Surreyis one of the eight home counties that surround the UK's capital of London, located towards its south-west corner. A largely affluent county, it serves commuters working in the centre of London with excellent road and rail links. So, whether you are planning on selling a maisonette in Oxted, remortgaging your semi-detached in Leatherhead, or buying a detached property as your next home in Weybridge, you should know that Homeward Legal's team of expert conveyancers are waiting to guide you through the transaction process.
Our knowledge and experience of the housing market in Surreyand the intricacies of the legal process mean that you can be assured of a top-quality conveyancing 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 Surrey
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 Surrey
Once you've decided to buy your next home in Surrey, you'll want to understand everything you can about the area you have chosen and any specifics that need to be considered affecting your purchase. So, if you are thinking of taking advantage of the rural splendour in the village of Shackleford, or the proximity to London that Kingston-upon-Thames offers, or even the advantages for shopping that a home in Lightwater might provide, then you can be certain that the conveyancing team at Homeward Legal fully understands your plans and needs.
- Average property price: £597,000-£606,000 (all property types)
- Most active areas: Elmbridge, Spelthorne, Camberley town centre
- Typical conveyancing timeframe: 8-12 weeks for standard transactions
- Annual price growth: -5% overall county decline, though Surrey Heath showing +5.2% growth
Sources: Rightmove, ONS, Plumplot, Homeward Legal internal data
Updated June 2025
Essential local searches for Surrey properties
When buying property in Surrey, specific local searches are important due to the area's proximity to London, Green Belt restrictions, and varied environmental considerations. Our conveyancers conduct comprehensive investigations including:
Local authority searches
Surrey County Council deals with planning applications for minerals, waste-related developments, and county property like schools and libraries, while borough and district councils handle planning applications for homes, offices and shops. Each of Surrey's 11 boroughs and districts maintains their own planning registers.
These searches reveal planning permissions, building regulations compliance, conservation area restrictions, Green Belt designations, and Tree Preservation Orders. Surrey has extensive Green Belt protection and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designations that can impact future development rights and property values.
Learn more about local authority search >
Environmental searches
Relevant across Surrey due to varied industrial heritage, from aerospace manufacturing in Farnborough to former landfill sites and potential contamination from historical industrial activities.
Environmental searches identify contamination risks from former industrial activities and ground contamination issues. Surrey's diverse industrial past means thorough environmental due diligence is beneficial.
Learn more about environmental search >
Water and drainage searches
Surrey County Council is the Lead Local Flood Authority with strategic responsibility for flood risk management, while the Environment Agency manages main rivers like the Thames, Wey, and Mole.
Flooding has been an issue in Surrey boroughs like Elmbridge, making comprehensive flood risk assessments important for property purchases. Our searches assess flood risk from rivers, surface water, and groundwater, particularly in areas near the Thames and its tributaries.
Learn more about water and drainage search >
Mining and ground stability searches
Surrey's geological composition and historical industrial activities may require investigation into former chalk extraction, sand and gravel workings, and potential ground stability issues.
These searches examine risks from former quarrying activities, underground workings, and any ground stability concerns that could affect property foundations or future development potential.
Location resources for Surrey property transactions
Online tools for researching Surrey properties, planning history, and local considerations.
- Surrey County Council Planning Applications - Search minerals, waste and county development applications
- Elmbridge Borough Council Planning Portal - Search building and development applications in Elmbridge
- Surrey Heath Borough Council Planning - Search planning applications and building control in Surrey Heath
- Land Registry price paid data for Surrey - Search property sale prices and ownership records
- Environment Agency flood risk maps - Check flood risk levels for properties near Thames, Wey and Mole rivers
- Surrey Local Flood Risk Management Strategy - Information on flood defences and risk management
- Surrey Hills AONB - Information on planning restrictions in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Our conveyancing services in Surrey
From purchase to remortgage - we handle it all
Buying a property in Surrey
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 Surrey.
Selling a property in Surrey
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 Surrey.
Buying and selling a property in Surrey
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 Surrey.
Remortgaging in Surrey
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 Surrey.
Transfer of equity in Surrey
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 Surrey.
Surrey area property guide
Understanding Surrey's diverse neighborhoods
Camberley
Originally called Cambridge Town before being changed to Camberley, the town is a mixture of the new and the old, with great road and rail links to the rest of Surrey and into the capital. St. Michael's Church is a particularly interesting site for visitors, and your assigned conveyancing solicitor will verify the current position on chancel repairs and advise on taking out an inexpensive indemnity insurance policy to protect you from any future financial demands.
Woking
One of the many towns and villages which are in the Green Belt around London, Woking is in the commuter belt, too, and offers a variety of options for the homebuyer from small houses to a high-rise flat. If you are purchasing a leasehold property, your conveyancing solicitor will ensure that the management pack from the leaseholder is up-to-date and complete, so that you are clear on what you are buying and what additional responsibilities there may be for you.
Guildford
Guildford is one of the jewels of Surrey with its imposing but modern cathedral structure which dominates the skyline. Built on a history of river and railway transport, Guildford was an important rest point for travellers on the road, rail and waterways. As with all locations near large bodies of water, if you are buying a property here, your conveyancing solicitor will order the relevant searches to ascertain the history of flooding in the area with particular attention to the boundaries of the property you want to buy, and they may suggest ordering a more detailed Flood Report.
Did youy know?
Surrey is the home to a first-class county cricket team, as well as being the location of Brooklands, the first purpose-built motor-racing circuit in the world, and which is now a popular museum and tourist attraction. In addition, Brooklands also housed one of the country's first aerodromes, making it an important piece of history for the motor and aviation enthusiasts.
Almost a quarter of Surrey is covered in protected woodland, which makes it the most densely wooded county in the country, and helps to make the Surrey Hills an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The prime location also means that Surrey has the largest vineyard in England.
Start your Surrey conveyancing journey today
Get expert Surrey conveyancing from solicitors who understand Green Belt considerations, excellent schools catchments, and London commuter transport links.
Call now for your free quote - we know Surrey's unique property challenges.
Frequently asked questions about conveyancing in Surrey
What makes conveyancing in Surrey different from other areas?
Surrey's proximity to London and extensive Green Belt protections create specific legal considerations. Our conveyancers understand local planning restrictions, conservation area requirements, and area-specific searches including Green Belt designations that may be required due to the county's protected countryside status.
How long does conveyancing take in Surrey?
The average transaction takes 8-12 weeks, though this can vary based on property location and whether additional searches are required. Properties in Green Belt areas or conservation zones may require extended time frames due to additional planning considerations.
How much does conveyancing cost in Surrey?
Our conveyancing legal fees in Surrey 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 Surrey conveyancing?
No, our online service means everything can be handled remotely. Our solicitors have extensive Home Counties experience and can manage your transaction efficiently without face-to-face meetings.
What Green Belt restrictions should I be aware of in Surrey?
Surrey has extensive Green Belt protection and conservation areas that can restrict development rights. We'll ensure comprehensive planning searches are conducted and advise on any limitations for future modifications, extensions, or development potential that could affect property values.
