The practical optimist
Saoirse Flynn
Former conveyancer · Edinburgh · 36
Saoirse turns opaque legal processes into clear sequences. Knowledge, she argues, is calming — not frightening.
Background
Saoirse spent years as a conveyancer before turning to writing. She got frustrated that all property content was either scary ('everything that could go wrong!') or useless ('just stay positive!'). She's also acutely aware of how Scottish property law differs from English and Welsh law, and is slightly evangelical about Scotland's gazumping protections.
Voice characteristics
Brisk, practical, surprisingly funny. Writes in the tone of a clever friend who happens to know exactly how this works. Heavy use of 'here's what actually happens' and 'this sounds scary but it's just…'. Tends toward step-by-step structures. Believes most property anxiety comes from not knowing what's normal, so she constantly reassures by explaining what's standard.
Editorial territory
The practical guides. Conveyancing demystified. What happens at exchange. How to read a survey without panicking. The content that turns opaque processes into clear sequences.
Signature quirk
Ends every piece with a 'the one thing to remember' summary.
A representative opening
“Your solicitor just asked for 'completion funds.' Don't panic. Here's exactly what that means and what happens next.”
Published guides
30 articles across 3 categories
Legal10 guides
How to Choose a Conveyancing Solicitor
Practical guidance on choosing a conveyancing solicitor. Learn how to compare quotes, questions to ask, and what to avoid.
9 min read
The Legal Side of Buying: Complete Guide
Comprehensive guide to conveyancing. Learn what your solicitor does, understand searches and contracts, and navigate the legal process from offer acceptance to completion.
13 min read
Conveyancing Checklist: Documents and Tasks
Complete checklist of documents and tasks for conveyancing. Know what to prepare and when to provide throughout the process.
7 min read
Conveyancing Explained: What Actually Happens
Clear practical guide to conveyancing. Understand what your solicitor does, why it takes time, and what happens at each stage.
11 min read
What Can Go Wrong in Conveyancing (And How to Handle It)
Guide to common conveyancing problems. Understand what can go wrong and how to resolve issues with searches, chains, and mortgages.
11 min read
Conveyancing Timeline: Week by Week
Week-by-week timeline showing exactly what happens during conveyancing from offer acceptance through to completion and beyond.
10 min read
Buying Leasehold: What Your Solicitor Should Check
Essential guide to leasehold conveyancing. Understand lease length, ground rent, service charges, and what solicitors check.
9 min read
Property Searches Explained: What They Check
Essential guide to property searches. Understand local authority, environmental and drainage searches that protect you when buying.
10 min read
Property Purchase Contract: What You're Signing
Understand your purchase contract before exchange. Learn what each clause means, what to watch for, and your legal commitments.
9 min read
Why Is Conveyancing Taking So Long?
Understand conveyancing delays. Learn what causes slowdowns, what's normal, and when to be concerned about your purchase progress.
10 min read
Mortgages10 guides
2-Year vs 5-Year Fixed Mortgage
Compare 2-year and 5-year fixed mortgages with data. Understand costs, flexibility trade-offs, and how to choose the right fix length for your situation.
10 min read
The Complete Mortgage Guide
Comprehensive guide to UK mortgages covering types, applications, approval criteria, costs, and how to choose the right deal for your situation.
19 min read
How to Apply for a Mortgage
Step-by-step guide to the UK mortgage application. Covers documentation, timeline, what lenders assess, and how to avoid common delays.
10 min read
Mortgage Calculator
Calculate your monthly mortgage payments, total interest paid, and total cost. See how different rates and terms affect your payments.
6 min read
Mortgage Comparison Calculator
Compare up to three mortgage deals side by side. Factor in rates, fees, incentives, and cashback to find the true total cost.
6 min read
Mortgage in Principle Explained
Complete guide to mortgage in principle (MIP). Learn what you need, why lenders require one, and how to get approved for your budget.
10 min read
Mortgage Types Explained
Compare fixed, variable, tracker, and offset mortgages. Understand which mortgage type suits your situation, budget, and risk tolerance.
12 min read
Self-Employed Mortgages
Guide to mortgages for self-employed, contractors, and freelancers. Covers income verification, documentation requirements, and lender options.
10 min read
Should I Use a Mortgage Broker?
Compare mortgage brokers vs direct lenders. Understand costs, benefits, when brokers add most value, and how to choose a good one.
10 min read
What Mortgage Lenders Look For
Guide to mortgage approval criteria. Understand how lenders assess income, credit, employment, deposits, and property to decide whether to approve.
11 min read
Surveys10 guides
Common Survey Issues
Guide to common property survey problems including damp, subsidence, roof issues, electrical, and timber defects with typical repair costs.
13 min read
The Complete Property Survey Guide
Comprehensive guide to property surveys covering types, costs, understanding results, acting on findings, and negotiating with sellers.
11 min read
Negotiating After Survey Issues
Expert guide to renegotiating house price after survey problems. Learn how to assess findings and make effective price reduction requests.
9 min read
Do I Need a Survey for a New Build?
Guide to surveys for new build properties. Compare traditional surveys vs snagging inspections and understand NHBC warranties.
6 min read
Specialist Property Surveys
Guide to specialist surveys including structural engineer, damp, drainage, electrical, and asbestos inspections. When to use them and typical costs.
10 min read
Survey Cost Calculator
Calculate property survey costs for Level 2 and Level 3 surveys. Compare prices by property value, location, and survey type.
7 min read
Survey Found Problems
Guide to responding when surveys find problems. Assess issues, understand options, and decide whether to negotiate, proceed, or walk away.
11 min read
Survey Pre-Booking Checklist
Essential checklist before booking a property survey. Ensure you choose the right type and prepare information for your surveyor.
5 min read
Property Survey Types Explained
Compare Level 1, 2, and 3 surveys. Understand which property survey type is right for your home and how to choose.
10 min read
Understanding Survey Results
Plain-English guide to reading property survey reports. Understand ratings, findings, and which issues require action.
11 min read
Other voices