The county town of Devon and cathedral city Exeter is the gateway to the far south-west of the country supported by strong rail, road and airport links. With a history that stretches back before Roman times (when it was known as Isca), Exeter was at the vanguard of the industrial revolution because of its arable farming land and access to the river Exe that runs through its centre. Modern Exeter preserves its rich history as well as developing the city for the modern age with several opportunities for home-sellers and buyers. So, if you are planning on selling a maisonette in Matford, or you want to explore the possibilities of buying a share of freehold in Redhills, or you simply want to release some of the equity you've accrued in your bungalow in Foxhayes, Homeward Legal's team of expert conveyancers are waiting to talk to you and help you through the process.
We will apply our huge experience and knowledge of Exeter and its housing market, as well as our understanding of how the purchase and sale of properties are affected by some of the common - and the not-so-common - legal issues, so that you can be assured of a top-quality service at a value-for-money price.
We're open 6 days a week for your convenience, so call us now on to get your free, no-obligation quote.
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Why choose Homeward Legal for your conveyancing in Exeter
We've established an excellent reputation you can trust and helped over 30,000 customers in the past 13 years.
Our residential conveyancing solicitors are regulated under the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC).
Fixed Legal Fee policy
No hidden costs - the legal fee you get quoted is definitive.
No-Completion, No-Fee policy
You won't pay any legal fees if your move falls through for any reason.
Search & survey protection
You won't pay for your next search and survey if your transaction falls through.
Complete support
Dedicated customer service from start to finish. We are open 6 days a week.
Local knowledge
Solicitors with offices across England and Wales.
Simple & straightforward
No confusion with legal jargon - just plain and simple English.
Excellent, friendly service
So far so good, straight forward process with competitive pricing.
Chris has been brilliant, really helpful and friendly, made me feel reassured during a difficult time and didn't make me feel pressured.
Would definitely use this service again.

Current market trends in Exeter
Once you've decided that Exeter is the place where you want to buy your next home, you'll understandably want to know everything you can about the area and the specific issues that might affect your purchase. So, if you are considering the historic splendour of Heavitree, the coastal views that Topsham offers, or the rural idyll of village life that you can find in Monkerton, the conveyancing team at Homeward Legal fully understands all your legal needs for the prospective move.
- Average property price: £293,000-£347,000
- Most active areas: City centre, St David's, Heavitree, and Pennsylvania
- Typical conveyancing timeframe: 8 -12 weeks for standard transactions
- Annual price growth: +3% to +4% year-on-year (showing steady growth)
Sources: ONS, Plumplot, Rightmove, Homeward Legal internal data
Updated July 2025
Essential local searches for Exeter properties
Local authority searches
Exeter City Council maintains the local land charges register and handles planning permissions, building regulations, conservation area controls, and development restrictions that might affect your property.
These searches reveal planning permissions, building regulations compliance, conservation area restrictions, and development plans including the new Exeter Local Plan to 2040. Exeter's growth as a business and tourism centre, combined with University of Exeter expansion, means understanding planning proposals is crucial for future property values.
Learn more about local authority search >
Environmental searches
Important in Exeter due to the city's long history, proximity to the River Exe estuary, and mix of historic and modern development areas across the city.
Environmental searches identify contamination risks from former industrial activities, ground stability issues, and proximity to environmentally sensitive areas. These are particularly important given Exeter's location near the River Exe estuary and the potential for historical land use impacts.
Learn more about environmental search >
Water and drainage searches
Essential for Exeter properties due to the River Exe running through the city and the nearby Exe Estuary. Parts of Exeter have experienced flooding events, particularly areas near the river and in lower-lying parts of the city.
Our searches assess flood risk from the River Exe, drainage systems, surface water, and potential tidal influences from the estuary, particularly important in riverside areas and properties in the Quayside and lower city areas.
Location resources for Exeter property transactions
Online tools for researching Exeter properties, planning history, and local considerations.
- Exeter City Council Planning Portal - Search planning applications and building regulations in Exeter
- HM Land Registry - Search property sale prices and ownership records
- Environment Agency flood risk - Check flood risk for Exeter's riverside properties
- Exeter Local Plan - Strategic planning policies and development plans to 2040
- Historic England - Check listed buildings and conservation areas in Exeter
Our conveyancing services in Exeter
From purchase to remortgage - we handle it all
Buying a property in Exeter
Legal fees starting from £564(inc. VAT)
- Exeter City Council liaison - Comprehensive searches with Exeter City Council's specific planning and development requirements
- Planning permissions verification - Confirming development rights and planning restrictions for your Exeter property
- Local authority searches - Essential investigations covering environmental factors and development history
- Environmental search coordination - Managing contamination assessments and flood risk evaluations where relevant
Your Exeter conveyancing solicitor handles planning compliance, environmental searches, and local authority requirements.
Learn more about buying a property Or get an instant quote ->Selling a property in Exeter
Legal fees starting from £552(inc. VAT)
- Property enquiry responses - Comprehensive answers to buyer solicitor questions about development considerations and local factors
- Planning documentation - Providing development history and planning compliance for buyer enquiries
- Environmental documentation - Contamination reports and environmental certificates where relevant
- Legal documentation - Comprehensive contract preparation and property information compilation for smooth Exeter sales
Your Exeter conveyancing solicitor manages planning certificates, environmental documentation, and local authority requirements.
Learn more about selling a property Or get an instant quote ->Buying and selling a property in Exeter
Legal fees starting from £1024(inc. VAT)
- Chain coordination - Managing your sale and purchase transactions with careful Exeter market timing
- Exeter City Council experience - Handling council requirements for planning permissions and development compliance
- Environmental search coordination - Managing contamination and flood risk assessments where relevant
- Planning documentation - Coordinating development history and planning compliance across transactions
Your Exeter conveyancing solicitor coordinates transactions with planning and environmental expertise.
Learn more about buying and selling a property Or get an instant quote ->Remortgaging in Exeter
Legal fees starting from £283(inc. VAT)
- Legal documentation compilation - Gathering all required property certificates and legal papers for mortgage applications
- Property verification - Confirming existing certificates and legal papers meet new lender requirements
- Lender coordination - Efficient liaison between existing and new mortgage providers for settlement requirements
- Mortgage discharge preparation - Arranging settlement of existing mortgage and managing fund transfers
- Land Registry updates - Updating records with new mortgage details and finalising registration
- Legal completion - Finalising the remortgage process and ensuring smooth completion
Your Exeter conveyancing solicitor handles lender coordination and legal documentation for seamless remortgage completion.
Learn more about remortgaging Or get an instant quote ->Transfer of equity in Exeter
Legal fees starting from £312(inc. VAT)
- Property documentation compilation - Gathering all required certificates and legal papers for property transfers
- Family coordination - Managing sensitive transfers for divorce, inheritance, or family planning requirements
- Title verification - Confirming ownership rights and restrictions for smooth equity transfer completion
- Deed preparation - Preparing transfer deeds and legal documentation for ownership changes
- Stamp duty management - Calculating and arranging stamp duty payments where applicable
- Land Registry completion - Updating ownership records with new details and finalising registration
Your Exeter conveyancing solicitor manages legal documentation requirements for efficient transfer completion.
Learn more about transfer of equity Or get an instant quote ->
Exeter area property guide
Understanding Exeter's diverse neighborhoods
Wonford
Originally part of a royal estate that marked the crossing of the stream, there are the ruins of the St. Loye's chapel that vie for prominence against the more modern building of the residential areas, making it an attractive and pretty location to buy a property. Your conveyancing solicitor will establish the history of flooding in the area, and specifically as it impacts the property you are planning to buy; they might, depending on the findings, recommend taking out an expert Flood Report to understand the greater detail.
Digby
The small village of Digby is an area of beauty which is part of the Valley Park conservation area (and a place of nature conservation as dictated by Exetercouncil), although it is not a separate conservation area. When you have chosen your next home, your conveyancing solicitor will initiate their searches to identify any covenants or restrictions that might apply to what you can do to the property and how you plan to use it when living there.
Newtown
Historically the location of brickworks and brick-making that fuelled the housing boom in the nineteenth century, Newtown offers a variety of homes for the prospective buyer. With its industrial past, your conveyancing solicitor will strive to understand the position with regards to any contaminated land that might exist, so that you know what you are undertaking when buying a property.
Did you know?
Exeter is home to several historical buildings that date back many centuries, including the fourteenth-century House That Moved. In the sixties, when town planners were drawing up the route for a new road, it was decided to move the building on rollers to where it now stands rather than demolishing it. The age of the house is noteworthy, but what happened to it adds even further interest.
One of Exeter University's alumni is Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling, who, it is rumoured, took as her inspiration for the book series' shopping area of Diagon Alley from the historic shopping area of Gandy Street. It's not difficult to imagine that the wonderful shops that appear in the books are just a little further along the street.
Start your Exeter conveyancing journey today
Get expert Exeter conveyancing from solicitors who understand cathedral city properties, university areas, and Devon heritage considerations.
Call now for your free quote - we know Exeter's unique property challenges.
Frequently asked questions about conveyancing in Brighton
What makes conveyancing in Exeter different from other areas?
Exeter combines cathedral city heritage, university influence, and proximity to both Devon countryside and coast. Our conveyancers understand Exeter City Council policies, extensive conservation areas around the historic centre, and considerations around the university's impact on local housing demand and student accommodation.
How long does conveyancing take in Exeter?
Conveyancing in Exeter typically takes 8-12 weeks for standard transactions. Properties in conservation areas may require heritage assessments, while the competitive market driven by university and professional demand often requires swift action. Our experienced team manages these requirements efficiently.
How much does conveyancing cost in Exeter?
Conveyancing costs in Exeter start from £564 for standard purchases. Exeter's desirable location and strong fundamentals create a competitive market. We provide transparent pricing with our Fixed Legal Fee guarantee, outlining any additional costs for heritage searches clearly.
Do I need to visit your offices for Exeter conveyancing?
No, you don't need to visit offices for Exeter conveyancing. Our online conveyancing service handles everything remotely. Our solicitors understand Exeter's unique property market, including its cathedral city heritage, university influence, and appeal to both professionals and retirees.
How does the university affect Exeter property purchases?
Exeter University creates strong demand in certain areas, with rental markets and potential restrictions on HMO conversions. Student areas may offer rental yields but different resale dynamics. Our conveyancers advise on university proximity impacts, licensing requirements, and long-term investment considerations.
What should I know about Exeter's conservation areas?
Exeter's historic centre features extensive conservation areas with strict planning controls affecting alterations and developments. The cathedral precinct and historic areas have particular protections. Our conveyancers investigate all heritage restrictions and advise on permitted development rights and planning considerations.