Tierneys Solicitors

03/09/2026

Why chains break and what happens next

Chains can break for many reasons: a buyer’s mortgage might be declined or a valuation may come in lower than expected; a survey could uncover issues that a buyer won’t accept; a search could reveal a worrying problem; someone might get cold feet; or a serious event such as illness or death can disrupt the sequence.

When a chain breaks, the consequences depend on your position. If you’re selling and your buyer pulls out, your onward purchase could be jeopardised because you may no longer have the funds to proceed — you’ll then need to find a new buyer and renegotiate timescales with the person you’re buying from.

If you’re buying and your seller pulls out, you’ll need to resume house-hunting and be aware that costs already spent on searches, surveys and legal work are typically non-refundable.

It’s stressful, but immediate contact with your solicitor will help you understand the options and plan the next steps calmly.

If you’re worried about your chain, call 01909 550730 for prompt advice and practical options from our conveyancing team.

03/09/2026

What a property chain is and why it matters

A property chain is a series of linked transactions where each sale depends on the next: you might be selling to a buyer who’s selling their home to someone else, and so the chain continues.

Chains only complete when everyone involved exchanges contracts and completes at roughly the same time, which is why they’re inherently fragile. Until contracts are exchanged, nothing is legally binding , a single problem anywhere in the chain can delay everyone or even cause the whole chain to collapse.

That’s why it’s important to know your position early on (for example, whether a prospective buyer is chain-free or a cash buyer) and to instruct a solicitor as soon as your offer is accepted so your move has the best chance of staying on track.

Call us today on 01909 550730 to speak to a conveyancing expert who can get your paperwork moving straight away.

02/09/2026

Buying a House why searches matter.

Its important you check water, drains and what to do if a search finds a problem.

Water & Drainage Search:

Is the property connected to mains water and sewerage?
Location of drains, pipes and sewers (including if any run under the property)
Responsibility for shared drains

Why it matters: A public sewer under the garden can restrict extensions or conservatory plans — and shared drains can mean ongoing maintenance costs.

If a search reveals an issue:

Further investigations or specialist reports
Indemnity insurance
Renegotiate the purchase price

Timing: In South Yorkshire searches usually take 1–3 weeks. We order searches early to avoid delays.

Buying or selling? Our conveyancing team handles all searches and explains results with no legal jargon. Call 01909 550730.

28/08/2026

Thinking of buying a home? Don’t skip the searches

Hidden risks under the ground can be costly. Two searches to watch for:

Environmental Search:

Contaminated land (past industrial use)
Flood risk (rivers, surface water, groundwater)
Subsidence risk (mining-related)
Radon gas levels

Coal Mining Search (important across South Yorkshire):

Historic mine workings or shafts beneath/near the property
Subsidence claims or ongoing operations

Why it matters: Contamination, flood risk or mining-related subsidence can affect insurance, mortgage approval and resale value.

If you’re buying in Rotherham or South Yorkshire, a Coal Mining search is often essential. Need clarity? We’ll explain the implications and options.

25/08/2026

Why searches matter

Thinking of buying a home? Don’t skip the searches — they reveal hidden problems that aren’t obvious on a viewing and could affect value, safety or your ability to get a mortgage.

Local Authority Search — what it checks:

Planning history (past applications, approvals or refusals)
Building regulations (unauthorised extensions or works)
Road status (publicly maintained or private)
Enforcement notices (ongoing planning breaches)
Conservation or listed building status
Why it matters: You could inherit legal or financial issues (e.g., an unauthorised extension or no right of way).

Need help interpreting results? Our conveyancing team explains everything in plain English. Call 01909 550730.

21/07/2026

We're celebrating an incredible milestone! 🎉

Congratulations to Adele on 20 years with our firm. Over the past two decades, you've brought not only dedication, professionalism and expertise, but also a fantastic sense of humour that has kept us all smiling along the way.

Thank you for everything you've contributed to our team and our clients. Your hard work, positivity and ability to brighten even the busiest days are truly appreciated.

Here's to 20 amazing years, plenty of laughs, and many more to come. Congratulations! 👏

24/06/2026

Quick question if something happened to you tomorrow, would your family know how to access your online accounts?

From PayPal balances and crypto wallets to treasured family photos stored in the cloud, digital assets are a growing part of what we leave behind yet they're often missing from people's Wills.

The good news? It doesn't have to be complicated. A few simple steps now can save your loved ones a great deal of difficulty later.

Our experienced team can help you make sure your Will covers everything digital and physical so nothing important is left to chance.

💬 Get in touch today for friendly, practical advice.

22/06/2026

Freehold or leasehold – it's one of the first questions you'll face when buying a property. Do you know what it really means for you?

The difference between the two goes beyond just terminology. It affects your ongoing costs, your freedom to make changes, your ability to secure a mortgage, and your long-term ownership experience.

Here's a quick summary:

Freehold – You own the property and the land outright. No time limits, no landlord, and generally fewer ongoing fees. Most houses in England and Wales fall into this category.

Leasehold – You own the property for a fixed term, but not the land. Common with flats, it comes with service charges, ground rent, and rules set out in the lease. Lease length is particularly important – and something many buyers overlook until it's too late.

Neither option is inherently better than the other. The right choice depends on the property, your budget, and your plans.

What matters most is going into any purchase fully informed – with no surprises after you move in.

We've written a full guide breaking down everything you need to know before you buy 👇

Read the full blog here: https://tierneyandco.co.uk/leasehold-vs-freehold-whats-the-difference-and-why-it-matters-when-you-buy/

If you're in the process of buying and want clear, practical conveyancing advice, our team at Tierneys Solicitors is here to help.
📞 Call us on 01909 550730 or get in touch to discuss your purchase.

10/06/2026

10/06/2026

**POSITION NOW FILLED. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SHOWED INTEREST**
Would you like to join our progressive, local firm with offices in Wickersley and Dinnington?
This role will be a full time position. Experience is preferred but not essential.
Send in your CV and a brief covering letter to [email protected]