Clare Day, Partner, Head of Finance and Financial Services

Do your homework – don’t just do the necessary due diligence on the property or deal itself, but also on the party you’re dealing with.

Vet your professional advisers just as thoroughly as your deal, and make sure you’re working with well-respected industry experts.

Get organised. To ensure the deal runs smoothly, handle any requests from your professional team promptly. You may otherwise face increased costs and delays.

How long will the deal take from start to finish?

It very much depends on the solicitors being used by the other party and how responsive they are, but I’ll give you as accurate a timeframe as possible at the start of the deal and keep you updated along the way.

How much will it cost?

I’m happy to offer a fixed fee based on some usual assumptions and caveats. I’ll always honour that fixed fee unless the deal materially changes and would always discuss any increase as early as possible.

What do you advise?

All too often, lawyers sit on the fence, but I’ll always advise you on the pros and cons of a particular deal. In the end, it’ll be your final decision, but I appreciate you can’t make that decision unless you have the right advice.