The port city Southampton has the motto “Gateway to the world”, which underlines its importance for not only travel but for management of cargo in and out of the country. The city has a mixture of housing from the conurbations that surround the busy towns and centres for industry and shipping to those on the periphery that touch on the beauty of the New Forest, a designated national park. So, if you are planning on buying a bungalow in Bissett Green, or selling a maisonette in Maybush, or are looking at the options of a share of freehold property in Sholing, the expert team of conveyancing solicitors at Homeward Legal are waiting to help and guide you through the process.
At Homeward Legal, we will apply our vast knowledge and experience of the Southampton property market and our immersion in how the sale or purchase of properties are affected by the common - and critically the not-so-common - legal issues, so that you can be assured of a top-quality conveyancing service at a value-for-money fee 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 Southampton
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 Southampton
Once you've decided thatSouthampton is where you want to buy your next home, you'll want to know everything you can about the area you plan to move to, and the details of the specific issues that might affect your purchase. So, if you are thinking of the more open space that a flat in Lordswood offers, or some of the history, particularly the ruins of the church, and the medium- to high-rise places located in Holyrood, or the proximity to the city centre that a home in the Shirley district provides, the conveyancing team at Homeward Legal fully understands your legal needs for the move.
- Average property price: £236,000-£399,000 (depending on area and property type)
- Most active areas: City centre, Bassett, Highfield, and Woolston
- Typical conveyancing timeframe: 8-12 weeks for standard transactions
- Annual price growth: +2% to +5% year-on-year (varies by location)
Sources: ONS, Plumplot, Rightmove, Homeward Legal internal data
Updated July 2025
Essential local searches for Southampton properties
When buying property in Southampton, specific local searches are important due to the city's maritime location, diverse neighbourhoods, and proximity to the coast. Our conveyancers conduct comprehensive investigations including:
Local authority searches
Southampton 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 major development plans including the ongoing city centre regeneration and waterfront developments. Southampton's coastal location and urban development projects mean understanding planning proposals is of importance for future property values.
Learn more about local authority search >
Environmental searches
Critical in Southampton due to the city's industrial heritage, port activities, and coastal location, which can affect ground stability and contamination levels.
Environmental searches identify contamination risks from former industrial activities, port-related operations, coastal erosion concerns, and sea level changes. These are particularly important given Southampton's history as a major port and the potential for contaminated land from former dockyard and industrial sites, as well as coastal erosion risks for waterfront properties.
Learn more about environmental search >
Water and drainage searches
Essential for Southampton properties due to the city's coastal location, River Test, River Itchen, and Southampton Water. The city faces both tidal and surface water flooding risks.
Our searches assess flood risk from rivers, coastal flooding, and surface water drainage, particularly important in areas near the waterfront and in low-lying parts of the city that may be affected by tidal surges or heavy rainfall.
Location resources for Southampton property transactions
Online tools for researching Southampton properties, planning history, and local considerations.
- Southampton City Council Planning Portal - Search planning applications and building regulations in Southampton
- HM Land Registry - Search property sale prices and ownership records
- Southampton City Council Land Charges - Local land charges and search information
- Environment Agency flood risk - Check flood risk for Southampton's coastal and riverside properties
Our conveyancing services in Southampton
From purchase to remortgage - we handle it all
Buying a property in Southampton
Your solicitor's responsibilities will include:
- Initial verification - confirms the seller has legal right to sell and the property is free from issues.
- Property searches - conducts comprehensive local authority and environmental searches to identify potential problems.
- Property enquiries - raises detailed questions with the seller's solicitor about the property's use and history.
- Contract review - examines all legal documentation and ensures terms protect your interests.
- Mortgage coordination - liaises with your lender to arrange mortgage approval and legal requirements.
- Exchange management - finalises contract terms and coordinates exchange making the purchase legally binding.
- Completion coordination - handles final transfer, arranges mortgage funds, and ensures you receive the keys.
- Local expertise - provides knowledge of local property laws and procedures in Southampton.
Selling a property in Southampton
Your solicitor's responsibilities will include:
- Ownership verification & documentation - confirms you have clear legal title and right to sell, then prepares all legal contracts and documentation for the sale.
- Property enquiries response - answers all legal questions raised by the buyer's solicitor about the property.
- Issue resolution - investigates and resolves any legal concerns or defects identified during the process.
- Mortgage coordination - liaises with your lender to arrange mortgage discharge and settlement.
- Exchange management - finalises contract terms and coordinates the exchange of contracts with the buyer's solicitor.
- Completion coordination - handles the final transfer, receives sale proceeds, pays off your mortgage, and transfers remaining funds to you.
- Local expertise - provides knowledge of local property laws and procedures in Southampton.
Buying and selling a property in Southampton
Your solicitor's responsibilities will include:
- Chain coordination & timeline management - manages both transactions simultaneously to align completion dates and ensure smooth progression.
- Dual contract management - handles sale and purchase contracts together, ensuring all terms work in harmony.
- Financial coordination - manages deposit flows and fund transfers between your sale and purchase.
- Synchronised exchange & completion - coordinates both exchanges and completions to happen seamlessly on the same day.
- Local expertise - provides knowledge of local property laws and procedures in Southampton.
Remortgaging in Southampton
Your solicitor's responsibilities will include:
- Initial assessment & lender liaison - coordinates between old and new mortgage providers while reviewing your property title.
- Legal documentation & verification - handles all required paperwork and confirms property ownership and restrictions.
- Discharge coordination - arranges settlement of existing mortgage and manages fund transfers.
- Registration completion - updates Land Registry records with new mortgage details and finalises the process.
- Local expertise - provides knowledge of local property laws and procedures in Southampton.
Transfer of equity in Southampton
Your solicitor's responsibilities will include:
- Initial assessment & transfer preparation - reviews current ownership structure and prepares all necessary transfer documentation.
- Documentation & duty management - handles deed preparation and arranges stamp duty calculations and payments.
- Legal completion & registration - finalises the equity transfer and updates all Land Registry records.
- Support & coordination - provides guidance throughout and ensures smooth completion of the equity transfer.
- Local expertise - provides knowledge of local property laws and procedures in Southampton.
Southampton area property guide
Understanding Southampton's diverse neighborhoods
Bevois Valley
Homes in Bevois Valley are built on the original course of River Itchen and is well-positioned for access to the Southamptoncity centre and all the amenities that that provides. Because of its location, your conveyancing solicitor will investigate the history of flooding in the area and particularly where that impacts the property you are planning to buy. Dependent on those initial findings, they may advise taking out a more extensive and detailed flood report so that you are clear on what you are undertaking.
Mansbridge
The more picturesque area of Mansbridge finds itself on the northern section of Southampton, and it is built up from the use of an historical crossing point that gives it its name. Because of its history, parts of Mansbridge fall into a conservation area, so buying a property there will come with a few restrictions and caveats as to what you can do with it, which your conveyancing solicitor will investigate and verify as part of their standard searches.
St. Mary's
St. Mary's is notable for its church of the same name that has a history dating back to the tenth century, and it is also the location of the formation of what is known now as the Southampton F. C. With a church of such an age, your conveyancing solicitor will analyse the position of chancel repair (payments by parishioners for the upkeep of the church), at which point, even if no payments are currently made, they may suggest taking out a cheap indemnity insurance policy to protect you from any such demands in the future.
Did you know?
Southampton boasts some fascinating firsts both aviation and maritime: it was the first flight for the Spitfire, the machine that helped the RAF win the war of the skies during the Battle of Britain in the Second World War, and it was also the site of the maiden voyage for the ill-fated “unsinkable” RMS Titanic, which sank on its way to New York after hitting an iceberg.
Southampton is also the location of the legend of King Canute sitting on the edge of the sea, trying to hold back the tide. But many people misunderstand Canute's intended purpose - it wasn't about his arrogance that he believed, as King of England, he had the power to hold back the advancing waves, but quite the opposite; he wanted to prove to his ministers that he certainly did not have anything like that control! So, the legend has been bent out of shape and does the man a disservice.
Start your Southampton conveyancing journey today
Get expert Southampton conveyancing from solicitors who understand coastal properties, maritime heritage areas, and Hampshire transport links.
Call now for your free quote - we know Southampton's unique property challenges.
Frequently asked questions about conveyancing in Southampton
What makes conveyancing in Southampton different from other areas?
Southampton's coastal location and maritime heritage create specific legal considerations. Our conveyancers understand local council requirements, flood risk assessments, and area-specific searches that may be required due to the city's proximity to the coast and port activities.
How long does conveyancing take in Southampton?
The average transaction takes 8 -12 weeks, though this can vary based on property type, location, and whether additional searches are required. We'll provide realistic timescales based on your specific circumstances.
How much does conveyancing cost in Southampton?
Our conveyancing legal fees in Southampton start from £510 for a standard purchase transaction, with a transparent breakdown of all costs provided upfront.
Unlike many firms, we provide a Fixed Legal Fee guarantee and No Completion, No Fee protection, ensuring you know exactly what you'll pay with no hidden surprises.
Do I need to visit your offices for Southampton conveyancing?
No, our online service means everything can be handled remotely. Our solicitors have extensive Hampshire experience and can manage your transaction efficiently without face-to-face meetings.
