For individuals · Residential conveyancing
Moving home, without the guesswork
Buying or selling a home involves many moving parts and many other people. We keep track of them, flag anything that needs your attention and tell you where things stand.
Overview
Conveyancing is the legal work of transferring ownership of a property. Much of it happens out of sight: checking the title, raising enquiries, reviewing searches, dealing with your lender and coordinating with the other side’s solicitor and everyone else in the chain. When it is done well, you understand what you are buying and nothing comes as a surprise.
The key moment is exchange of contracts. Until then, either side can usually walk away. After exchange, the deal is legally binding and the completion date is fixed. We make sure you are comfortable with everything in the report on title before you reach that point.
We act for buyers, sellers and homeowners who are remortgaging or transferring ownership. Whether it is a first flat, a family home or a leasehold property with a long management pack, you will have a named contact and regular updates, so you aren’t left chasing.
When you might need us
- You are buying your first home and want the process explained properly
- You are selling and buying at the same time and need both sides coordinated
- You are buying a leasehold flat and want to understand the lease, ground rent and service charge
- You are remortgaging to a new lender
- You want to add or remove someone from the ownership of your home
- A family member is helping with your deposit and you need to know what the lender requires
What we cover
Buying a home
We check the title, order and review searches, raise enquiries and report to you on anything important before exchange. We also act for your mortgage lender where they allow it.
Selling a home
We prepare the contract package, answer the buyer’s enquiries, deal with redemption of your mortgage and account to you for the sale proceeds.
Leasehold property
We review the lease and management information, explain your obligations and the costs you will pay, and highlight any terms that may cause difficulty later.
Remortgages
We deal with your new lender’s requirements, redeem the existing mortgage and register the new charge at HM Land Registry.
Transfers of equity
Whether you are adding a partner to the title or removing someone after separation, we handle the transfer and any lender consent needed.
Completion and registration
After completion, we deal with any Stamp Duty Land Tax return that is needed and register the change of ownership with HM Land Registry.
How we approach it
Set expectations early
At the start we explain the steps, the likely timescale and our costs, including third-party costs such as searches and Land Registry fees.
Investigate properly
We review the title, searches and replies to enquiries, and chase the answers that matter rather than accepting vague replies.
Report in plain English
Before exchange, we explain what we have found and what it means for you, so you can decide with confidence.
Coordinate to completion
We work with agents, lenders and other solicitors in the chain to agree dates and complete smoothly.
What you can expect from us
- A clear estimate of our costs and third-party costs at the outset
- A named lawyer you can reach
- Regular progress updates without having to chase
- A written report on the property before you commit
- Straight answers about delays and what is causing them
Who you will work with
Questions clients often ask
How long does conveyancing take?
It varies considerably. The timing often depends on the length of the chain, how quickly searches come back, whether the property is leasehold and how promptly information is provided. We will give you a realistic view at the start and keep you updated.
When is the sale legally binding?
In England and Wales, the sale usually becomes legally binding on exchange of contracts. Before then, either party can normally withdraw. On exchange, the buyer usually pays a deposit and the completion date is fixed.
Why do you need so many identity documents?
Law firms must carry out identity and anti-money laundering checks, including checking the source of the money used for a purchase. Lenders have their own requirements too. Having the documents ready early can help avoid delays.
What is different about buying a leasehold flat?
With leasehold, you own the property for a fixed term under a lease, and there are usually ongoing obligations such as service charges and ground rent. The length of the remaining term and the terms of the lease can affect value and mortgageability, so we review them carefully.
This page is general information about residential conveyancing in England, not legal advice, and advice on any purchase or sale will depend on your individual circumstances. Harton & Vale Legal is a fictional firm created as a design concept, so nothing here is legal advice. About this concept.
Make an enquiry
Talk to us about residential conveyancing.
Tell us briefly what has happened and what you would like to achieve. There is no obligation, and we will be straightforward about whether we are the right people to help.
We read your enquiry
A member of the relevant team reviews it, usually within one working day.
A short, no-obligation call
We ask a few questions, explain how we could help and outline the likely next steps.
Clear terms before any work
If you would like to go ahead, we confirm the scope, who will handle it and the costs in writing.