Conveyancing in Portsmouth

What does conveyancing in Portsmouth involve?

Conveyancing is the term used to describe paperwork that is part of the process of buying and selling property, remortgaging and a transfer of equity from a property. Whether you are buying or selling a home, your Portsmouth conveyancing solicitor will carry out all the legal formalities required to complete the transaction. This includes requesting searches, negotiating the price, exchanging contracts and transferring the necessary funds on completion day. All the solicitors we work with for Portsmouth conveyancing are experienced and qualified professionals. You can find out more about Homeward Legal's conveyancing services here.

How do I get a quote for conveyancing in Portsmouth?

Our online quote builder will give you an instant quote for Portsmouth conveyancing services. Simply enter a few details about yourself and the property you intend to buy or sell, and you'll receive an instant quote. You can also get a quick quote by calling us on . We're open seven days and can organise a callback at a time that's convenient for you.

Why should I choose a Portsmouth conveyancing solicitor through Homeward Legal?

Our dedication to first-class customer service and cost-effective conveyancing are just two reasons to choose Homeward Legal for your Portsmouth conveyancing. You can count on us to:

• Explain everything in plain English and not use unnecessary legal jargon.
• Offer no-completion protection so you are not out of pocket if your transaction fails to complete for any reason.
• The legal fee you are quoted for conveyancing in Portsmouth will be exactly what you pay, with no hidden costs*.
• Work only with conveyancing solicitors who are fully regulated under the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.
• Put customer service first. Check out the hundreds of positive Trustpilot reviews that demonstrate our excellent customer satisfaction ratings.

*Your quote from Homeward Legal will cover common conveyancing costs in line with the information you've provided to us. Depending on the specific circumstances of your transaction, and after discussion with your solicitor, there may be additional non-standard fees which would be in addition to the fee quoted by Homeward Legal.

How much does conveyancing in Portsmouth cost?

The final bill for a Portsmouth conveyancing transaction will depend on factors such as the value of the property and whether it is leasehold or freehold. Your Portsmouth conveyancing costs will likely include a number of charges, including solicitors' fees, Land Registry fees, surveyor costs and Stamp Duty Land Tax**. Other essential charges include searches and bank transfer fees. Our guide to average conveyancing fees in 2020 will explain more about the essential fees and charges in conveyancing.

**In July 2020, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a stamp duty holiday on certain properties until March 31, 2021.

How much does the average property cost in Portsmouth?

The latest data from the Land Registry on property sold prices show that the average property in Portsmouth sells for £213,563. Detached homes have an average sold price of £429,499 and semi-detached homes sell for £294,495. Terraced homes sell for an average £227,703 and maisonettes and flats for £156,195.

What will I pay council tax in Portsmouth?

Portsmouth City Council sets the city's council tax rates. Residential property is placed into one of eight bands that depend on its valuation. You can check which band your property is in on the government's valuation website.

For 2020-21, council tax rates in Portsmouth are:

How good are broadband speeds in Portsmouth?

A £32million project started in Portsmouth earlier in 2020 to bring a “gigabit-capable” fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband network to the city. CityFibre is financing the project in partnership with Vodafone and TalkTalk. You can use your postcode and a broadband comparison site to find out the broadband speeds available at your new home.

How do schools rate in Portsmouth?

There are 64 primary schools in Portsmouth, 15 secondary schools and eight sixth-form and further education colleges. Ofsted rates seven schools in Portsmouth as outstanding. You can use the government school performance website to check a school's rating.

The University of Portsmouth is based in the city, with around 25,500 students on campus every academic year.

Is contaminated land an issue in Portsmouth?

Former industrial sites such as factories, quarries, mines, steelworks and landfill can often leave a legacy of contamination. This land must be identified and remediated (cleaned up) before being released for reuse. By law, Portsmouth City Council must keep a register of all identified contaminated land. Anyone buying property who is concerned about contaminated land should ask their Portsmouth conveyancing solicitor to commission an environmental search that will reveal any potential issues.

Should we instruct a chancel repair liability search when buying in Portsmouth?

A historic charge linked to the formation of the Church of England in the 16th century, chancel repair liability has the potential to affect any land or property within a parish boundary. This can leave property owners liable to pay for repairs to the church's chancel or altar. As part of the purchase process, a Portsmouth conveyancing solicitor will instruct, where appropriate, a chancel repair liability search. Find out more in our detailed guide.

What conservation areas in Portsmouth should we be aware of?

There are currently 30 conservation areas in Portsmouth, all of which have been designated as having special architectural or historic importance. Their significance means any property or land within the area is bound by strict planning rules on the likes of tree preservation, replacement windows or doors and even erecting a satellite dish. A local authority search instructed by your conveyancing solicitor in Plymouth will reveal any current or historic planning consents.

We're buying a property at auction in Portsmouth - can you help?

We most certainly can. We work with a nationwide panel of property law firms with huge experience in completing property conveyancing in Plymouth from auction. They have sealed deals from sales at the likes of Auction House London, Allsop (commercial and residential), Award Property, Barnett Ross, Baxtons, Acuitus, Phillip Arnold Auctions, Countrywide Property Auctions and Drivers & Norris. Find out more in our comprehensive guide to conveyancing for auction property.

How good are transport links in Portsmouth?

Portsmouth enjoys excellent road, rail, bus and ferry services. The My Journey Portsmouth website gives residents and visitors information on getting around the city by public transport.

The city is around 90 minutes from London by rail via Southern Rail and Southwestern Railway with local rail connections to Southampton and Brighton. National Express coaches link Portsmouth to London and other major UK cities and centres.

Portsmouth also has a major ferry terminal with international services to France, Spain and the Channel Islands, and to the Isle of Wight, Gosport and Hayling Island.

The M27 is the main motorway connecting Portsmouth to Southampton and to the M3 towards London.