Loan 2 Loan UK

Solicitors and conveyancing
Conveyancing is the legal process by which ownership of a property is transferred from the seller to the buyer.

Whether you are a buyer, seller or both, in most cases you will want to hire a solicitor or licensed conveyancer as it can be complicated process.

The Law Society is the professional body for solicitors in England and Wales and they are bound by their code of practice. You can find a solicitor in your area that specialises in conveyancing on the Law Society website. You can also read its guidance about how to use a solicitor and what to do when things go wrong.

Licensed Conveyancers are regulated by the CLC (Council for Licensed Conveyancers) in England and Wales.

Moving to your new home
There is so much to organise in just packing for the move that often things are over-looked, but use this checklist to make sure you've got everything covered. But don't notify anyone of your change of address until the contracts have been exchanged, as the sale can still fall through leaving you to contact everyone again.

Making sure you've covered everything:

Change of address service
You can tell many different organisations of your new address, including gas and telephone companies and government offices, by using the website 'I am moving'.

Have you contacted your Council Tax office?
Contact your local council's Council Tax office to let them know the date you move out of your current property and when you move into your new one so they bill you correctly.

If you receive benefits have you told your benefit provider?
Giver your details to the local Jobcentre Plus office or, if you don't yet have Jobcentre Plus in your area, contact your Jobcentre or social security office. You can use the Jobcentre Plus link to find your nearest Jobcentre Plus, Jobcentre or social security office.

Have you redirected your post to your new address?
You can download the form from the Post Office website. It can take up to 10 days to set up and there is a charge.

Have you told the utility providers (gas, water, electricity)?
You need to tell them at least 48 hours in advance that you are moving. Pass on the details of your current supplier to the people moving in. On your moving day you will need to read the meters in both properties so the correct bills can be issued. When you move in to your new home contact who you want to supply your utilities so they can register you as a new customer and start billing you from that day.

Have you updated your driving license and vehicle registration documentation?
You must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) immediately of any changes to your name, address or both. You must also inform the DVLA if either the name and address details shown on the registration certificate are incorrect.

Have you updated your details on the Electoral Register?
The register is updated every month and you need to be included on it to vote. A form is available from the Electoral Commission's 'About my vote' website. You can complete the form online, or download and send it to the Electoral Registration Office which is based at your local council.

Moving home: a green guide

Choosing a home can have many environmental consequences. For example, your location determines how far you will travel for work, shops and schools. Moving home often involves buying new appliances and making changes to your property, so it's a good time to think about how you can save energy and water.

Transport
Private cars produce around 13 per cent of the UK's carbon emissions. When looking for a new home, thinking about how you can cut down the distances you will need to travel by car will help reduce climate change effects. Good public transport links can help you cut car journeys.

Insulation and heating
Heating and hot water will account for most of the energy you use at home. Choosing an energy efficient property, or improving its energy efficiency when you move in will reduce climate change effects and can save you a lot of money, especially if you stay there for a long time.

Energy ratings for new homes
If you're buying a property built since 2002 you could ask the seller about the property's 'SAP rating' (Standard Assessment Procedure rating). The SAP rating is based on the energy costs associated with heating, water heating, ventilation and lighting. Rating is on a scale of one to 100. The higher the number, the greater the energy efficiency and the lower your running costs would be.

Insulation
When looking at properties, ask whether there is wall and loft insulation, and find out how old the boiler is. If the boiler is more than 10 to 15 years old it is unlikely to be very efficient. Replacing it could save you a third off your energy bills.

Heating controls
When you find somewhere, make sure you get the previous occupiers to show you how the heating controls work or give you the manual. Don't forget to do the same for the people moving into your old home.

Home energy check
When you've moved in, get advice on how you could save energy, by doing the Energy Saving Trust's online home energy check.