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
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 Exeter.
Selling a property in Exeter
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 Exeter.
Buying and selling a property in Exeter
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 Exeter.
Remortgaging in Exeter
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 Exeter.
Transfer of equity in Exeter
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 Exeter.
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's status as a historic cathedral city and major university town creates specific legal considerations. Our conveyancers understand local council requirements, conservation area restrictions, and area-specific searches that may be required due to the city's historic significance and proximity to environmentally sensitive areas like the Exe Estuary.
How long does conveyancing take in Exeter?
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 Exeter?
Our conveyancing legal fees in Exeter 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 Exeter conveyancing?
No, our online service means everything can be handled remotely. Our solicitors have extensive Devon experience and can manage your transaction efficiently without face-to-face meetings.
