Conveyancing in York

What does conveyancing in York involve?

When you buy, sell, remortgage or transfer equity from a property, conveyancing is the term used for the paperwork and legal formalities that are part of the process. For example, if you are buying a home in York, a conveyancing solicitor will request searches, negotiate the price, exchange contracts and transfer the funds on completion day. Our York conveyancing solicitors are all fully qualified professionals whose job is to do the legal legwork so you don't have to worry. You can get more information on Homeward Legal's conveyancing services here.

How do I get a quote for conveyancing in York?

Getting a quote for conveyancing in York could not be simpler. Heading for our online quote builder, enter a few details about yourself, the transaction and the property, and you'll receive an instant quote. Alternatively, you can call us direct on to chat through your conveyancing options.

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

We're here for you when you need conveyancing in York. Here are some of the reasons you can rely on Homeward Legal:

• We'll keep things nice and simple and always explain in plain English - we don't believe in making conveyancing more complicated with unnecessary jargon.
• If your move falls through, our no-completion protection will mean there are no legal fees for you to pay.
• The legal fee you are quoted for conveyancing in York will be exactly what you pay, with no hidden costs*.
• All of the conveyancing solicitors we deal with are fully regulated under the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.
• Our customers come first in everything we do, and our hundreds of positive Trustpilot reviews are just rewards for our hard work.

*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 York cost?

There is no simple answer to this question because the final price will depend on a number of factors - for example, the value of the property. If you're buying or selling in York, conveyancing could include a number of charges such as solicitors' fees, land registry fees, searches, surveyors' fees, stamp duty*** and more. For more information, check out our guide to average conveyancing fees.

***Please Note; the government temporarily increased the amount at which stamp duty is paid to £500,000, for property sales in England and Northern Ireland. This was due to end on 31 March, but it was announced in the 2021 Budget that it will now end on 30 June. After this date, the starting rate of stamp duty will be £250,000 until the end of September. Stamp duty will then return to the level of £125,000.

How much does the average property cost in York?

The most recent Land Registry data on sold house prices shows that the average cost of a residential property in York is £261,560. Detached properties sell for an average £418,959 and semi-detached for £271.168. Terraced properties fetch an average £227,104 with maisonettes and flats registering an average sold price of £167,462.

What will my council tax add up to in York?

The local authority is the City of York Council, which sets the city's council tax rates. All residential property is placed in one of eight bands depending on the property's valuation. Find out which band your property is in on the government's valuation website.

The 2020-21 council tax rates in York are:

How good are broadband speeds in York?

York enjoys excellent full fibre broadband coverage with most of the city able to access the fastest connections. You can use a broadband comparison site and the postcode of your chosen property to find out what speed you can expect to receive.

How do schools rate in York?

York has 49 primary schools, 16 secondary and 11 sixth form and further education colleges. Ofsted has rated 13 of those schools as outstanding. Check how your chosen school rates on the government's school performance website.

York is the base of the University of York and York St John University, bringing in a combined student population of around 25,000 every academic year.

Should we ask for a flood-risk search when buying in York?

In recent years, York has been badly affected by flooding, and recent figures have revealed that one in five new homes in the city has been built in an area at risk of flooding. You can check the Environment Agency's flood-risk website to see if your proposed property purchase is in a flood-risk area. Ask your York conveyancing solicitor to commission a flood risk search, which will reveal any flooding threat in the city.

Is contaminated land an issue in York?

Contaminated land has usually been previously used for industry, such as factories and steelworks, landfill and quarries. This land has to be remediated or cleaned up before it can be used again. In 2020, a major housing development in York planned for the site of the former British Sugar factory in the site was delayed because of wrangling over the cost of its remediation. This is a reminder that many new developments are going up on brownfield sites, making an environmental search an essential part of conveyancing in York. By law, the city council must keep a register of all identified contaminated land.

Do we need a chancel repair liability search when buying property in York?

Chancel repair liability dates back to Henry VIII, the reformation and the establishment of the Church of England. In short, some land and property owners may still have responsibility for paying for repairs to the local church's chancel or altar. You can find out more in our informative guide. When buying in York, your conveyancing solicitor will advise if you need a chancel repair liability search.

What have conservation areas in York should property buyers know of?

York currently has 35 conservation areas, which are those identified as having special architectural or historical importance. The Central Historic Core, which includes York Minster, is in a conservation area. Planning rules are stricter in these areas; for example, on whether you can put up a satellite dish or cut down a tree. Your York conveyancing solicitor will instruct a local authority search to show any current or historic planning consents for the property you're buying.

We intend to buy a property at auction in York - can you help?

We can definitely help with all property auction conveyancing in York. Our panel of expert property law firms have lots of experience in completing property transactions from auctions, including from 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. Read our comprehensive guide to conveyancing for auction property for all you need to know.

What are York's transport links like?

From its central spot in Yorkshire, York is an easily accessible place to reach. There's a fast rail connection to London King's Cross that whisks passengers to and from the capital in less than two hours. Edinburgh is two-and-a-half hours away in the opposite direction, and there are frequent services to Leeds, Harrogate and Manchester and further south to Birmingham and the south-west.

The main road routes are the M1 and M62, while Leeds Bradford, Humberside and Robin Hood are the nearest airports to York, although Manchester International is only two hours away. The port of Hull, with international ferry routes, is just over an hour away by road.