Conveyancing and residential property solicitors

Conveyancing is the legal and administrative process involved in buying, selling, or transferring ownership of property or land. It includes tasks such as investigating the property title, preparing documents, drafting and exchanging contracts, handling Stamp Duty Land Tax payments, and registering the new ownership with the Land Registry. Since there are many legal requirements to meet before ownership can officially change, the process can be complex. However, our specialist conveyancing solicitors are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transaction.

The cost of conveyancing can vary widely depending on factors such as the property's price, it's properties and location, whether you're buying or selling, and whether the property is freehold or leasehold.

For example, purchasing a leasehold flat often involves slightly more legal work, such as reviewing the lease terms and liaising with the freeholder, compared to buying a freehold house. For high-net-worth individuals purchasing prime real estate, such as a luxury London residence, a country estate, or a high-value investment property, additional legal considerations may apply.

Our fees for a typical house sale or purchase start from £1595.00 plus VAT for a simple transaction to around £5000.00 plus VAT for a substantial rural property which is a listed building.

You may also require our assistance if you wish to change your mortgage lender. Our re-mortgage fees start at £995.00 plus VAT. Disbursements are also payable and will vary for each transaction. Typically, they will include Land Registry Official Copy Fees, Bankruptcy Searches, Searches and Land Registry Fees.

You can read our full breakdown of our conveyancing costs, however we recommend you get in contact with us for a free, tailored quote.

Disbursements in conveyancing are third-party costs incurred during the property transaction, which your conveyancer pays on your behalf.

These costs include Land Registry fees, search fees, bank transfer charges, and, if applicable, Stamp Duty Land Tax. These costs are in addition to your conveyancer's fees. Your conveyancer will provide a breakdown of all expected disbursements upfront so you know what to expect.

The conveyancing process typically takes 8 to 12 weeks, but this can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the transaction, the speed of searches, mortgage approvals, and whether there is a property chain.

Straightforward cases may be completed sooner, while more complex transactions or delays in the chain can extend the timeline.

We know how crucial it is to resolve property matters swiftly, especially when it involves your family home. Our expert property solicitors work diligently to complete your transaction as quickly as possible and will keep you updated throughout the process.

You may need to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) when selling a residential property in the UK if it's not your main home. If the property has been used as a second home, buy-to-let investment, or has not been your primary residence for the entire period of ownership, CGT could apply. The amount owed depends on your profit from the sale, your income tax band, and any available reliefs such as Private Residence Relief or Lettings Relief.