H O M E B U Y E R ' S G U I D E

H O M E B U Y E R ' S G U I D E

Introduction 3THIS HOMEBUYER'S GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

ABOUT KINGSWOOD HOMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY . . . . . 3

Your Online Portal: Spaciable 4WELCOME TO SPACIABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

ACTIVATING YOUR ACCOUNT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

USING YOUR PORTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

KEEPING YOUR LOGIN SAFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Key Information 5

Customer Care 6OUR CUSTOMER CHARTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

YEARS ONE & TWO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

YEARS THREE TO TEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

CONSUMER CODE FOR HOME BUILDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Legal & Financial 8APPOINTING A SOLICITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

APPLYING FOR A MORTGAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

HELP TO BUY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Homebuying Summary 9

What's Included...

The Buying Experience 10YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

OUR CANCELLATION POLICY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

A RECAP OF YOUR RESERVATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

SELLING YOUR CURRENT PROPERTY . . . . . . . . . 10

COMMUNICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

VISITING YOUR NEW HOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

CUSTOMISING YOUR NEW HOME . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

SIGNING & EXCHANGING CONTRACTS . . . . . . 11

BUILD FINISHING DATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

FOLLOWING BUILD COMPLETION . . . . . . . . . . . 11

RELEASING THE FUNDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

HANDOVER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

FURTHER SUPPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Countdown to Moving 13THREE WEEKS TO GO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

TWO WEEKS TO GO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

ONE WEEK TO GO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

THE DAY BEFORE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

THE BIG DAY! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

UPDATING YOUR ADDRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

REDIRECTING YOUR POST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

REMOVAL ARRANGEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

AFTER MOVING IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Homebuying Glossary 15KEY TERMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

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About Kingswood HomesKingswood Homes was established in 2009 with a view to developing high quality residential projects throughout the North West of England, and the aim of helping people to regenerate local towns by providing much needed housing . In 2015, Kingswood Homes expanded into creating stunning homes across the South West of England .

Kingswood Homes has continued to grow, and has now been constructing bespoke family homes in great locations for the past ten years .

Our Commitment to Sustainability Kingswood Homes is committed to providing sustainable homes across the UK . We use environmentally friendly materials to build our properties and incorporate sustainable features into each of our developments .

Introduction

This Homebuyer's GuideKingswood Homes aims to make moving home as simple as possible, and provide you with a first class property that you can be proud of . To help assist you throughout the homebuying experience, we've put together this detailed Homebuyer's Guide . The following information is covered in this Guide:

• How to access the Spaciable portal• Key information and contact details of various

organisations• Kingswood Homes' customer care service• Legal and financial advice• An overview of the homebuying experience and details

of what you can expect at each stage• Reminders of the arrangements you'll need to make in

the lead up to completion• Advice to help you prepare for your move and keep

organised • Details of the support that will be on hand once you've

moved into your new home• A glossary with definitions of the key legal and

financial terms you're likely to encounter

If, after consulting this Guide, you still have unanswered questions, please don't hesitate to contact our Sales Advisor; they will be delighted to help and advise you . Alternatively, the 'Notes' section at the back of this Guide can be used to jot down any queries as and when you think of them, which can then be discussed during your next visit to the development .

Congratulations on your reservation! We're delighted that you have chosen a Kingswood Homes property and will endeavour to provide you with all of the information and support required as you progress towards the completion of your purchase.

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Key Information

This page can be used to record key information and contact details as you progress through the homebuying experience. We've included our contact details below, and encourage you to get in touch if you have any queries or concerns.

Your Online Portal: Spaciable

This Homebuyer's Guide will also be accessible on Spaciable; an online portal that has been tailored for the property you've reserved. The portal contains key contact details, a series of FAQs and helpful How To articles, and will be updated with more bespoke, plot specific information upon completion.

Welcome to SpaciableSpaciable is your property’s personal online portal, designed to help you make the most of your home .

After activating your Spaciable account, you can:

• View digital versions of your home’s manuals• Access plot-specific home information• Read helpful home advice and get answers to

frequently asked questions• Receive notifications relating to your home or the

development• Use other support features relating to your property

Activating Your Account• You should have received an email inviting you to join

Spaciable . Please select the link in this email to be taken to the sign up page (example pictured below)

• Enter your chosen password twice• If you tick to confirm you'd like to receive updates

via email, you may be sent a short series of helpful tips about moving, settling in and more . You can unsubscribe later on your Spaciable account settings page

• You must tick to accept the terms and conditions before you can select ‘Continue’

• You've now activated your Spaciable account and can access your home’s portal

Using Your Portal• To log in, visit www .spaciable .com/kingswood-homes/

homeowner/sign_in and click ‘Sign In’ or open the Kingswood Homes app

• After logging in, you'll see the Spaciable dashboard, which displays a summary of your home’s key details and links to documents, contacts and other useful information

• Use the links to explore Spaciable . Select ‘Dashboard’ to return to the home page

• In ‘Library’, view a file by selecting the preview image or file name . Once the file is open, click the down arrow icon (desktop) or touch the save/share icon (mobile/tablet) to download

• To change your password, profile details or communication preferences, select the ‘Account’ link/icon in the top menu

• In ‘Account’, you can invite others to your home’s portal or deactivate your account . If you invite a Limited Access user, all documents on the portal will be hidden from them, unless you go to ‘Library’ and tick the files you wish to share

• If you have access to multiple Spaciable portals, select ‘Plots’ (desktop) or the house icon (mobile/tablet) to switch between plots

• Please note, the appearance and interactivity may differ, depending on your device

Keeping Your Login Safe• If you are using a shared device, we suggest that you

select the ‘Sign Out’ link/icon in the top menu bar before you leave Spaciable

• If you forget your password, please select ‘Forgotten your password?’ and submit your email address

• Only save your login details in your browser if you are logging in from a personal device

• You may find it useful to add the Spaciable website to your browser’s favourites or download the Kingswood Homes app

Your New HomePlot NumberAddress

Marketing SuiteAddress

Telephone NumberEmail Address

DeveloperAddress Kingswood Homes

Liverpool New RoadLittle HooleLancashirePR4 5JT

Telephone Number 01772 382313Email Address info@kingswoodhomes .uk .comWebsite www .kingswoodhomes .uk .com

Sales AdvisorName Kerry WebsterMobile Number 07891 656364Email Address kerry@kingswoodhomes .uk .com

Customer CareTelephone Number 01772 382313Email Address customer-care@

kingswoodhomes .uk .com

Warranty ProviderCompany NameTelephone NumberEmail AddressWebsite

Recommended SolicitorAddress

Telephone NumberEmail AddressWebsite

Recommended Financial AdvisorAddress

Telephone NumberEmail AddressWebsite

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Our Customer CharterAs a purchaser of a new build property, you'll have the benefit of a ten year structural warranty and resolution service from your warranty provider .

You'll also have our commitment to abide by the requirements of the Consumer Code for Home Builders . We're dedicated to providing homebuyers with the highest standards of service .

Our customer charter sets out our commitments to delivering excellent aftercare to you and ensuring your satisfaction during and after the purchase of your new home .

Kingswood Homes will:

• Provide you with a hard copy of the Consumer Code for Home Builders

• Ensure the Consumer Code for Home Builders is always available for you to view via the Consumer Code website

• Implement procedures to ensure that the standards and commitments set out in the customer charter are met consistently

• Provide you with detailed pre-contract information to ensure that you can make informed decisions before buying a property . This information will be jargon-free, fair and reliable, and will include a written reservation form, an explanation of your new home's structural warranty and the cover provider's details, a description of any management services and charges to which you will be committed, and an estimate of their costs and any transfer fees or similar costs will be explained

• Advise you to appoint your own professional legal advisor to carry out the legal formalities of purchasing your property and to ensure your interests are best represented

• Ensure our staff have received training to efficiently deal with any queries you may have . The training encompasses details of the Code, the responsibilities of staff to you, and also what the customer charter means to Kingswood Homes

• Ensure the sales process, advertising and any marketing materials are clear, truthful and fair

Customer Care

Years One & TwoThe customer care provided by Kingswood Homes spans the first two years following legal completion . This service is in place to help you to settle into your new home, provide assistance with any queries you may have and rectify any defects that arise .

Kingswood Homes' customer care contact details can be found on page 5 of this Guide, and will also be provided in your Homeowner's Guide .

Years Three to TenAt the end of the developer liability period, the warranty provider will assume responsibility for structural defects for a further eight years .

Details of your warranty policy will have been forwarded to you by your solicitor, along with the Buildmark booklet, which provides further information about what is and isn't covered by the policy .

Consumer Code for Home BuildersKingswood Homes' customer care service is fully compliant with the Consumer Code for Home Builders, which dictates that all homebuyers are entitled to fair treatment, information regarding what service levels to expect, and truthful and reliable information about the home purchase .

The Consumer Code is enforced through the rules of your home warranty provider, which requires that all of their registered builders adopt and comply with the Code .

For more information about the Consumer Code and how it protects you, visit www .consumercode .co .uk

Customer Care

Independent Dispute Resolution SchemeIf you have a complaint during the first two years of your home warranty cover and the service provided by Kingswood Homes or the warranty provider doesn't provide the solution you require, you may wish to refer your issue to the Consumer Code’s Independent Dispute Resolution Scheme; a service that's independent from your home’s warranty provider .

Under the Consumer Code, home builders have clear responsibilities with regards to the Independent Dispute Resolution Scheme, which helps to ensure the issue can be resolved without any legal action .

As part of our commitment to you, Kingswood Homes will provide a high quality customer care service throughout your buying experience and during the first two years of living in your new home.

• Advise you of who to contact at every stage of your purchase, how your questions will be dealt with, and any relevant choices and options you can consider

• If your property is still under construction, provide you with a brochure or plan reliably showing the layout, appearance and plot position of your chosen property, a list of the property's contents (i .e ., appliances, flooring, tiling) and the standard to which the property is being built

• Fully inform you of the health and safety precautions to undertake when visiting the development whilst it's under construction or living on the development whilst construction works are still ongoing

• Provide you with a reservation form that clearly sets out the terms of your reservation as stipulated in the Code

• Explain how your contract deposits are protected, and how any other pre-payments are dealt with

• Clearly make you aware of your cancellation rights• Provide reliable information regarding the timing of

construction and the completion of the property . Once a completion date has been confirmed, we will ensure that transfer of ownership takes place and any services, equipment or appliances are demonstrated to you, together with information on how to successfully 'run in' your new home

• Inform you in writing of our complaints handling procedure and provide information of the Consumer Code's Independent Dispute Resolution Scheme

• Cooperate with appropriately qualified personal advisors you have appointed to help resolve any disputes

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Legal & Financial

Appointing a Solicitor The first thing you'll need to consider is appointing a solicitor to assume responsibility for transferring the legal ownership of the property from Kingswood Homes (the developer), to you (the homebuyer); a process known as conveyancing .

While acting on your behalf when dealing with the legal aspects of your purchase, your solicitor will also perform local authority searches, draw up the contract and check the title deeds for your new home, enabling them to determine whether there are any works planned in the local area that could have a detrimental effect on your home and its value .

Your solicitor will provide the title plans to your home . You should carefully check these documents to ensure the plans match what you expect to buy .

You'll also need to complete the mandatory checks for Anti Money Laundering Regulations with your solicitor .

Applying for a MortgageBefore you apply for a mortgage, it's recommended that you consult an independent financial advisor (IFA), who will be able to provide unbiased advice regarding your options, helping you to find the best mortgage for your circumstances .

Organising your mortgage should be a top priority when buying a home, as applying can be a lengthy process, with detailed information - such as payslips, proof of residence, identifying documents and loan details - required by the mortgage provider . They may also wish to conduct a survey of the property (when complete) to confirm its structural integrity and ensure the selling price is fair .

Help to BuyOur properties may be purchased using the government's Help to Buy scheme, which enables a home to be purchased with a 5% deposit . This scheme is only available for homes costing up to £600,000 in England, £230,000 in Scotland or £300,000 in Wales, and can't be used to buy a second home or a property to rent out .

With the Help to Buy equity loan, the government would lend you up to 20% (or 40% in London) of the value of your new build home . You would need to provide a minimum 5% cash deposit and apply for a repayment mortgage to the value of the remaining amount . No interest or fees would be charged on the equity loan for the first five years . In the sixth year, you would be charged interest at 1 .75% of the value of the loan . From the seventh year onwards, this 1 .75% interest would rise in line with inflation (based on the Retail Price Index) each year, plus an additional 1% .

Further information about the government's Help to Buy scheme can be found online, at www .helptobuy .gov .uk

Homebuying Summary

Step 1: Reservation• Full details of your chosen property will have been discussed and you'll have been shown plans relating to your home

and the wider development . A brochure will have also been provided to you, and will include details of your chosen home's specification

• You'll have completed and signed a reservation form and paid a reservation fee• You'll have been given this Homebuyer's Guide to assist through the buying experience and provide you with any

contact details you may find useful . You'll also receive an invitation to the Spaciable portal, which can be accessed via the Kingswood Homes app

Step 2: Exchange of Contracts• Exchange of contracts will usually take place 28 days after reservation; however, we advise you to consult your

reservation form for clarification• On the exchange date, your solicitor will swap signed contracts with Kingswood Homes' solicitor; this binds both

parties to the purchase/sale of your property• Your solicitor will then transfer your exchange deposit to us, which is 10% of the asking price, minus the reservation

fee that you've already paid

Step 3: Notice to Complete• Once the majority of the building work at your new home is complete, we'll issue the 'notice to complete' to your

solicitor; this is the deadline by which they'll need to arrange legal completion of your purchase• If your new home was built before you placed your reservation, you'll have been given a fixed legal completion date at

this stage; if not, you'll have been given an estimated completion date

Step 4: Legal Completion & Handover• Your solicitor will release the remaining purchase funds to us and ownership of the property is legally transferred to you • On the day of handover, you'll be met at your new property and the keys will be handed over• We will give you a tour of your new home, pointing out any key features, demonstrating how to operate any systems,

and answer any questions you may have . You may find the 'Notes' section at the back of the Guide helpful during the home demonstration

• To give you further information about your new home, we will provide you with a Homeowner's Guide, and the Kingswood Homes app and Spaciable portal will be populated with bespoke information relating to your new home

The key stages of the buying experience have been outlined on this page, and each stage is covered in more detail in the following section. To help make the process as smooth as possible, and minimise unforeseen delays, we ask that you familiarise yourself with the procedure, attend any appointments we arrange with you and ensure you read any documentation you're provided with.

Now that you've placed and confirmed your reservation, it's important that you begin to consider the legal and financial aspects of buying a new home. This page should help answer any questions you may have about appointing a solicitor, applying for a mortgage and using the Help to Buy scheme (if applicable).

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The Buying Experience

Your ResponsibilitiesThroughout the buying experience, you'll have certain responsibilities to ensure the process runs smoothly and efficiently, and minimise any unforeseen delays in the build schedule .

As well as specific tasks that you need to carry out at set stages of the buying experience, you should also ensure that you read any important documentation you're provided with, complete any paperwork in a timely manner, and make time for any scheduled appointments with Kingswood Homes or your financial and legal advisors . You must also comply with all of the safety rules and regulations in place when visiting the development .

Our Cancellation PolicyIf you wish to cancel, you'll need to contact us and inform your solicitor as soon as possible . Your solicitor will be required to write to our solicitor giving the reason for your cancellation .

Once your cancellation has been accepted, you'll be refunded your reservation fee, minus any applicable charges, in accordance with your reservation form . Please note that you'll be unlikely to receive a refund for any prepaid optional extras .

Once the legally binding signed contracts are exchanged, the property purchase must take place, unless the contract is terminated due to unreasonable delays or significant alterations to the materials or design that have a major effect on the value, appearance or size of the property .

A Recap of Your ReservationUpon placing your reservation, you'll have been required to complete a reservation form: a legally binding agreement between the homebuyer (you) and the developer (Kingswood Homes), committing each party to the purchase and sale of a property, subject to contract and the payment of a fee . This agreement includes:

• Your name and address• The plot number of the property in question• The purchase price and sale terms• The reservation fee amount• The proposed deadline date for exchange• Our contact information (including our solicitor)• Background details, such as mortgage arrangements

and details of a dependent sale (if applicable)• The estimated service charge (if applicable)• Details of validity of price and termination rights

You'll have been provided with a copy of the signed reservation form, as well as written confirmation of the details of your reservation .

Selling Your Current Property If you're selling another property, you'll need to provide your Sales Advisor with your estate agent's contact information . They'll then be able to monitor your sale on a weekly basis to ensure the process runs as smoothly and as quickly as possible .

Communication We appreciate that buying a new home is one of the biggest purchases you'll ever make and can therefore be daunting at times . Please feel free to email or call us with any queries you may have, or if you'd just like an update on the build progress of your new home . We'll endeavour to respond to any emails within 48 hours and telephone calls will be returned as soon as possible . Please note, your Sales Advisor will not be available on Tuesdays or Wednesdays .

If you wish to process a complaint in writing, we'll acknowledge receipt of your letter within 7 days and aim to respond within 28 days .

The Buying Experience

Visiting Your New HomeAround six weeks before completion, you may have the opportunity to visit your property in a prearranged appointment with the Site Manager . This is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about your new home's features and systems . The 'Notes' section at the back of this Guide can be used to jot down any important information or reminders during the demonstration of your new home .

Your safety is of paramount importance to us . Therefore, you'll be required to comply with health and safety arrangements during any visit, and wear suitable protective equipment and clothing . Children will only be permitted on the site if the property is finished .

Customising Your New HomeAt Kingswood Homes, we appreciate the importance of individuality and, depending on the construction stage of your new home, you may be able to personalise your home with individual choices and options . Choices include preselected upgrades from a wide range of tiling, carpets, bathroom fittings and kitchens . If you wish to personalise your home further, please contact your Sales Advisor, who will advise you on the possibility of tailoring your home to your individual needs .

Optional extras must be paid for in full when agreed . If, for any reason, you're unable to complete the purchase of your new home, extras that have been paid for are unlikely to be refunded .

Signing & Exchanging ContractsAs soon as your solicitor has confirmation of your mortgage offer (where applicable), satisfactory search results into the local area have been received and any queries from either side have been resolved, you can sign the contract .

If you're reliant on selling another property to purchase your new home, you're likely to only be ready to exchange contracts once your buyers are in a position to proceed .

Prior to exchanging contracts, your solicitor will ask you to pay your exchange deposit .

Your solicitor will exchange the contracts, at which point both parties are legally bound to the sale and purchase of the property in question .

In the event that you're unable to exchange contracts at this stage, you should request that your solicitor contacts Kingswood Homes' solicitor immediately to explain the reason behind the delay and discuss the possibility of an extension to the reservation period . This may affect the agreed sales price or any special arrangements that may have been made . Any extension to the reservation period is at the discretion of Kingswood Homes .

Build Finishing DateAt the point of reserving your new home, you'll have been provided with a proposed build completion date . Please note, this is a best estimate and isn't to be confused with your legal completion date or your moving in date .

While Kingswood Homes will strive to meet this estimated date, circumstances beyond our control, such as adverse weather conditions, trade or material shortages, or the connection of services to your new home, can push this date back .

Following Build CompletionWhen your home is ready, the warranty provider and the build team will inspect the property to ensure it complies with Building Regulations . Kingswood Homes' solicitor can then serve your solicitor with notice to legally complete the purchase of your new home .

The date on which you legally complete your purchase is your completion date and you can move into your new home from this point .

The information on the next few pages covers important aspects of the buying experience in more detail. We strongly advise that you read and familiarise yourself with this section in full to ensure you know what you can expect and what is expected of you.

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Releasing the FundsPrior to legally completing the purchase of your property, your solicitor will send you a statement informing you of the balance of any monies outstanding . If you have a mortgage, your lender may carry out a final inspection of the property and request confirmation from the warranty provider that your new home has been constructed to their standards, before releasing the mortgage funds .

Your solicitor will then transfer the balance to Kingswood Homes on the day you legally complete .

HandoverWe will check that all monies have been sent to Kingswood Homes by your solicitor . We will then contact you to arrange a time to collect the keys to your new home!

We'll provide you with a tour of your new home . A member of the Kingswood Homes team will show you around the property, explaining the operating instructions for items such as your central heating system . The locations of the meters and stopcocks will be pointed out and you'll have the opportunity to ask for any other information you require about your new home and the development . We will also explain the run-in of your new home and the routine maintenance required to keep it in a good condition .

Handover Record FormYou'll be asked to sign a key release form, confirming the safe receipt of your keys, the final meter readings and a final quality inspection of your new home .

SnagsAt the handover meeting, we'll make a record of any snags highlighted and will endeavour to resolve these as soon as possible . During the first seven days of occupation, any further minor cosmectic snags should be reported to your Sales Advisor .

Further SupportHomeowner's GuideYou'll be provided with a Homeowner's Guide, which should be your first point of reference in the event of a query . Items covered in the Homeowner's Guide include:

• Important contact information• Customer care and warranty policy information• Details of local amenities• Advice on how best to care for your home's internal

and external finishes and fittings• Troubleshooting and safety advice

Online PortalUpon completion, the Spaciable portal and Kingswood Homes app will be populated with bespoke information relating to your new home . Fixtures and fittings will be added to the 'My Home' section, user manuals for your home's appliances will be added to the 'Appliances' section and further useful contacts and warranty information will be populated .

You'll also be able to use the Issues tool to report any defects within your home during the first two years of occupation .

Customer Survey & CommunicationA customer survey will be conducted once you've settled into your new home . Further information about this survey will be provided in your Homeowner's Guide .

We'll also contact you at set intervals after you move into your new home, to check that you've settled in well and everything is as it should be . However, if you have any queries or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us using the details on page 5 of this Guide .

The Buying Experience

One Week to go• Confirm your moving arrangements with the removal

firm or van hire company and contact Kingswood Homes to ensure any special removal or delivery arrangements can be accommodated . Please note that items cannot be moved in until after legal completion has taken place

• Clearly label any items you're leaving behind and remove any fixed objects not included in your sale

• Make up a toolkit with any tools that may be required during your move

• Ensure any storage places have been cleared out and all items not needed immediately have been packed and labelled

The Day Before• Collect and label all keys for your existing property• Empty and defrost your fridge and freezer • Complete packing but ensure you can access anything

you might need on your moving day• Clean the property• Advise your solicitor of the time of your move, so that

they can make sure legal completion payments are with our solicitor before you collect the keys from us

The Big Day!• Remove rugs and any loose floor coverings you are

taking with you• Turn off the central heating and all electrical appliances• If you're moving during the winter months, drain

the water system, unless someone is moving into the property on the same day

• Leave all keys with the estate agent for the new owner• Make a note of your final electricity, gas and water

meter readings• Check all storage spaces and lock all windows and

doors

Three Weeks to go• Request quotes from removal firms or obtain quotes

for hiring a self-drive van• Check your home contents insurance for cover at your

new address and during your move• Advise your building society, bank and credit card

companies of your new address and amend any standing orders

• Arrange for your utility accounts to be finalised . Register with the service providers at your new address, once you know them

• If you change surgeries, notify your previous doctor and dentist so your medical records can be transferred to new practices

• If you have children who are moving to a different school, make sure transfers have been confirmed

• Begin disposing of any unwanted items from cupboards, the loft and shed (where applicable)

• Collect suitable boxes and begin to pack items that won't be required until after your move . Ensure boxes are clearly labelled with their contents and the room in which they belong, and mark any boxes that will need to be unpacked first

Two Weeks to go• If required, book an electrician, gas installer and

plumber to disconnect appliances at your previous address and refit them in your new home

• Complete your change of address notifications and arrange for Royal Mail to redirect your mail for up to 12 months . Further details can be found on the following page

• Book an engineer to connect the telephone/broadband line at your new address

Countdown to Moving

The following sections will help you to keep organised with the various tasks you'll need to consider when preparing for your move.

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Removal ArrangementsLooking into removal firms at an early stage will allow you to compare quotes and services . Websites such as www .moveme .com and www .bar .co .uk are good ways to do this .

You should ask your chosen firm whether they provide packing (including materials) and unpacking services, if required, as well as whether they have comprehensive insurance cover against damage or loss . Confirm all details and requirements of your move with the firm, as well as Kingswood Homes, to ensure everything runs smoothly . If packing boxes or crates are not provided by the firm, you should start collecting them and packing items you'll not need until after the move . You may wish to create a numbering or colouring system, so boxes can be easily identified, helping you determine which ones need to be opened first .

After Moving InContinued Construction WorksIt's likely that some of the other properties on the development will still be under construction when you move into yours . Details of safety precautions and other important information to bear in mind will be included in your Homeowner's Guide .

Updating Your AddressThe following list will help you keep track of the various services that will require details of your new address:

• Banks and building societies• Clubs and associations• Credit card companies• Delivery subscriptions• Doctor, dentist and opticians• DVLA• Employers• Friends and family• Gyms and health clubs• Hire purchase and loan companies• HM Revenue and Customs• Insurance companies• Internet provider• Local authority council tax department• Loyalty or store cards• Magazine and newspaper subscriptions• Mobile phone companies• Motoring organisations• National Savings and Investments (NS&I)• Pension providers• Professional associations and trade unions• Rental companies• Satellite television companies• Schools and colleges• TV and telephone companies• TV Licensing• Utility providers

Redirecting Your PostYou can redirect your post from your previous address for up to 12 months . This can be done by collecting a change of address form from a Post Office, or by registering online at www .royalmail .co .uk

Countdown to Moving

DeedsLegal papers relating to the property that document the transference of legal ownership .

DepositA percentage of the full purchase price, which is paid by the homebuyer at exchange of contracts .

Draft ContractPrior to the final contract being signed, a draft is prepared by the vendor’s solicitor and passed to the purchaser’s solicitor for approval . Once in its final form, it is known as engrossment and is then ready for both parties to sign .

ElevationA plan showing the vertical face or aspect of the property .

Energy Performance CertificateThis certificate provides energy ratings for your new home, with ‘A’ being the most energy efficient and ‘G’ being the least .

Exchange of ContractsThe process that legally binds both parties to the sale of a property when the signed buyer’s contract and the signed vendor’s contract are formally exchanged by the solicitors acting for each side .

FreeholdThe outright and absolute ownership of land and any property that stands on it .

Ground RentA payment made by a leaseholder to the freehold landowner at specific times, as required under the terms of the lease .

Home DemonstrationA demonstration of the property and its key features, given to the buyer during the pre-handover meeting to help them settle in smoothly .

Key TermsAbsolute TitleComplete and outright ownership of a property .

Anticipated Completion DateAn estimated date when the construction of a specific property will be completed . Due to a variety of factors, this can change a number of times during the course of construction .

ConsiderationA legal term used in connection with the exchange of something of value that forms a legal and binding contract . For the purpose of house purchase, a consideration is taken to mean the money the purchaser pays in exchange for the freehold or leasehold of the property .

Contract EnquiriesThese may also be called Preliminary Enquiries . Before the buyer’s solicitor allows the buyer to sign a contract, either party can ask detailed questions about the property being purchased . Queries must be fully confirmed before contracts may be signed .

Contract of SaleAny agreement that is legally binding . When applied to the sale of a property, this is a document that is made up of two identical parts; one part is signed by the buyer and the other by the vendor . As soon as both parts are formally exchanged, each party is legally committed to completing the transaction .

Council of Mortgage LendersThe Council of Mortgage Lenders is part of UK Finance: a trade association that represents around 300 firms in the UK providing credit, banking, markets and payment-related services . The aim of the Council of Mortgage Lenders is to create a favourable operating environment in the UK housing and mortgage markets, providing a representative voice for the residential mortgage lending industry, as well as economic, statistical, legal, research and other market information .

Homebuying Glossary

Below, you can find definitions of the various legal and financial jargon you're likely to encounter during the buying experience. Kingswood Homes will be on hand to help with any queries you may have; however, you should direct any specific enquiries about legal definitions affecting your purchase to your solicitor.

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Land Registration FeeA fee for registering the ownership of the property in a new owner’s name . The fee amount relates to the value of the property being bought .

Land RegistryAn official government office that registers and maintains all details of land ownership and any changes relating to that ownership .

LeaseA legal contract that grants the possession and use of a property for an agreed term . This usually includes payment of ground rent on a term basis to the owner of the freehold .

LeaseholdWhere a property is built on land owned by a person or organisation other than the owner of the property . The leaseholder will have occupational rights for a fixed term in accordance with the specification of the lease assignment, which is subject to any conditions contained within the lease .

Legal CompletionWhen ownership of the property is transferred from vendor to buyer, in exchange for the balance of the purchase price .

Legal Costs Fees payable to the vendor’s and purchaser’s solicitors in connection with the selling or purchase of property . Costs include the solicitor’s fee, Land Registry fee and stamp duty . The engrossment fees and telegraphic transfer costs are also paid by the purchaser .

Legal NoticeThis notice is given to your solicitor and marks the start of a five day period during which legal completion must take place .

MortgageAlso called a legal charge . A legal document that offers up property as security for a loan . If mortgage payments are not paid in full by the due date, it gives the lender (e .g ., a bank or a building society) rights to the property, including the power to sell it . In accordance with the agreed terms of the mortgage, when the loan is repaid with all interest, these rights are cancelled .

MortgageeAny person or organisation that lends money to another for the purpose of a mortgage .

MortgagorSomeone who borrows money to use for a mortgage .

Notice to CompleteThe legal notice given to your solicitor after the building work at your new home has been completed, marking the start of a five day period, during which legal completion must take place .

Stamp DutyYou must pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) if you buy a property or land over a certain price in England, Wales and Northern Ireland . There are various tax bands based on the property price .

Paying this tax means that the property transfer documents are legally recognised .

Under OfferAlso called Sold ‘Subject to Contract’ (STC) . This is when a vendor has accepted an offer from a buyer for the property, but no contracts have been exchanged . Until the signed contracts are exchanged, the property is technically still available .

Homebuying Glossary Notes

NotesNotes

DisclaimerStatements contained within this Homebuyer's Guide are provided for general guidance only and are accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing . Kingswood Homes can take no responsibility for inaccuracies in this Homebuyer's Guide, nor for any actions taken as a result of those inaccuracies . Nothing herein shall form part of an offer or contract, or be construed as any representation by Kingswood Homes or its agents . All addresses and websites quoted in this Homebuyer's Guide are included for reference only and are not recommended by Kingswood Homes . If you use any of the listed websites, you do so at your own risk .

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