Sarking.
Boards placed between the rafters and the roof (sometimes called the 'soffit').

Screed.
A thin level layer of material usually applied to floors.

Section 106 agreement.
A binding agreement regarding matters linked to the proposed development, made between the council and a developer when planning permission is granted.

Sealing fee.
A charge made by lenders when you repay the mortgage.

Sealed bids.
When the seller asks all interested parties to place their final offer in a sealed envelope to be delivered to the estate agent or solicitor by a specific date.

Searches.
Checks carried out during the conveyancing. These checks are made with local authorities and other official organisations to check planning proposals and other matters that may affect the value of the property.

Second Mortgage.
This describes a loan secured on a property whose legal charge ranks second to the first mortgage.

Self-build.
Where you build your own home.

Self-certification.
You confirm how much you earn, and the lender does not need any references. He makes fewer checks than normal on the accuracy of the statement.

Septic tank.
A tank constructed or manufactured to accept sewerage when no mains system is available.

Service Charges.
Fees levied on tenants by managing agents to maintain the fabric of the building.
Setting-out. The use of profile line-boards to mark a plan on the ground.

Shared access.
Part of your driveway will be shared between two or more properties. It may apply when flat-dwellers share a hallway or stairs.

Signing off.
Formal completion of the dwelling.

Sitting Tenant.
This is to occupy a property as a Tenant, and to have legal rights but without a lease. A sale would be subject to any rights of a tenant who has occupation. Such a tenant can apply to the local authority to set a fair rent. Properties with sitting tenants are generally worth 30-40% less than their open market value with vacant possession.

Sleeper wall.
A wall to support the ground floor, usually honeycombed in construction to provide ventilation.

Snagging.
When a builder attends the site to resolve outstanding matters after the main construction has been completed.

Snow line.
Considered to be 500 feet above sea level. It is the theoretical altitude at which land is expected to suffer from severe winter conditions.

Soffit.
The underside of an architectural element, for example an arch or the eaves.

Soft landscaping.
Elements include topsoil, plants, shrubs and trees.

Sole Agency.
One estate agent has exclusive selling rights for a given period, and will normally charge a lower fee.

Soleplate.
A substantial horizontal section of timber or metal, fixed to the floor slab.

Staged loan.
The total sum is released in several predetermined stages, as the construction proceeds. Payment is made either prior to a stage being reached (e.g. when foundations are going to be installed) or afterwards.

Solicitors Undertaking.
A personal guarantee given by a solicitor that something will be done.

Staged mortgage.
The standard mortgage available to self-builders where funds are released in various stages (usually between three and seven) as the dwelling is constructed. Some pay sums prior to starting the appropriate stage, to buy materials or pay for labour pertinent to it; others make payment after the stage has been completed. Only a few staged release mortgages include land purchase as part of the scheme.

Stakeholder.
One who holds a deposit as an intermediary between the buyer and seller, so that the deposit may only be passed on to the seller with the permission of the buyer, or returned to the buyer with the permission of the seller.

Stamp duty.
A duty payable on certain documents involved in the transfer of land and property ownership. The liability falls on the buyer.

Stanchion.
A vertical supporting beam usually made from steel. Stretcher. Brick or block laid lengthways in a wall.

Standard Variable Rate Mortgage.
This is a mortgage arrangement where the interest rate is varied by the lender according to conditions in the money market.

Stone cladding.
A thin layer of stone or imitation stone that is attached to the external wall of a property.

String or stringer.
One of the parallel boards supporting the treads.

Strip foundation.
Concrete filled trenches to support a building.

Structural indemnity insurance.
An insurance policy usually required by mortgage lenders that guarantees the dwelling against structural defects for a specified term after completion.

Structural Survey.
The most wide ranging of surveys. It is carried out by a professional surveyor. It is optional and is paid for by the buyer.

Strut.
An upright roof timber connected to the rafter above it or sloping to connect another post to the rafter.

Stud wall.
An internal wall made from a wooden frame rather than brick.

Subject to contract.
These words should appear in every letter to the seller, the solicitor or agent, before contracts are exchanged. It is an accepted formula to stop a contract being created in correspondence.