Meet our Property Team – A Q&A session with Emma Page
On Friday 15th November we will be celebrating Bath’s dynamic property sector at the second annual Bath Property Awards, of which we are proud to be the headline sponsor.
Property is important to us. From residential to commercial, from lease negotiations to first time buyers, our teams at Mogers Drewett have a wide variety of complementing skills and expertise to help with it all.
In the run up to the big event we will introduce members of the Bath-based Commercial and Residential Property teams – and share a few little known facts about them.
The first in the series is Emma Page, Solicitor in the Residential Property team.
Q: So… what does a residential property lawyer do all day?
A: Once an offer has been accepted through an Estate Agent a Seller and a Buyer will instruct their own independent Conveyancer. It is our job to review all of the Land Registry title documents for the property, together with any paperwork received from the Seller. We make sure the property benefits from the necessary ‘rights’ and ‘permissions’ which allow you to enjoy the property throughout your ownership. We are also here to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the Conveyancing process as it can be very daunting, especially if you have never bought or sold a property before.
Q: What is the secret of good conveyancing?
A: Organisation is key! Being approachable and answering questions without using legal jargon is also a bonus, and helps to build a strong working relationship with clients and referrers.
Q: What is your specialism within the team?
A: I advise a wide range of clients in all aspects of residential conveyancing. I regularly act for first time buyers, and for clients purchasing with the help of the bank of Mum and Dad! I am also familiar with the requirements and processes for clients purchasing with the aid of Help to Buy ISAs, a Help to Buy Equity Loan, or a gifted deposit- all of which are invaluable to a first time buyer.
My aim is to make the process as smooth as possible by ensuring the client always knows what the next step is.
Q: What did you do before Mogers Drewett?
A: Before joining Mogers Drewett in 2015, I studied Law at UWE in Bristol. I have since completed a post-graduate degree whilst working and have recently qualified as a solicitor in the Residential Property team.
Q: What’s the most memorable transaction you have worked on?
A: It is very rewarding helping first time buyers to achieve a lifetime goal of purchasing their first home. I am currently saving to buy my first home so know how tough it is to join the property ladder, especially in the Bath and Bristol area where property prices can be competitive.
I once had a first time buyer scream down the phone with excitement when I said she could collect the keys, that was pretty memorable!
Q: If you could introduce one new property law what would it be?
I would amend the rules surrounding SDLT (Stamp Duty Land Tax) liability for couples buying in joint names. At present, a couple will not qualify for First Time Buyer’s relief where only one of them is a first time buyer. I would alter this so that the first time buyer can still benefit from a SDLT discount.
Q: Did you know…
…that I often swap between supporting Bath and Bristol in the rugby depending on who’s winning!
Click here for more information about the Bath Property Awards.