What qualifications do the team hold?

We will always ensure that your transaction is dealt with by an appropriately experienced member of the conveyancing team. Regardless of who is acting on your behalf, they will be supervised by a qualified solicitor.

Please click on the individual profiles below to see the specific experience held by that team member:

Sale Transactions (Freehold and Leasehold)

Overview of the Sale Process

The conveyancing process for a sale involves the legal and administrative steps required to transfer property ownership from a seller to a buyer. Below is an overview of the process:

1. Pre-Contract Stage

  • obtaining the title deeds
  • Instruction of a Conveyancer/Solicitor: The seller appoints a conveyancer or solicitor to handle the legal aspects of the sale.
  •  Drafting the Contract: The conveyancer prepares the draft contract of sale. This includes key terms like price, property details, and conditions of the sale.
  • Title Checks: The conveyancer obtains the property’s title deeds or checks the title electronically (if registered with the Land Registry).
  • Completion of Forms: The seller completes property information forms (TA6) and a fittings and contents form (TA10), disclosing information about the property and what is included in the sale.
  • Mortgage Settlement: If the property has a mortgage, the seller’s conveyancer obtains a redemption statement to determine how much is owed to the lender.

 

2. Pre-Exchange of Contracts

  • Responding to Enquiries: The buyer’s solicitor raises pre-contract enquiries, which the seller’s conveyancer answers. These enquiries may cover boundaries, planning permissions, and disputes.
  • Review by Buyer: The buyer and their solicitor review the draft contract and agree on terms.
  • Setting a Completion Date: Both parties agree on a date for completion, which will be included in the contract.

 

3. Exchange of Contracts

  • Formal Agreement: Once all inquiries are satisfied, both parties sign the contract, and it is exchanged. At this point, the sale becomes legally binding.
  • Deposit Payment: The buyer usually pays a deposit (typically 10% of the purchase price) to the seller.

 

4.Completion Stage

  • Mortgage Redemption: The seller’s conveyancer ensures the existing mortgage is paid off using the sale proceeds.
  • Transfer of Ownership: The seller’s conveyancer prepares the transfer deed, which is signed and handed to the buyer’s solicitor.
  • Final Balances: The buyer transfers the remaining funds, and the seller’s conveyancer arranges for the keys to be handed over.

 

5. Post-Completion

  • Discharge of Mortgage: The seller’s mortgage is formally discharged;
  • Payment of Fees: The conveyancer deducts their fees and any outstanding amounts from the sale proceeds.
  • Net Sale Proceeds: The remaining funds are transferred to the seller.

 

What we will do for you

We will let you have a breakdown of what our fees include, when we provide you with a quote. It may include some or all of the following matters:

  • obtaining the title deeds
  • guiding you when completing the necessary questionnaire;
  • if a leasehold sale, requesting the information supplied by the freeholder and/or managing agent;
  • preparing and sending the contract documentation to be sent to the buyer’s solicitor;
  • leasing with you and answering any enquiries raised by the buyer’s solicitor;
  • approving the deed of transfer (TR1);
  • preparing a completion statement and sending it to you with a detailed breakdown of how much money you will be receiving;
  • exchanging contracts;
  • on completion, paying off your mortgage, the estate agents (if so requested) and our fees and then accounting to you for the net sale proceeds;
  •  handing over the property deeds to the buyer’s solicitor..

 

How long will my transaction take?

It is difficult to estimate exactly how long the conveyancing process will take.  However, typically we anticipate it will take between ten to fourteen weeks to complete a transaction. This is dependent on many factors such as property searches, mortgage offers and the co-operation of all parties. If this significantly varies in any way during the course of your transaction. we will update you as to the likely date of completion at the earliest possible opportunity.

Where you are in a ‘chain’, any proposed dates will need to be agreed by all parties as a chain transaction can only proceed once every person in that chain is ready and willing to proceed.

 

Disbursements

Disbursements are charges that are to be paid to third parties during the course of your transaction, and which we will pay on your behalf. Disbursements are fixed by the third party supplier and we cannot influence them.

 

Typical Sale Disbursements

Type Description Cost
Anti-money laundering / ID checks These legal checks will verify your identity and are done through an online company. £24.00 (inclusive of VAT at 20%)
Title deeds In order to prepare the contracts, we need to apply for an official copy of your deeds from HM Land Registry. If your property is leasehold, we will also need to obtain an official copy of your lease. £7.00 per document (no VAT)
Telegraphic transfer fee You’ll need to use a telegraphic transfer to guaranteed funds reach an account on a certain day. £42.00 (inclusive of VAT at 20%)
Other disbursements When selling a leasehold property, there are often additional charges payable to third parties such as the freeholder or a management company. Examples of these are:

➢ obtaining the title deeds
➢ management/pre-sale pack (Law Society Form LPE1);
➢ certificate of consent;
➢ deed of covenant;
➢ transfer of a share certificate in the management company.

The above fees usually vary on each transaction.  This is mainly dependant on the freeholders, landlords and managing agents involved.  These charges may or may not be subject to VAT at 20%. We will let you know what these third parties charge when we have liaised with them.

 

Purchase Transactions (Freehold and Leasehold)

Overview of the Purchase Process

The conveyancing process for a purchase involves the legal and administrative steps required to transfer property ownership from the seller to the buyer. Below is an overview of the process:

1. Pre-Contract Stage

  • Offer Accepted: The buyer agrees on a purchase price with the seller, and the property is taken off the market.
  • Instruction of a Conveyancer/Solicitor: The buyer appoints a conveyancer or solicitor to handle the legal aspects of the purchase.
  • Mortgage Application (if applicable): The buyer arranges financing and applies for a mortgage;
  • Draft Contract Review: The seller’s solicitor provides a draft contract, title deeds, and completed property information forms to the buyer’s solicitor.
  • Initial Searches: The buyer’s solicitor begins necessary property searches, such as:
    • • Local Authority Search: Checks planning, building regulations, and nearby developments.
    • Coal Mining Search: Identifies potential risks from past mining activity like subsidence.
    • Water and Drainage Search: Confirms access to water and sewage systems.

 

2. Pre-Exchange of Contracts

  • Raising enquiries: The buyer’s solicitor raises pre-contract enquiries with the seller’s solicitor. These may address property boundaries, disputes, guarantees, or other concerns.
  • Survey and Valuation: The buyer commissions a property survey (e.g., homebuyer report or building survey) and obtains a mortgage valuation from the lender.
  • Title Review: The buyer’s solicitor reviews the title to ensure there are no restrictions, disputes, or charges that could affect ownership.
  • Mortgage Offer: The buyer receives a formal mortgage offer after the lender completes its checks and valuation.
  • Agreeing Terms: Both parties agree on the terms of the contract, including a completion date.

 

3. Exchange of Contracts

  • Signing the Contract: The buyer and seller sign the final contract, which is exchanged between their solicitors. At this point, the sale becomes legally binding.
  • Deposit Payment: The buyer pays a deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price), which is usually held by the buyer's solicitor to the order of the seller’s solicitor.

 

4. Completion Stage

  • Final Checks: The buyer’s solicitor ensures all pre-completion searches (e.g., bankruptcy search, priority Land Registry search) are clear.
  • Transfer of Funds: The buyer transfers the remaining balance (including the mortgage funds) to the seller’s solicitor.
  • Ownership Transfer: The seller’s conveyancer hands over the signed transfer deed, and the buyer receives the keys to the property.

 

5. Post-Completion

  • Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): The buyer’s solicitor calculates and pays SDLT (if applicable) to HM Revenue & Customs.
  • Land Registry Application: The buyer’s solicitor registers the property in the buyer’s name with the Land Registry.
  • Mortgage Registration: If a mortgage was used, the lender’s interest is recorded on the title.
  • Final Documentation: The buyer receives a copy of the updated title register showing them as the owner.

 

What we will do for you

We will let you have a breakdown of what our fees include, when we provide you with a quote. It may include some or all of the following matters:

  • Request the contract and supporting documents
  • Review the legal title and raise any enquiries of the seller's solicitor
  • Report back to you with a review of the title
  • undertake any searches and report back to you
  • review the mortgage offer (if applicable) and report back to you and your lender
  • provide you with a completion statement showing funds required from you
  • exchange contracts and undertake pre-completion searches
  • completion of the purchase and sending purchase monies to the seller's solicitor
  • serve any notices required under the lease (if applicable)
  • obtain any certificates required for HM Land Registry purposes
  • submit a tax return on your behalf and paying any stamp duty land tax (or land transaction tax, if the property is in Wales)
  • submit an application to HM Land Registry to register your ownership
  • providing a copy of the updated land registry documents to you and updating your lender (if applicable)

 

How long will my transaction take?

It is difficult to estimate exactly how long the conveyancing process will take.  However, typically we anticipate it will take between ten to fourteen weeks to complete a transaction. This is dependent on many factors such as property searches, mortgage offers and the co-operation of all parties. If this significantly varies in any way during the course of your transaction. we will update you as to the likely date of completion at the earliest possible opportunity.

Following completion, there is also a period of time when we submit an application to the Land Registry to register your property into your name. We have no control over the time this may take as it is dependent upon HMLR’s timescales as at the time of application.

Where you are in a ‘chain’, any proposed dates will need to be agreed by all parties as a chain transaction can only proceed once every person in that chain is ready and willing to proceed.

 

Disbursements

Disbursements are charges that are to be paid to third parties during the course of your transaction, and which we will pay on your behalf. Disbursements are fixed by the third party supplier and we cannot influence them.

 

Typical Purchase Disbursements

Type Description Cost
Anti-money laundering / ID checks These legal checks will verify your identity and are done through an online company. £24.00 (inclusive of VAT at 20%)
Property Fraud We will check to ensure that the lawyer acting for the seller is a real company and that their account details have not been flagged as fraudulent. £24.00 (inclusive of VAT at 20%)
Help to Buy ISA / LISA If you are using a Help to Buy ISA or a Lifetime ISA (LISA) to fund part of your purchase, we charge an extra fee in respect of the additional work required to advise and request funds from the scheme. £60.00 (inclusive of VAT at 20%) per ISA/LISA
Searches If you’re buying a property, you will need local authority, coal mining, environmental and/or drainage searches. The number and type of searches depend upon your instructions and we can proceed without any, depending on the individual circumstances £115.00 to £300 (some searches are subject to VAT at 20%)
Telegraphic transfer fee You’ll need to use a telegraphic transfer to guaranteed funds reach an account on a certain day. This is a charge levied by us in addition to our fees (which includes any costs payable by us to the bank) £42.00 (inclusive of VAT at 20%)
Land Registry Fees You will have to pay the Land Registry a fee for transferring the property in your name upon completion.  The exact amount depends very much on the purchase price. A breakdown of their fees can be found here £20.00 to £500.00 (no VAT)
Gifted Deposit Fee (per gift) If any part of your purchase monies is gifted to you by another, we carry out source of funds checks, identification checks and bankruptcy checks against the person providing the gift.  We charge a fee for doing so. £120.00 (inclusive of VAT at 20%)
Stamp Duty Land Tax You must pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) if you buy a property or land over a certain price in England and Northern Ireland. The tax is different if the property or land is in Scotland or Wales. Different rules apply to first time buyers. Visit the HMRC's website to calculate the amount you will need to pay by clicking here.      variable
Bankruptcy Search We will carry out a bankruptcy search against your name (mortgage requirement) and any person providing a gift of money to you.  This search shows whether the person is subject to any bankruptcy orders as strict rules apply to persons providing gift where they are declared bankrupt. £6.00 (per name) (no VAT)
Land Registry Search Prior to completion, we will carry out an official search with priority against the whole of a registered title or pending first registration application.  This protects you and any lender from any other person applying to register an interest against the title by giving you first priority. £7.00 (per search (no VAT)

 

 

Re-mortgage and Transfers (Freehold and Leasehold)

Overview of the Process

The re-mortgaging or transfer conveyancing process involves the legal steps required to change the financial or ownership arrangements of a property.

Re-mortgaging is when you replace an existing mortgage with a new one, either with the same lender or a different one.

A transfer of equity involves changing the ownership of a property, for example:

  • Adding or removing a name from the title (e.g., due to marriage, divorce, or gifting).
  • Transferring ownership from joint names to a sole owner or vice versa.

 

Here’s an overview of both processes:

Re-Mortgaging Process

  • Instruction of a Conveyancer/Solicitor: A conveyancer or solicitor is appointed to handle the legal formalities, especially when changing lenders.
  • Title Review: The solicitor checks the property’s title at the Land Registry to ensure there are no issues that could affect the new mortgage.
  • Mortgage Offer: The new lender provides a formal mortgage offer, which the solicitor reviews to ensure the terms are in order.
  • Redemption Statement: The current mortgage lender provides a redemption statement showing the amount needed to repay the existing mortgage.
  • Searches: Limited searches may be conducted if required by the new lender, such as a local authority or bankruptcy search. Some lenders may accept search indemnity insurance instead.
  • Mortgage Deed: The solicitor prepares the mortgage deed for signing. This document gives the new lender a legal charge over the property.
  • Completion: On the agreed date, the new lender releases funds to the solicitor, who repays the old mortgage and registers the new lender’s charge with the Land Registry.
  • Post-Completion: The solicitor updates the Land Registry with the details of the new mortgage and confirms registration to the lender.

 

Transfer Process

  • Instruction of a Conveyancer/Solicitor: The party/parties involved appoint a solicitor to manage the process.
  • Title Review: The solicitor reviews the current title to confirm ownership and identify any charges or restrictions.
  • Mortgage Lender’s Consent: If there’s a mortgage on the property, the lender must approve the transfer. In some cases, a new mortgage may be required.
  • Drafting Transfer Deed: The solicitor drafts the transfer deed (TR1 form) to formally record the change in ownership.
  • Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): If the transfer involves payment (e.g., a buyout in divorce), SDLT may be payable. The solicitor will calculate and file this.
  • Signing Documents: The parties involved sign the transfer deed, and any mortgage documents if applicable.
  • Completion: Once all parties agree, the transfer is completed, and the new ownership arrangement takes effect.
  • Registration with the Land Registry: The solicitor updates the Land Registry with the new ownership details and ensures any existing or new mortgage is registered.

 

What we will do for you

We will let you have a breakdown of what our fees include, when we provide you with a quote. It may include some or all of the following matters:

  • obtain the title deeds from HM Land Registry
  • review the mortgage offer (if applicable) and report back to you and your lender
  • prepare the legal documents
  • undertake any searches and report back to you
  • provide you with a completion statement showing funds required from you
  • liaise with your current lender and request a redemption statement from them
  • undertake pre-completion searches
  • request completion funds from you and your lender (if applicable)
  • redeem your current mortgage (if applicable)
  • submit a tax return on your behalf and paying any stamp duty land tax (or land transaction tax, if the property is in Wales), if applicable
  • submit an application to HM Land Registry to register your ownership
  • providing a copy of the updated land registry documents to you and update your lender (if applicable)

 

How long will my transaction take?

It is difficult to estimate exactly how long the conveyancing process will take.  However, typically we anticipate it will take between four to eight weeks to complete a transaction. This is dependent on many factors such as property searches and mortgage offers . If this significantly varies in any way during the course of your transaction. we will update you as to the likely date of completion at the earliest possible opportunity.

Following completion, there is also a period of time when we submit an application to the Land Registry to register your property into your name. We have no control over the time this may take as it is dependent upon HMLR’s timescales as at the time of application.

 

Disbursements

Disbursements are charges that are to be paid to third parties during the course of your transaction, and which we will pay on your behalf. Disbursements are fixed by the third party supplier and we cannot influence them.

Typical Re-mortgage and Transfer Disbursements

Type Description Cost
Anti-money laundering / ID checks These legal checks will verify your identity and are done through an online company. £24.00 (inclusive of VAT at 20%)
Title deeds. In order to prepare the contracts, we need to apply for an official copy of your deeds from HM Land Registry. If your property is leasehold, we will also need to obtain an official copy of your lease £7.00 per document (no VAT)
Bankruptcy Search We will carry out a bankruptcy search against your name (mortgage requirement) and any person providing a gift of money to you.  This search shows whether the person is subject to any bankruptcy orders as strict rules apply to persons providing gift where they are declared bankrupt. £6.00 (per name) (no VAT)
Searches If you’re buying a property, you may need local authority, coal mining, environmental and/or drainage searches. The number and type of searches depend upon your instructions and we can proceed without any, depending on the individual circumstances £115.00 to £300 (some searches are subject to VAT at 20%)
Telegraphic transfer fee You’ll need to use a telegraphic transfer to guaranteed funds reach an account on a certain day. This is a charge levied by us in addition to our fees (which includes any costs payable by us to the bank) £42.00 (inclusive of VAT at 20%)
Land Registry Fees You will have to pay the Land Registry a fee for transferring ownership or updating the lender upon completion.  The exact amount depends very much on the re-mortgage amount or property value. A breakdown of their fees can be found here £20.00 to £500.00 (no VAT)
Land Registry Search Prior to completion, we will carry out an official search with priority against the whole of a registered title or pending first registration application.  This protects you and any lender from any other person applying to register an interest against the title by giving you first priority. £7.00 (per search (no VAT)
Stamp Duty Land Tax You may have to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) in certain situations when re-mortgaging or transferring property in England and Northern Ireland. The tax is different if the property or land is in Scotland or Wales. Visit the HMRC's website to calculate the amount you will need to pay by clicking here.      variable