After terms have been agreed, nearly a third of all sales nationally fall through before exchange of contracts. By trying to reduce the time between an offer being accepted and exchange of contracts, the Government is proposing that it shall a legal requirement to prepare a 'sellers pack' before a property can be offered for sale.

This seller's pack will include copies of title documents, copies of replies to standard pre-contract enquiries, copies of local authority searches, copies of any planning consents, a draft contract, copies of the lease and other documents relevant to leasehold properties and a home condition report commissioned by the vendor.

However, a law enforcing vendors to comply is not necessarily needed as most of the above can be done now between a vendor, their solicitor and the agent. When this tripartite works together from the outset, an exchange of contracts within a matter of days, rather than weeks or months, is possible.

Wetherell try to pre-empt any problems before a buyer is found by endeavouring to obtain the above documents and have found that when the information is to hand, a less stressful sale is normally the result.

We have now left the summer lull behind and look forward to the last quarter of the year to be busy as in previous years. The availability of property has increased in both numbers and in quality with some great properties now coming to the market.

Grosvenor has just instructed us on two unmodernised houses on new 99 year leases at peppercorn ground rents. One is a hidden house off Grosvenor Square, south facing onto a private communal garden at "offers in the region of £2 million" and the other is a development opportunity of a mews house close to Claridges with its own south facing private garden at an asking price of "offers in the region of £1.7 million".

To be launched in September is a newly modernised Penthouse just off Berkeley Square in a period block with resident porter. The flat has three bedrooms, a vaulted reception room and a large kitchen / family area which opens onto a secluded roof terrace. The unit will be sold on a 99 year lease at a figure of £1.8 million.

Blackburne's Mews - A two bedroom penthouse apartment, with direct lift access, private terrace, parking. £950 per week. Mount Street - Views over Berkeley Square, lift, porterage, four bedrooms, eat in kitchen, double reception room. £1750 per week. Grosvenor Square - Overlooking Grosvenor Square, a stunning three bedroom apartment with separate maid's quarters within a prestigious, portered building. £2450 per week. Grosvenor Square - A superb, spacious five bedroom apartment The flat has been carefully refurbished and is maintained to the highest standards. £3700 per week

We are publishing in September our survey on the area featuring an article by historian and archivist to Grosvenor, W.W. Ellis, on the development of the Mayfair townhouse from 1680 onwards. If you would like a copy please call us on 020 7529 5566.