Buying a house or property solicitors

In England and Wales, the responsibility is on you, the buyer, to ensure that the property is in good condition before purchase as property transactions follow the principle of caveat emptor which means "buyer beware".

Once you’ve found a property, and agreed on a price, several legal steps must be completed before ownership can be transferred. These include conducting property searches, drafting and reviewing contracts, and ensuring there are no legal issues that could affect your purchase. A conveyancing solicitor will handle these processes, protecting your interests and those of any mortgage lender involved.

When purchasing a property, there are several costs to consider beyond the purchase price. These typically include:

• Solicitor’s Fees
• Search Fees – (essential property searches, such as local authority, environmental, and water searches)
• Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
• Land Registry Fees
• Survey Costs
• Mortgage Fees

Your conveyancing solicitor will provide a full breakdown of costs upfront, ensuring transparency so you know exactly what to expect.

The cost of a solicitor when buying a house varies depending on the complexity of the purchase. As every sale is unique, we recommend you get a personalised quote to understand the full costs involved.

Our solicitors’ fees for buying a house typically start from around £1,650 plus VAT for a straightforward purchase. For more complex properties, like large rural homes or listed buildings, fees can go up to around £5,000 plus VAT.

It typically takes 8 to 12 weeks to purchase a property, 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 conveyancing solicitors work diligently to complete your transaction as quickly as possible and will keep you updated throughout the process.

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax payable when purchasing property or land in England over a certain price threshold. The amount you pay depends on the property's purchase price, whether you're a first-time buyer, and if the property is residential or non-residential.

Current SDLT Rates for Residential Properties (England & NI):

• Up to £250,000 – No SDLT
• £250,001 to £925,000 – 5%
• £925,001 to £1.5 million – 10%
• Over £1.5 million – 12%

First-time buyers: If you’re a first-time buyer, you pay no SDLT on properties up to £300,000 and 5% on the portion from £300,001 to £500,000

Additional property purchases: If you're buying a second home or a buy-to-let property, an extra 3% surcharge applies on top of the standard rates.​​​​​​

Once you’ve had an offer accepted, our conveyancing solicitors will guide you through every step of the buying process. We will handle all legal aspects, including reviewing the contract, conducting property searches, liaising with the seller’s solicitor, and ensuring your mortgage lender’s instructions have been complied with and drawing down your mortgage funds.

We will keep you informed throughout, ensuring all checks are completed thoroughly before contracts are exchanged. On completion day, we will manage the transfer of funds and deliver the good news when you can collect your keys. Our goal is to make the process smooth, efficient, and stress-free from start to finish.

When buying a property, it is important to consider legal and financial matters beyond the purchase itself. If you are buying with a partner, family member, or friend, a cohabitation agreement can clarify ownership rights and financial responsibilities. Updating or creating a will ensures your property is distributed according to your wishes, while Estate Planning and Trusts can provide asset protection and tax benefits. If you are inheriting a property, understanding probate is essential for managing ownership and tax implications. Additionally, if you are purchasing a home before or after marriage, a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement can help safeguard your assets. Our expert solicitors can assist with all these aspects, ensuring your home and future are legally secure.