Like Dorset, its eastern neighbour, Devon, has a long set of chalk cliffs to the south that form part of the Jurassic Coast with a history of dinosaur finds, while it enjoys a very different coastal set-up in its northern region. Its history stretches back to the Iron Age and beyond, and with its national park on Dartmoor, the differing countryside options for the keen homebuyer and the demand for owners to sell their properties makes Devon a fantastic option.
So, whether you're planning on buying a townhouse in Exeter, or selling a bungalow in Bideford, or simply looking to release some of the equity in your maisonette in South Molton, Homeward Legal's team of expert conveyancers are waiting to help and guide you through the legal process.
When you choose Homeward Legal, we will apply our great knowledge and experience of Devon, its housing market and the impact on sales and purchases of the common - and the not-so-common - legal issues that arise, so that you can be assured of a top-quality service at a value-for-money conveyancing fee.
We're open 6 days a week for your convenience, so call us now on to get your free, no-obligation quote.
Get an accurate and definitive conveyancing quote in seconds
Why choose Homeward Legal for your conveyancing in Devon
We've established an excellent reputation you can trust and helped over 34,000 customers in the past 15 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 Service
I recently had the pleasure of interacting with Josh Thomas and I was thoroughly impressed by the level of professionalism, efficiency, and genuine care I received. From the moment I reached out, Josh was attentive, courteous, and eager to assist.
Excellent communication, prompt follow-ups, and a positive attitude throughout—this is the kind of service that builds trust and loyalty. Thank you for a great experience!
Current market trends in Devon
Devon's market is cooling after the sharp pandemic-era price surge, with values easing back across most districts as out-of-area demand normalises, though East Devon continues to hold up better than the county average.
- Average property price: £319,000
- Most active areas: Exeter, Totnes, Tavistock, Barnstaple
- Typical conveyancing timeframe: 8-12 weeks
- Annual price growth: -3.0%
Sources: Rightmove, Zoopla, Land Registry, Homeward Legal internal data
Updated May 2026
Essential local searches for Devon properties
When buying property in Devon, specific local searches are necessary due to the county's mining heritage, coastal location, and varied geology. Our conveyancers conduct comprehensive investigations including:
Local authority searches
Devon County 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 mineral extraction policies. Devon's planning framework includes National Park protections for Dartmoor and Exmoor areas, which may significantly impact development rights and property use.
Learn more about local authority search >
Environmental searches
Important in Devon due to its significant industrial heritage, including former mining sites, quarries, and manufacturing facilities throughout the county.
Environmental searches identify contamination risks from historical land use, air quality concerns, and ground stability issues. These are particularly relevant given Devon's mining history and the potential for contaminated land from former industrial processes and mineral extraction.
Learn more about environmental search >
Water and drainage searches
Necessary for Devon properties due to extensive coastline and river systems including the River Exe, River Tamar, and River Dart.
These searches confirm water supply and sewerage connections, and assess drainage arrangements. For properties in flood-prone areas, a detailed flood risk report may be recommended to evaluate risks from rivers, coastal flooding, and surface water, particularly in areas like Exeter, Plymouth approaches, and North Devon coast.
Learn more about water and drainage search >
Mining searches
Devon has extensive tin, copper, and china clay mining history, particularly in South and West Devon areas.
These searches investigate former metal mining workings, china clay extraction sites, and coal mining areas. Of particular concern is "mundic" concrete made with mining waste that can deteriorate over time, requiring specialist surveys in affected areas.
Location resources for Devon property transactions
Online tools for researching Devon properties, planning history, and local considerations.
- Devon County Council Planning - Planning policies and minerals/waste planning information
- Land Registry Open Data - Official property price data and market information
- Environment Agency Flood Map for Planning - Check flood risk levels for properties near rivers and coast
- South Hams District Council Planning - Planning applications for South Devon coastal and rural properties
Our conveyancing services in Devon
From purchase to remortgage - we handle it all
Buying a property in Devon
Legal fees starting from £564 (inc. VAT)
- Devon County Council liaison - Comprehensive searches with local authority requirements for coastal properties and Dartmoor National Park compliance
- Coastal flood risk assessments - Essential evaluations for properties near Devon's extensive coastline and river valleys
- National Park planning checks - Verifying development rights and planning restrictions within Dartmoor and Exmoor boundaries
- Conservation area verification - Heritage compliance for properties in Devon's numerous historic towns and villages
Your Devon conveyancing solicitor handles coastal risk assessments, National Park compliance, and heritage considerations.
Learn more about buying a property Or get an instant quote ->Selling a property in Devon
Legal fees starting from £552 (inc. VAT)
- Property enquiry responses - Comprehensive answers about coastal risks, National Park restrictions, and conservation requirements
- Flood risk documentation - Coastal and river flood certificates for properties in high-risk Devon locations
- National Park compliance certificates - Documentation for properties within Dartmoor and Exmoor boundaries
- Environmental disclosure - Information about coastal erosion, moorland restrictions, and environmental considerations
Your Devon conveyancing solicitor manages flood documentation, National Park certificates, and environmental compliance.
Learn more about selling a property Or get an instant quote ->Buying and selling a property in Devon
Legal fees starting from £1024 (inc. VAT)
- Chain coordination - Managing your sale and purchase transactions with careful Devon market timing
- Devon County Council experience - Handling council requirements for coastal and moorland properties
- Coastal property expertise - Managing flood risk assessments and coastal erosion considerations
- National Park coordination - Managing Dartmoor and Exmoor planning requirements and restrictions
Your Devon conveyancing solicitor coordinates transactions with coastal property and National Park expertise.
Learn more about buying and selling a property Or get an instant quote ->Remortgaging in Devon
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 Devon 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 Devon
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 Devon conveyancing solicitor manages legal documentation requirements for efficient transfer completion.
Learn more about Or get an instant quote ->
Devon area property guide
Understanding Devon's diverse neighborhoods
Crediton
Crediton has a long history that can be traced back to the seventh century and before, and it nestles in the rolling hills of the Devonshire countryside. With the Church of the Holy Cross dating back to at least the tenth century, and being located within the town, your conveyancing solicitor will be keen to ensure an understanding of the position on chancel repair (payments by parishioners for the upkeep of the local church) and, while the chancel repair might not currently be in force, they might recommend taking out a cheap indemnity insurance to cover yourself in the future should that position change.
Holsworthy
Located towards the north-western part of Devon, Holsworthy is a lively market town with a long history in the region. Because Devon is generally a hotspot for the invasive plant Japanese knotweed, the existence of which must be declared by your seller, your conveyancing solicitor will want to verify the precise position with respect to any declaration and may recommend seeking guidance from an expert as to the next steps and cost of removal.
Clovelly
The beautiful harbour village of Clovelly is located on the north-western coast of Devon, and is privately owned, with vehicles completely restricted for access, with goods being pulled on sleds by donkeys. A magnet for tourists each season, Clovelly is built from traditional designs, and it requires strong muscles to walk up the steep hill and to carry any goods to a home you have bought. The restrictions for living in Clovelly will be something that your conveyancing solicitor will confirm as part of their initial searches.
Did you know?
Devon is home to the last castle that was ever built in the country. But, rather than expecting it to be somewhere back in the far mists of time, it was constructed in the thirties, less than a century ago. Called Castle Drogo, it calls the village of Drewsteignton its home.
Devon is also the birthplace of the Jack Russell terrier dog, which was so named after a local reverend who owned a mutt with the defining characteristics of the breed.
Start your Devon conveyancing journey today
Get expert Devon conveyancing from solicitors who understand coastal properties, National Park restrictions, and heritage conservation requirements.
Call now for your free quote - we know Devon's unique property challenges.
Frequently asked questions about conveyancing in Devon
What makes conveyancing in Devon different from other areas?
Devon's mix of coastal, moorland, and rural properties creates unique legal considerations. Our conveyancers understand Dartmoor National Park restrictions, coastal erosion risks, and agricultural land regulations.
How long does conveyancing take in Devon?
The average transaction takes 8-12 weeks, though properties in National Parks or coastal areas may require additional environmental assessments which can affect completion timing.
How much does conveyancing cost in Devon?
Our conveyancing legal fees in Devon start from £564 for a standard purchase transaction, with a transparent breakdown of all costs provided upfront.
Do I need to visit your offices for Devon conveyancing?
No, our online service means everything can be handled remotely. Our solicitors have extensive South West experience and can manage your transaction efficiently without face-to-face meetings.
Are there special considerations for Dartmoor properties?
Properties within or near Dartmoor National Park face additional planning restrictions, commoners' rights, and conservation requirements that require specialist legal knowledge.
What about flood risks in Devon valleys?
Devon's river valleys and coastal areas face significant flood risks. We ensure comprehensive flood searches and insurance assessments for properties near rivers like the Exe, Dart, and Tamar.
