Whether it's your first home or you're moving on to pastures new, the property market can be a stressful and complicated place.
If you're selling or buying a property, we're here to provide you with the residential conveyancing services you need.
When you get a quote from us, the fixed legal fees* you are quoted ensures that based on the information you provided on your quote, there will be no hidden costs.
What is residential conveyancing?
What is residential conveyancing?
Residential conveyancing is the act of transferring the contractual title of a property from one owner to another.
As most people aren't familiar with the overall process and legal paperwork, many use solicitors to act on their behalf for a house sale or purchase. You'll find that if you're purchasing a property with a mortgage, the lender will require a solicitor to be appointed to act on their behalf too.
Residential conveyancing solicitors are regulated under the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). The CLC can issue licences to qualified lawyers who deal with all the legal matters involved when buying or selling a property in England and Wales.
Why choose Homeward Legal for residential conveyancing services
Simple & Straightforward
We won't confuse you with lots of technical jargon. Just plain, simple English that makes the conveyancing process easy to understand.
Fixed Legal Fees**
When you get residential conveyancing quotes from us, the fixed legal price* we quote you is the price you'll pay, with no hidden costs.
No-Completion No Fee†
Don't worry if your move falls through. Our no-completion no fee means there will be no fixed legal fees for you to pay.
Trusted
We pride ourselves on our customer service and we feel that hard work has been rewarded by the hundreds of glowing reviews we've received on Trustpilot.
Local
Whether you deal with one of our in-house team or a member of our panel of specialists, we'll find you a solicitor with excellent local knowledge of your area.
Regulated
All of the conveyancing professionals that we deal with are regulated under the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.
Available
Any questions? Our team is available to help until 6pm on weekdays, and 4pm on Saturdays.
What can residential conveyancing solicitors do?
What can residential conveyancing solicitors do?
The residential conveyancing services provided by your solicitor will depend on the type of transaction you've hired them to help with. Your conveyancer can deal with all the legal aspects if you're moving home. From searches, exchange of contracts and everything in between, you can trust their knowledge and experience will make the whole residential conveyancing process a lot smoother.
If you're buying a property, the primary role of residential conveyancing solicitors is to:
- Confirm your identification documents and ask to see a mortgage offer (if you are purchasing with a mortgage)
- Request searches that will provide information on the property and surrounding areas
- Agree a completion date between the parties involved
- Exchange contracts with the sellers
- Transfer funds on completion day and liaise with parties involved for the collection of keys
- Register you as the new owner with Land Registry and pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (in England) or Land Transaction Tax (in Wales) on your behalf
If you're selling a property, the role of residential conveyancing solicitors is to:
- Draft up the sale contract and let the buyer know what is included in the sale
- Confirm with the buyer's residential conveyancing solicitor that funds are in place ready for completion
- Agree a date for exchange of contracts and ensure everything is in place ready
- Pay off any outstanding mortgage once the sale is complete
- Deduct their fees before sending the remaining funds to you
Are a solicitor and residential conveyancer the same thing?
Are a solicitor and residential conveyancer the same thing?
Simply put, no.
There are two main differences between a solicitor and conveyancer, the first being their legal expertise. Solicitors are likely to have a greater knowledge of property law, whereas a conveyancer will specialise in the paperwork, contracts and finances when you're buying or selling your home.
The second is who regulates them. Those who offer residential conveyancing services must ensure they make it clear to the public who they are regulated by. Solicitors, for example, should make clear they are regulated by the SRA. For a licensed conveyancer, it's the CLC.
It's important to remember that when instructing someone to act on your behalf for your property sale or purchase, you can trust both solicitors and residential conveyancers to get the job done.
At Homeward Legal, we work with both residential conveyancers and solicitors and can help you find the professional you need to help with your sale or purchase. You can phone us now on or get a quote online.
Who would need to hire residential conveyancing solicitors?
Who would need to hire residential conveyancing solicitors?
Whether you're buying or selling a property, you're likely to need the help of residential conveyancing solicitors to assist with the legal paperwork, managing negotiations and handling monies. At Homeward Legal, we're able to provide a range of residential conveyancing services to our clients.
If you're a buyer, you'll need someone to request relevant searches on the property and surrounding area, exchange contracts and transfer funds on your behalf. They'll help to make sure the whole process is as simple as possible, meaning you can concentrate on getting ready for the move.
If you're a seller, you'll know just how stressful the process can be, but it doesn't have to be that way. With residential conveyancing solicitors via Homeward Legal, your contact will do all the legal legwork for you, exchanging contracts when ready and paying off any outstanding mortgage you might have.
If you're a first-time buyer or using the First Homes Scheme, the process can seem even more daunting. With so much to think about and a number of formalities involved, don't let the stress of your moving to your first home be tainted by this. Your residential conveyancer will ensure everything is taken care of so all you need to do is concentrate on buying the furniture you need and packing boxes.
Get in touch with us for your residential conveyancing needs
Whether you're looking to buy or sell your property, get in touch with the team today about our residential conveyancing services.
Alternatively, you can always give us a ring on or request a callback and we'll be happy to speak to you.
Frequently asked questions...
the conveyancing process typically takes between 8 to 12 weeks on average, although this can vary based on individual circumstances. Factors influencing the duration include the chain of transactions, local searches, mortgage approvals, and any legal complexities that may arise during the process. It's essential to communicate effectively with your conveyancer and other parties involved to expedite the process as much as possible. You can also check our guide on how long the conveyancing process takes.
The costs associated with conveyancing can vary and typically include:
- Legal Fees: Charged by the conveyancer or solicitor for their services in handling the property transaction. These fees can vary based on the complexity of the case and the professional's rates.
- Disbursements: These are additional costs paid by the conveyancer on your behalf for services such as local authority searches, Land Registry fees, environmental searches, and more. They are typically itemized in your final bill.
- Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): This tax is payable on properties above a certain price threshold. The amount varies based on the property value and whether you're a first-time buyer or not.
- Land Registry Fees: Charged for registering the property ownership with the Land Registry. The fee depends on the property value and whether it's a purchase, sale, or a transfer of ownership.
- Bank Transfer Fees: If you're transferring mortgage funds or the purchase price, your bank might charge a fee for this service.
- Additional Costs: Depending on circumstances, there might be extra costs for leasehold properties, indemnity insurance, or other necessary legal documents.
You can also check our detailed guide on conveyancing fees
Conveyancing searches are a common bundle of queries carried out for the buyer, with respect to the specific property they are purchasing. The most common (and mandatory for taking out a mortgage) searches are Local Authority, Drainage and Water, Chancel Liability and Environmental, although circumstances may dictate that further searches (e.g. Brine, or Coal or Tin-Mining) may be required, particularly if you are financing the purchase with a mortgage. In these circumstances, your conveyancing solicitor will advise and discuss the need to order these additional searches, as well as providing the cost of these disbursements.
Buyers should be aware that searches cover solely legal-related matters. If you want to know about the structural integrity of the property, you are strongly advised to commission a survey with an RCIS chartered surveyor.
Property surveys assess a property's condition and identify any structural issues or defects. While not legally required, they're highly recommended to understand the property's condition before purchase. There are various types of surveys, from basic condition reports to comprehensive building surveys. Surveys help buyers make informed decisions, negotiate prices, and plan for future maintenance or repairs.
Potential issues in conveyancing include delays, property problems like structural issues or disputes, mortgage approval delays, gazumping or gazundering, and legal complexities such as unclear rights of way or disputes affecting the property.
Communication and a skilled conveyancer can help navigate these challenges.
Learn more in our conveyancing process guide.
Your Fixed Legal Fee** quote from Homeward Legal ensures that you pay no more than we have quoted you for and is based on the information you’ve provided to us being true and accurate.
There are specific circumstances on a minority of transactions that may require additional charges that could not be foreseen at the outset.
A list of those charges and explanations can be found here with details of the potential cost. These will only be charged following discussion with your conveyancer with a clear explanation of what they are for.
No Completion No Fee† is our promise that in the unfortunate event that your property transaction falls-through you will not be liable for any of the conveyancer’s fixed legal fees for the work completed.
To secure this benefit a fee, already included in your quote, is taken upon on deciding to go ahead with your transaction.
Should your transaction fall through, for whatever reason, we can hold this amount on account for your next transaction or provide a refund.
