Sharpwell Files | Residential Property

HMO Conversion: The Lender Almost Killed This Property Deal!

Notice to Complete. Funding Outstanding. How Sharpwell Protected Its Clients from Further Costs.

12th October 2026

An imminent completion deadline, outstanding funding and international source-of-funds complexities: how Sharpwell’s Residential Property and International Funds Compliance Teams worked together to resolve a high-pressure transaction without additional late completion charges.

Our Residential Property Team acted for clients facing a particularly challenging completion when a formal notice to complete was served before the necessary funds were in place. With the potential for daily contractual charges and further financial consequences, urgent intervention was required to protect the clients’ position.

The Challenges and Solutions

Notice to Complete

The clients were served with a formal notice to complete while funding remained outstanding. This created immediate pressure to resolve the position and avoid escalating costs.

International Source-of-Funds Requirements

The transaction involved overseas funds requiring clarification and verification. Our International Funds Compliance Team worked to establish and resolve the foreign source-of-funds position, ensuring the necessary compliance requirements were addressed.

Negotiating with the Other Side

While funding matters were being resolved, our Residential Property Team proactively engaged with the seller’s solicitors and successfully negotiated an agreement that daily late completion charges would not be imposed during the delay.

Protecting the Clients' Financial Position

By addressing the legal and compliance issues simultaneously, our teams prevented the funding difficulties from resulting in additional late completion costs.

The Outcome

Completion Successfully Achieved

Completed the transaction after resolving the outstanding international funding position.

Deadline Pressure Managed

Acted decisively following service of a notice to complete, navigating a time-critical transaction.

Additional Charges Avoided

Negotiated an outcome that protected the clients from additional late completion charges.

Expertise That Delivers

Combined specialist source-of-funds knowledge, cross-team collaboration and strong negotiation to minimise financial risk.

Specialist international source-of-funds expertise, effective cross-team collaboration, strong negotiation skills and decisive action to protect clients from unnecessary financial exposure.

Facing a Complex Property Completion?

From international funding challenges to urgent deadlines, Sharpwell combines specialist expertise and decisive action to protect your interests and keep your transaction moving.