FAQs
Frequently asked questions
How long a purchase takes, buying from abroad, selling a relative’s home, taking a name off the deeds, what your fee covers, and more.
How quickly will I get my quote?
Usually within one working day of your enquiry, and often the same day. It arrives by email as an itemised written quote — legal fee, VAT and every anticipated third-party cost — for the work described in it. The quote also sets out the circumstances that can change the fee.
How long does a purchase take?
Eight to twelve weeks is typical for a straightforward freehold purchase. Leasehold usually adds two to four weeks because the management pack has to come from a third party.
Who is actually handling my file?
Yelda Rashid, a solicitor of England and Wales, is responsible for your matter from quote to completion.
I have a dispute with a neighbour or a tenant. Where do I start?
With an initial review of your case, at a fee agreed before it starts. You will get a written view on the merits, the likely cost of each route, and an honest answer on whether litigation is worth it.
Can we deal in Bulgarian?
Yes. Yelda is a native Bulgarian speaker and a qualified advocate in Bulgaria, so documents, family arrangements and source-of-funds evidence in Bulgarian can be read and discussed directly, without a translator in between. The transaction itself is governed by the law of England and Wales and the formal documents are in English — but the explanation of them does not have to be.
There is no notary in an English property purchase — is that right?
That is right, and it surprises almost everyone arriving from a civil-law system. There is no нотариус and no нотариален акт. A sale here is made by a contract between the two solicitors, followed by a transfer deed, and ownership passes when that transfer is registered at HM Land Registry.
I live outside the UK. Can I still buy a property in England or Wales?
Yes. Your identity is checked online, meetings can be by video, and documents can be signed where you are, in front of a witness. The money needs to come in pounds from an account in your own name, well before completion, and non-UK residents usually pay a Stamp Duty surcharge. Your quote confirms what applies to you.
A close relative has died. Can I sell their property?
Usually yes, if you are the executor or administrator of their estate. Contracts cannot be exchanged until the grant of probate (or letters of administration) has been issued, but you can instruct us and put the property on the market while you wait. If there are other executors, they sign too.
We are separating. How do I take my ex off the deeds?
With a transfer of equity. If there is a mortgage, your lender has to agree to you taking it over alone and will usually check that you can afford it. We act for you only; your ex should take their own advice.
Ready when you are.
Answer a few questions. We'll email your quote, usually within one working day.
No retainer is created by this website or by sending an enquiry. Yelda acts for you only once a client care letter has been signed and returned.