Thank you for your interest in our property services. Whether you are a first-time buyer, an investor or simply moving house, we are here to help take the stress out of buying and selling residential property.
We will guide you through each step of your transaction and provide a personal service tailored to your requirements. Normally one fee earner will have conduct of your transaction throughout and you will be able to contact them direct. If they are ever away from the office a colleague in the department will be able to assist. Where necessary we can recommend other professionals such as Surveyors, IFA’s and property valuers.
We aim to provide quality independent legal advice and representation, based on extensive local knowledge, at a fair price. We will keep you informed regarding your transaction as it progresses so you can make informed decisions and have confidence that every aspect of your property transaction has been dealt with properly.
Why Us
We have an experienced Conveyancing team of property lawyers who understand the potential stress that can be involved in buying, selling, or re-mortgaging your property. Our approach is simple - we aim to provide a first-class service and to remove any confusion and uncertainty you may have about the transaction and we deal with all of the legal aspects of a property transaction on your behalf.
Our Conveyancing team includes fully qualified Solicitors and conveyancers who have the legal and technical “know how” to resolve issues as they arise in a professional and efficient manner. The individual Conveyancing team in each of our offices is headed by a Partner in the firm. We understand that communication is key, so we are readily available to answer your questions in plain English and keep you up-to-date with everything you need to know.
We are proud to hold CQS Accreditations, issued by the Law Society. This involves all the firm’s Conveyancers undergoing continuous training to ensure they remain informed about legal developments and are able to maintain high levels of client care.
Pricing
The fees involved in any transaction are obviously important to our clients and we therefore review our fees on a regular basis and consider client feedback to ensure we continue to offer a good value service.
For residential property matters we are happy to accept instructions on a fixed fee basis. This ensures that you know what the fees will be for your transaction from the outset.
A fixed fee conveyancing quote necessarily assumes that the transaction will be straightforward and nothing untoward will be encountered. If, during the course of the transaction, something unexpected is uncovered we will discuss any necessary change in the fee structure with you and agree a way forward. Normally we accept and are happy to deal with minor anomalies encountered in the transaction within the parameters of the fixed fee quoted.
Our fixed fees for residential property transactions are set out below:
Freehold Residential Property Sale
Our fees cover all the work required to complete the sale of your residential property, including redemption of your mortgage if applicable.
Please note that if you are aware that there are aspects concerning the property you are looking to sell that make it unconventional, or if it is worth less than £100,000, or more than £750,000; or if it is a commercial, or agricultural property, or bare land it would normally be best to contact us for a bespoke quotation regarding our legal fees.
| Freehold residential property sale | Amount £ | VAT £ | Subtotal £ |
| Fixed Fee based on property value | |||
| £100,000 - £250,000 | 975.00 | 195.00 | 1,170.00 |
| £250,001 - £500,000 | 1,400.00 | 280.00 | 1,680.00 |
| £500,001 - £650,000 | 1,900.00 | 380.00 | 2,280.00 |
| £650,001 - £750,000 | 2,250.00 | 450.00 | 2,700.00 |
| HM Land Registry official copies of registered title and plan (estimated) | 6.00 | 1.20 | 7.20 |
| Electronic transfer of Mortgage redemption | 30.00 | 6.00 | 36.00 |
| Electronic transfer of net sale proceeds | 30.00 | 6.00 | 36.00 |
| Acting in connection with the redemption of mortgage | 150.00 | 30.00 | 180.00 |
| Subtotal | 1,191.00 – 2,466.00 | 238.20 – 493.20 | 1,429.20 – 2,959.20 |
| Your Estimated Total |
Exclusions
Please note we do not undertake detailed tax advice. We may be able to provide some basic advice, but it is likely that you will need to take the advice of your accountant. We recommend that you seek advice before your sale progresses in case any preliminary action is required before contracts are exchanged.
When considering Capital Gains Tax the relevant date for this tax is the date contracts are exchanged.
If the property you are selling is not your main home, or there has been some business use of the property, then there may be liability for Capital Gains Tax when you come to sell, or dispose of the property. Capital Gains Tax is charged on the net gain, although certain deductions and allowances are allowed. If you believe you may require advice regarding the Capital Gains Tax implications of selling the property we recommend you seek the advice of an accountant.
Our fees are fixed, however there may be certain factors which would typically increase the cost of the fees estimated above. Where there is likely to be an additional cost, we will make sure you are informed of this at the earliest opportunity and a clear estimate of those extra costs will be provided.
Unexpected factors that may lead to an increase in costs might include:
- If title to the property is defective;
- The property is being transferred out of a larger title ie. a Transfer of Part
- If part of the property you are selling is unregistered;
- If building regulations or planning permission are missing or have not been obtained;
- If crucial documents are not available;
- If the property is a new build;
- If the property is less than 10 years old;
- If there is a degree of urgency and you require exchange / completion within 6 weeks of instructing us.
Time Scales
How long will it take? Every sale is different and it is not always possible to say how long it will take to carry out all of the legal work necessary.
As a guide, assuming that the matter proceeds without complication or delay you could expect to be in a position to exchange contracts between 4 and 6 weeks after the draft contract has been issued to the buyer’s solicitor with completion normally taking place between 1 - 4 weeks after exchange.
Please note that unexpected factors may arise which means that this timescale is not feasible – we will keep you informed as the matter progresses.
In particular with many sales and purchases of residential property, there is a chain of transactions involved and matters can only proceed as fast as the slowest link.
Key Milestones
With every transaction there are certain key milestones, which may vary according to individual circumstances. They may be as follows:
- Obtaining the title deeds or documents;
- If applicable obtaining from your mortgage company a statement showing the amount that will be needed to redeem your mortgage;
- Drafting and preparing the sale documentation and sending it to the buyer’s solicitor;
- Liaising with the buyer’s solicitor;
- Liaising with you and your estate agent (if any) on the progress of the sale;
- Dealing with any pre contract enquiries;
- Arranging for you to sign the sale contract;
- Agreeing a completion date - the date you must move out of the property;
- Exchanging contracts on your behalf (which commits you legally to sell the property);
- Dealing with pre completion matters and completing the sale;
- Following completion, repaying any mortgage from the net proceeds of sale, settling your estate agent’s bill on your behalf and accounting to you for the net balance due to you.
Please note that the above is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but a basic outline of what is involved.