it is (20%)
• Too much time and effort (19%)

About Saga Legal Solutions

Saga Legal Solutions provides a range of affordable and accessible legal products and services for over 50s at competitive fixed prices. Products include: Wills and Estate Planning, Probate and Conveyancing. For initial free advice or for more information, visit www.saga.co.uk/legal or call: 0800 656 9927

Content credited to: SagaLegal April 2014