Solicitors for first time buyers

Buying your first home is exciting - but the legal process can feel difficult when you've never done it before. Between conveyancing, searches, contracts and Stamp Duty relief, there's a lot to navigate.

That's where we come in. Our first-time buyer conveyancing solicitors walk you through every single step, explain everything in plain English (not legal jargon) and answer your questions - no matter how basic they seem.

Call us on or get an instant quote.

You'll have a dedicated case handler from day one who'll keep you informed at every stage. They'll proactively chase your solicitor for updates, answer your questions, and make sure nothing gets delayed.

We've guided thousands of first-time buyers through their home buying journey, and we know the questions and concerns that come up. Your case handler will explain what's happening, what's needed from you, and what happens next - keeping everything on track toward your completion date.

We've established an excellent reputation you can trust and helped over 34,000 customers in the past 15 years. 

Our conveyancing solicitors are regulated under the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). 

First time buyer conveyancing typically takes 8-12 weeks - often quicker than buyers in a chain.

Once your offer is accepted, you'll instruct your solicitor who will request the contract pack from the seller's solicitor. Your solicitor will conduct essential property searches, review the title deeds and contracts, and liaise with your mortgage lender to ensure everything progresses smoothly.

You'll need to provide specific documents at different stages including proof of identity, address and funds. After addressing any concerns and negotiating terms, your solicitor will prepare everything for exchange of contracts - the point where the sale becomes legally binding. Finally, on completion day, the funds are transferred and you collect your keys.

Throughout the process, your dedicated case handler will explain each stage of the conveyancing process and what's required from you.

As a first-time buyer, your conveyancing costs will typically include:

Fixed legal fees - A fixed fee that covers all the legal work done by the solicitor when buying a property. Our conveyancing fees vary depending on your property value, but we'll give you an exact quote upfront with no hidden charges.

Remember, with our No-Completion, No-Fee policy, you won't pay any legal fees if your purchase falls through.

Disbursements - These are third-party costs we pay on your behalf, including property searches (around £250-350), Land Registry fees and bank transfer fees.

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) - Here's the good news: as a first-time buyer in England, you pay £0 Stamp Duty on properties up to £300,000. For properties between £300,001-£500,000, you'll only pay tax on the amount above £300,000 at reduced rates. Find out exactly what you'll pay based on your property price.

For first-time buyers, deposits typically range from 5% to 25% of the property price.

A larger deposit usually means better mortgage rates and lower monthly repayments. While 5% is the minimum with many lenders, saving 10-15% can unlock significantly better deals. Learn more about saving for your deposit and realistic timescales.

Many first-time buyers receive gifted deposits from family. If this applies to you, specific documentation is required for anti-money laundering compliance - we'll guide you through what's needed.

Before house hunting, consider getting a Mortgage in Principle to show sellers you're a serious buyer and understand your budget.

Property searches are essential checks your solicitor conducts to uncover any issues that could affect your new home. They investigate planning applications, flood risks, environmental concerns and legal restrictions on the property. Understanding what each search covers helps you see why they're worth the cost.

First-time buyers often confuse searches with surveys. Searches examine the legal and environmental aspects, while surveys inspect the building's physical condition. You'll need both, but they serve different purposes.

For first-time buyers, searches protect you from expensive surprises - like discovering plans for a major development next door or drainage issues after you've bought. While they add to your upfront costs (typically £250-£400), they can save you thousands down the line.

The search process usually takes 2-4 weeks, though it can be longer in busy areas. Your solicitor will review the results and highlight anything that needs attention before you exchange contracts.

Several schemes can help make your first home more affordable. Explore all first-time buyer schemes to find what you're eligible for.

Lifetime ISA (LISA) lets you save up to £4,000 per year with a 25% government bonus - that's up to £1,000 free annually towards your deposit. You must be 18-39 to open one and it needs to be open for 12 months before you can use it.

First Homes Scheme offers new-build properties at 30-50% below market value for eligible first-time buyers in England. There are income caps and additional conveyancing requirements involved.

When you're ready to instruct a solicitor, you'll need:

• Proof of identity - passport or driving licence
• Proof of address - recent utility bill or bank statement
• Proof of funds - evidence of your deposit source (bank statements, LISA confirmation, or gifted deposit letter)
• Mortgage details - your lender's name and your mortgage reference (if you have an offer)
• Property information - the property address and estate agent contact details

If you're receiving a gifted deposit from family, additional documentation will be required to comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

Don't worry if you don't have everything immediately - we'll guide you through what's needed and when.

For a comprehensive checklist of everything you'll need throughout your purchase, see our first time buyer documents list.

Being a first-time buyer comes with real benefits:

• Faster timescales - Without an onward sale to coordinate, your purchase can complete in 8-10 weeks compared to 12+ weeks for buyers in a chain.
• Stamp Duty savings - You'll pay no Stamp Duty on properties up to £300,000, saving up to £5,000 compared to other buyers.
• Government support - Multiple schemes designed specifically for first-time buyers can help with deposits and affordability.
• Strong negotiating position - Sellers value chain-free buyers who can move quickly and are less likely to pull out. Understanding these advantages helps you approach sellers with confidence and negotiate effectively.

Get your free, no-obligation quote now and see exactly what your first home purchase will cost - with no hidden fees and full protection if your purchase doesn't complete. You can also give us a call on . We'd be more than happy to help you!