Selling a house or property solicitors

When selling a property, a solicitor or licensed conveyancer ensures the legal process is handled correctly, protecting your interests and preventing costly delays.

Their key responsibilities include drafting and reviewing contracts, handling buyer enquiries, and ensuring the transfer of ownership is legally sound. They also manage mortgage redemption, liaise with lenders, and oversee the exchange of contracts and completion, ensuring a smooth transition of funds and ownership.

Selling a home involves complex legal work, and mistakes can lead to delays or financial risks. Therefore, working with an experienced team ensures compliance with property law, streamlines the process, and provides peace of mind.

When selling a property, there are several costs to consider beyond the agreed sale price. These may include:

• Solicitor’s fees – Legal fees vary depending on the complexity of the sale.
• Estate agent fees – If you are selling through an estate agent, their commission is typically a percentage of the sale price, usually ranging from 1% to 3% plus VAT.
• Mortgage redemption fees – If you have an outstanding mortgage, you may need to pay a redemption fee to settle it. Some lenders charge an early repayment fee if you exit your mortgage before the agreed term.
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – An EPC is a legal requirement for selling a property and typically costs between £60 and £120.
• Capital Gains Tax (CGT) – If you are selling a second home or investment property, you may need to pay Capital Gains Tax on any profit made from the sale.

Understanding these costs upfront can help you plan your sale more effectively. Contact us today for a tailored quote.

The time it takes to sell a house varies depending on several factors, including market conditions, the complexity of the transaction, and how quickly all parties progress through the legal process. On average, selling a property in the UK takes between 8 to 12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion.

The process typically involves:

• Accepting an offer – This can take anywhere from a few days to a few months.
• Conveyancing process – The legal work, including property searches, drafting contracts, and responding to enquiries, usually takes 6 to 8 weeks.
• Mortgage and surveys – If the buyer is securing a mortgage, lender checks and property surveys can add 2 to 4 weeks.
• Exchange to completion – Once contracts are exchanged, completion typically happens within 1 to 2 weeks, although this can be negotiated.

Delays can occur due to issues such as property chains, legal complications, slow responses from buyers or sellers, or delays in mortgage approvals.

To help ensure a smooth and efficient sale, our experienced conveyancing solicitors work proactively to keep things moving. Get in touch today for expert legal support.

The cost of a solicitor when selling a house can vary depending on the complexity of the sale. Since every sale is unique, it’s a good idea to get a personalised quote to understand the full costs involved.

Our solicitors’ fees for selling a house typically start from around £1,595 plus VAT for a straightforward sale. For more complex properties, like large rural homes or listed buildings, fees can go up to around £5,000 plus VAT.

Once you have had an offer accepted, our conveyancing solicitors will manage the legal process on your behalf. We will prepare the contract pack, obtain the title deeds, and handle all necessary enquiries from the buyer’s solicitor. We will guide you through completing the property information forms and ensure any legal issues are resolved quickly to avoid delays.

We will keep you updated at every stage, from accepting the offer through to exchange and completion. Our focus is on making your sale as smooth and stress-free as possible while protecting your interests throughout.

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is only paid by the buyer of a property, not the seller.

If you're planning to buy another property, you may need to pay Stamp Duty on that purchase, depending on the property's price and your personal circumstances.

When selling a property, it’s important to consider legal and financial matters beyond the transaction itself. Updating or writing a will ensures that proceeds from the sale are distributed according to your wishes, while Estate Planning and Trusts can help protect assets and provide tax benefits. If you are selling an inherited property, understanding probate is essential for managing ownership and inheritance tax implications.