Where to Start

As we all know, buying and selling a property is one of the biggest things you will do, and we understand that this comes with a certain amount of worry and stress. Whilst you will only do this occasionally, or maybe only once in a lifetime, choosing the best solicitor for you and your specific requirements is crucial. Your choice can impact the outcome of your sale or purchase and how smoothly the whole process moves forward to completion.

Who is best to ask for Advice?

We now live in a world where we don’t do anything without seeking recommendations or checking several reviews first, from making a major purchase to booking a restaurant so why would this be any different. Recommendations are always useful either from friends, family members and also the estate agent who is dealing with your property.

You may not go through this process often, but Agents work with numerous solicitors for sales and purchases daily and have a great working knowledge of which solicitors have a reputable background, and unfortunately ones that don’t. Excellent Communication between your agent and solicitor is also vital if your chosen agent does their own in-house sales progression from sale agreed to completion, as we do here at Crosskeys, to ensure a seamless process.

Our recommendations are selected carefully through years of working together and most importantly positive experiences and outcomes for our buyers and sellers.  We always know it is our reputation on the line too when we give recommendations! Cross Keys Estates can make solicitor recommendations, if desired, to suit the individual needs of your sale and or purchase.

Fees and Comparing

We also recommend you obtain 2-3 solicitors’ quotes from recommendations. This way, before deciding, you can compare the initial quotes and decide by liaising with the solicitors, which one you feel you have the most confidence in and whether they are the right solicitor for your transaction. Solicitor quotes can vary depending on the solicitor’s expertise and the complexity of your transaction i.e., if it’s a Leasehold. Is it a listed building? Remember, the cheapest option is not always the best option.

Is Local Best?

In our experience the answer is simple … YES. It’s common and frustrating that unfortunately most out of online solicitors, whilst seeming the less expensive option, quite often may not respond to you, emails will get lost and calls get missed with no returned contact. A local solicitor can offer the reassurance of knowing you can arrange an appointment to meet with your solicitor to raise or go through any concerns in person.

In addition, and equally as important, is a good knowledge of the local area and its properties which can be very different in different parts of the country such as radon gas, knotweed and unusual restrictions or covenants that seem specific to this particular part of the world, all of which can be easily navigated by local conveyancing experts. Our advice would always be to choose a local solicitor.

Every Client is Individual

One of the main things is making sure your solicitor is made aware and understands your specific legal needs, so identifying your requirements from the start is crucial to avoid any bumps in the road. This can be anything from just a normal selling and buying transaction, to a transaction where there are more complex needs being a separation / divorce, a complex lease transaction or a probate transaction. Knowing your legal needs will help you narrow down the field of potential solicitors with the experience that will be required for your transaction.

Good Communication is Key

Good communication skills are one of the most essential things to look out for, especially in what could be a stressful and tough time. Effective communication can give you the confidence to trust and also build a rapport with your solicitor, along with managing all expectations by making sure you are both on the same page, at the same time.

Lastly, choosing the right solicitor is a decision that should not be rushed. Take the time to research by looking into reviews for the individual and the company, liaise with multiple solicitors (2-3), and consider all aspects including their fees, the communication received to date and most importantly, do you feel confident, and could you trust your appointed solicitor?

Summary

Hopefully, by following these steps, you can ensure that you are well-represented from the start with a pro-active solicitor, and with the confidence that you will reach a point of exchange of contracts and completion as smoothly and with as little stress as possible. However, where obstacles do come up, you as the client have the full confidence in your acting solicitor to deal with the issues promptly and go “The Extra Mile” where required.

Cross Keys Estates has taken another exciting step towards sustainability by investing in solar panels and battery storage at our stunning office, perfectly positioned on the elevated corner of Devonport Road in the heart of Stoke Village.

With a south-facing rear elevation, our roof is ideally placed to capture the sun’s energy throughout the day (whenever the British weather allows!). Since the installation, we’ve already noticed fantastic results. Our Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating has risen from a G to an impressive B, thanks not only to our solar investment but also to several additional energy-saving measures.

This transformation means that we’re now saving money every minute of the day — while also reducing our environmental impact. A win-win for both our business and the planet.

In recent years, solar power has shifted from being a “trend” to becoming a proper mainstream energy strategy. Around the world, companies of all sizes are installing solar panels — not just to “go green,” but to save money, enhance resilience against rising energy costs, and, in some cases strengthen their company brand in order to align themselves with growing market and social trends.

So why are so many businesses investing in solar panels?

Cutting Energy Costs

Electricity bills can be one of the largest overhead costs for a small business. Solar panels provide a powerful way to reduce or even eliminate those expenses. Once installed, solar systems generate free electricity for up to 25 years or more, allowing companies to benefit from lower energy costs. The initial installation can pay for itself within a few years through savings alone and in some cases, there might be loans or grants from either local authorities, government schemes or from the utility providers direct.

Strengthening Brand Image and Sustainability Goals

Consumers and investors increasingly prefer companies that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Installing solar panels sends a strong message that a business is serious about reducing its carbon footprint and protecting the environment. This can enhance brand reputation, attract eco-conscious customers, and even improve employee satisfaction and retention — as more workers want to be part of more responsible organizations.

Energy Independence and Reliability

Rising energy prices and grid instability have made energy independence more valuable than ever. Solar power, especially when combined with battery storage, allows businesses to produce and store their own energy. The use of panels and batteries mean greater resilience during power cuts or when peak-demand might reduce your supply, more control over power supply and costs and the ability to continue operations even when the sections national grid is down as happened in late July this year when power cuts affected hundreds of customers.

Long-Term Investment and an uplift in your Property Value

Installing solar panels is not just an operational upgrade — it’s a proper investment in your business and property. Properties with solar installations typically have higher market values and are more attractive to tenants or buyers looking for lower energy costs and in addition, since panels require minimal maintenance and have long lifespans, they deliver really good value each and every year.

Meeting EPC and Incoming Compliance Standards

As the UK has adopted the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) for absolutely everything from your television, your toaster through to your house, energy ratings have become a standard practice, companies are under pressure to reduce emissions. Solar installations are a clear, measurable way to meet these goals and comply with government and social expectations.

A Win-Win for Business and the Planet

Switching to solar energy isn’t just about saving the environment — it’s about creating a stronger, more resilient, and, at the end of the day, a more profitable business. With the falling cost of technology, attractive incentives, and growing pressure to operate sustainably, there’s never been a better time for companies to switch to solar power. The future of our business is bright – and it’s powered by the sun.

Hello again everyone and welcome to the third instalment of my guide to different aspects of life in Plymouth. With just about three months to go until Christmas, the mornings are getting colder and darker, and I’ve already noticed my food choices shifting to more seasonal dishes. It’s definitely the time of year when I start planning ahead – not just for Christmas, but also for a positive start to the new year. So I thought I’d share a few of the things I’ll be looking out for in and around Plymouth to keep life fun.

Oktoberfest – 25th October

The first event that springs to mind for October is Oktoberfest. Plymouth’s version is held in a huge Bavarian-style tent, complete with steins of German beer, bratwurst, pretzels, Oompah bands and traditional drinking games. It really does capture the Bavarian party atmosphere – lederhosen and dirndls included! If you’re up for lively music and plenty of laughs, this is one not to miss.

Just a Bunch of Hocus Pocus – 26th October

For something a little more family-friendly, The Box is hosting Just a Bunch of Hocus Pocus. I love that they’re encouraging everyone to dress up in their scariest outfits. Expect craft activities, magical science experiments, music and dancing – a real spooktacular. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to stay on afterwards to try the special Halloween menu in the café (just remember it’s card-only).

A Season of Theatre

Plymouth Theatre Royal is one of my favourite places to spend an evening, and their upcoming programme is brilliant. You can catch Juliet & Romeo, Black Sabbath – The Ballet, The Woman in Black, Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes and That’ll Be Christmas music extravaganza. And of course, they always round off the year with the panto, which I’ll talk about later.

Big Nights at Plymouth Pavilions

The Pavilions never disappoints either. This season includes John Bishop, a Michael Jackson tribute, Bastille, Riverdance at 30, Fisherman’s Friends, and Jools Holland with his orchestra. They’re even throwing an 80’s themed Christmas meal and party – which sounds right up my street.

Lights, Markets and Shopping

For me, the Christmas build-up really begins with the light switch-on, which this year is on 15th November. From mid-November onwards, you’ve got late-night shopping and the city centre Christmas market running right through December. I love the atmosphere when the market stalls are up – mulled drinks in hand, browsing for presents, all wrapped up against the chill.

The Santa Run – 29th November

I’ve done this one myself and I can honestly say it’s pure fun. The Santa Run is a 3km dash (or jog… or walk!) through the city – but the best part is that everyone is dressed as Father Christmas. It’s impossible not to smile when you’re part of that red sea of Santas.

A Different Kind of Christmas

Normally, I do Christmas in a very big way, but this year will be a first – I’ll be away with my husband enjoying some winter sun. Lots of people choose to do the same, opting for something less formal and, often, less expensive than the traditional celebrations. If you’ve got family travelling down, another option is to book one of the many Airbnb apartments or houses in Plymouth, which can make hosting much easier.

Planning Ahead

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that you really do need to book ahead in Plymouth at this time of year. Restaurants, pubs, cinemas, clubs – they all get packed. Roads and car parks get just as busy too, so sometimes I prefer to leave the car at home and use Park & Ride or hop on a local train instead.

Festive Drinks on the Barbican

The Barbican is always my go-to for catching up with friends in December. It’s a mecca for socialising and has everything – cosy pubs, cocktail bars, fish and chips, fine dining. Personally, I can’t resist a hot mulled cider at this time of year – it feels like Christmas in a cup!

Shopping – High Street to Hidden Gems

I love a good wander around the Barbican’s cobbled streets in December, dipping into the independent shops, antique stores and artists’ studios for presents. If you stray off the beaten track, there are so many little treasures – even quirky charity shops and lovely tea rooms.

Of course, there’s also Drake Circus for the big names. I always find myself in M&S for mum and dad, and Primark for nieces and nephews. If you’re looking for something more special, Allum & Siddaway and Michael Spiers Jewellers are both nearby, with Breitling and Omega tempting the watch-lovers.

Nightlife in December

With university students heading home for the holidays, the nightlife shifts a little and becomes more local. The bars and clubs are still lively, but many do charge entry fees at this time of year – so it’s worth bearing in mind.

Comedy at Marjon – 10th October

I can’t finish without mentioning comedy – one of my favourite nights out. Myra DuBois is performing at Plymouth Marjon University on 10th October. I’ve already got my ticket, and if you enjoy sharp wit and bold humour, I’d recommend it.

The Panto!

And of course – the panto. Oh no it isn’t… oh yes it is! This year it’s Dick Whittington, starring Shane Richie. He’s always hilarious, and it’s the perfect way to round off the year.

Wrapping Up

So that’s my guide to Plymouth this autumn and winter – from Oktoberfest steins and spooky science to mulled cider on the Barbican and panto laughs at the Theatre Royal. There really is something for everyone.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading Part 3, and I’ll be back in the new year with Part 4. Until then – take care, have a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.