The historic county of Kent attracts buyers seeking rural charm, coastal beauty, and excellent transport links to London, creating strong demand across this diverse "Garden of England" destination. Whether you're purchasing a period cottage in Canterbury's cathedral city, selling a coastal property in Dover with Channel views, or refinancing a family home in Maidstone to fund improvements, our experienced conveyancing team understands Kent's unique property landscape.
Our local knowledge of Kent's multiple district council requirements, conservation area regulations, and flood risk considerations ensures your transaction proceeds smoothly and efficiently, with transparent pricing and no hidden surprises.
We're available 6 days a week to support your Kent property journey - call to get a free no-obligation quote.
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Why choose Homeward Legal for your conveyancing in Kent
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).
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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.
I'm so glad I picked Homeward Legal
I'm so glad I picked Homeward Legal. I thank Mark for his kindness and guidance and for helping me through a stressful time. Solicitor fees were also extremely good value for money.
Current market trends in Kent
Having decided to buy your next home in the Kent area, you'll want to know the details of anything that might impact your enjoyment of the purchase. So, whether it's the appeal of historic Canterbury with its World Heritage cathedral, the coastal lifestyle of Dover and Folkestone, or the commuter-friendly towns like Sevenoaks and Maidstone, you can be sure that the conveyancing team at Homeward Legal fully understands your needs.
- Average property price: £382,000 (county average)
- Most active areas: Canterbury, Maidstone, Ashford, Dover, Sevenoaks, and Tunbridge Wells
- Typical conveyancing timeframe: 8-12 weeks for standard transactions
- Annual price trends: Mixed performance across districts with some areas like Dover (+17.4%) and Canterbury (+10.6%) showing strong growth, while others like Medway (-4.8%) seeing price adjustments
Sources: ONS, Plumplot, Kent Property Market Report, Homeward Legal internal data
Updated June 2025
Essential local searches for Kent properties
When buying property in Kent, specific local searches are important due to the county's diverse geography, extensive coastline, multiple district councils, and rich historical heritage. Our conveyancers conduct comprehensive investigations including:
Local authority searches
Kent has twelve district councils (including Canterbury, Maidstone, Ashford, Dover, Sevenoaks, and Tunbridge Wells) plus the unitary authority of Medway, each maintaining separate local land charges registers and handling planning permissions, building regulations, and conservation area controls.
These searches reveal planning permissions, building regulations compliance, conservation area restrictions, and development plans. Kent has extensive conservation areas protecting its rich architectural heritage, particularly around cathedral cities, market towns, and coastal areas. Many properties are listed buildings or within historic settings requiring special considerations.
Learn more about local authority search >
Environmental searches
Critical in Kent due to the county's industrial heritage, former military sites, agricultural history, and potential contamination from historical land uses including former gas works, railway lands, and industrial activities.
Environmental searches identify contamination risks from former industrial sites, agricultural contamination, and ground stability issues. These are particularly important given Kent's varied geology, former mining activities, and the potential for contaminated land from historical industrial and military uses.
Learn more about environmental search >
Water and drainage searches
Essential for Kent properties due to the county's extensive coastline, river systems, and flood risk areas, particularly in low-lying coastal regions and areas near rivers like the Medway and Thames.
Kent County Council acts as Lead Local Flood Authority managing flood risk across the county. Our searches assess flood risk from coastal flooding, rivers, surface water, and groundwater, particularly important for properties near the coast, in river valleys, or in areas like Romney Marsh and parts of Thanet.
Location resources for Kent property transactions
Online tools for researching Kent properties, planning history, and local considerations.
- Kent County Council - County-wide services and flood risk information
- Canterbury City Council - Planning and heritage guidance for Canterbury
- Maidstone Borough Council - Planning services for Maidstone area
- Dover District Council - Coastal and heritage planning information
- Land Registry price paid data - Search property sale prices and ownership records
- Environment Agency flood risk maps - Check flood risk levels for Kent properties
Our conveyancing services in Kent
From purchase to remortgage - we handle it all
Buying a property in Kent
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 Kent.
Selling a property in Kent
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 Kent.
Buying and selling a property in Kent
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 Kent.
Remortgaging a property in Kent
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 Kent.
Transfer of equity in Kent
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 Kent.
Kent area property guide
Understanding Kent's diverse neighborhoods
East Kent (Canterbury & Dover)
The historic heart of Kent featuring Canterbury's UNESCO World Heritage cathedral city and Dover's iconic White Cliffs. Properties range from medieval cottages within Canterbury's city walls to coastal homes with Channel views in Dover. The area offers excellent transport links including high-speed rail to London, making it popular with commuters and those seeking cultural heritage combined with modern convenience.
West Kent (Sevenoaks & Tunbridge Wells)
The affluent western areas of Kent, popular with London commuters due to excellent rail connections. Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells offer some of Kent's highest property values, featuring period properties, modern family homes, and prestigious addresses. Areas like Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells provide Victorian and Edwardian architecture with access to outstanding schools and green spaces.
Did you know?
Kent is known as the "Garden of England" because Henry VIII was so delighted with a bowl of Kent cherries that he ordered Britain's first cherry orchard to be planted in Teynham. This agricultural tradition continues today with Kent's orchards and farms supplying premium produce across the country.
The county has more castles and historic houses than any other English county, including Leeds Castle (known as "the loveliest castle in the world"), Dover Castle (Europe's largest castle), and Canterbury Cathedral - the mother church of the Anglican Communion and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mid Kent (Maidstone & Ashford)
Maidstone, Kent's county town, offers a mix of historic properties and modern developments with good transport links to London and the coast. Ashford has undergone significant regeneration with high-speed rail connections making it increasingly popular. The area provides more affordable options while maintaining good connectivity and local amenities.
Coastal Kent (Thanet & Folkestone)
The coastal areas including Margate, Ramsgate, Folkestone, and surrounding villages offer seaside living with regenerating town centers and artistic communities. Properties range from Victorian seaside terraces to modern waterfront developments. The area benefits from improving transport links and cultural renaissance, attracting both families and creative professionals.
Start your Kent conveyancing journey today
Get expert Kent conveyancing from solicitors who understand multiple district council requirements, heritage property considerations, and South East England property regulations.
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