Searches

Checks carried out which look for anything that may affect the value of your home - for example, planning application.

Self-Build

Where you build or supervise the building of your own home.

Self-Certification

Where you state your income without having to provide pay slips to prove it. Normally used by the self-employed or those with more than one income stream.

Shared ownership

A share of the property is purchased with a mortgage and you pay rent on the other share to the housing association. Over time you can buy back further shares until you own the whole property.

Sole Agency

The choice of a single estate agent to act on the seller's behalf.

Solicitor

Legal expert handling all documentation for the sale and purchase of a property.

Stamp Duty

A tax you must pay on a property when you buy it. The duty must be paid at the point of completion.

Subject to Contract

Words to indicate that an agreement is not yet legally binding.

Survey

A thorough report on the property you are planning to buy

Surveyor

Person who conducts the survey.

SVR (Standard Variable Rate)

The rate at which a lender's standard mortgages are set.

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