Residential conveyancing

We carry out all areas of residential conveyancing including sales, purchases and remortgages.

How we determine our price

The costs of residential conveyancing can be difficult to accurately price as no two transactions are the same. We provide a bespoke service that is individually tailored to the circumstances of each transaction, and we set our prices accordingly. Generally speaking, conveyancing charges increase as the value of the property increases and flats are more expensive than houses as the conveyance of a flat requires much more work.

In most cases we can offer a fixed price however this isn’t always possible. Where a fixed price isn’t appropriate, charges will be made on a time spent basis.

Calculating our fees

Fixed price

In most cases we can offer a fixed price. Where a fixed price is appropriate this will include all usual legal work required to complete the transaction with no hidden extras, however even where a fixed price is agreed, there can be circumstances where additional costs arise, for example where unusual or unexpected legal work is required.

The factors that determine the fixed price include:

• Property value

• Urgency

• Requirement to work unsociable hours

• Complexity of issues (e.g. flats are more complex than houses, mortgages to draw down or redeem involve more work)

• Likely timeframe to complete

There are no upper or lower fixed prices as all prices are tailored to individual circumstances, although for properties worth up to £1m the typical price ranges are:

Plus VAT and disbursements.

A full case specific estimate can be obtained by contacting us.

No fixed price

A fixed price may not always be appropriate for example where the amount of work to be undertaken is very uncertain. Where a fixed price isn’t appropriate we will give you an estimate of the likely costs to be incurred based on the estimated time it will take to conclude the transaction, and the seniority of the person dealing with the matter. Our hourly rates are reviewed annually on May 1 and are currently:

Disbursements

Disbursements are charges payable to 3rd parties in addition to our fees. Typical disbursements would be search fees, Land Registry fees and fees payable to technology providers.

Disbursements vary between transactions - once we have established the scope of the matter, we will provide a written fee proposal that will clearly identify all anticipated disbursements inclusive of VAT.

The payment of any money will also attract a bank charge and these are currently:

International payments may be different.

Opponent's costs

It is usual for buyers and sellers to bear their own conveyancing costs.

Funding options

We may ask for payment on account of our costs and disbursements. We usually collect and invoice our fees on completion however sometimes we may issue interim invoices.

Legal work involved in the transaction

Our charges include all usual legal work required to complete the transaction with no hidden extras. The nature of the work required depends on the transaction but typically the work involved is as below:

Sale

1. Supplying information to your Buyers (from questionnaires which we will ask you to complete and from the deeds).

2. After supplying the initial Contract and information, we will reply to any additional points raised and agree the terms of the Contract.

3. When everyone is ready and a completion date has been agreed, Contracts will be exchanged and this is the stage at which you will be committed to your sale.

4. We will then make the pre-completion legal arrangements and checks, obtain a redemption figure from your present lenders (if applicable) and obtain any Estate Agents account.

5. On completion we will receive the purchase money from your sale, pay off your old mortgage and Estate Agents (if applicable), this firm’s fees and send any surplus to you.

6. Care and attention throughout

7. Postage and copying charges

Purchase

1. Obtaining contract documentation from your seller’s solicitors

2. Effecting essential searches appropriate to the property, checking the contract and the seller’s title, raising enquiries and agreeing the contract.

3. We will check the property has the benefit of all necessary rights and that the title will be free of any unduly onerous restrictions, rights or covenants. We will check there is no reasonable chance of local authority enforcement for existing breach of planning or building control. We will point out any adverse entry revealed by your local search.

4. If the property is a leasehold we will review the lease, obtain a management pack (if appropriate), raise any necessary additional enquiries, apportion any ground rent and/ or service charges on completion and serve the necessary notices on the Landlord.

5. We will then prepare a detailed report for you.

6. If you are obtaining a mortgage, this firm may also be instructed to act for your Lender and we must comply with the Lender’s instructions which will accompany your mortgage offer and report to the Lender on the property and on any other material matters affecting the loan. (If there were any conflicts, we would not be able to act for both you and the Lender). We will also be asked to check your identity – see later.

7. When everyone is ready, the completion date has been agreed (and your mortgage offer received if applicable) Contracts will be exchanged and this is the stage at which you will be committed to your purchase.

8. We will then make the pre-completion legal arrangements and checks, obtain mortgage money from your Lender (if applicable) and will let you have a detailed completion statement and obtain any monies we need from you.

9. On completion we will pay for your property and obtain the title deeds.

10. Following completion of your purchase, we will submit any necessary Land Transaction Return to the Inland Revenue and register your ownership at the Land Registry. Please note the registration may take some months. Copies of the Register Entries will then be sent to you and, if applicable, to your lender

11. Care and attention throughout

12. Postage and copying charges

Remortgage

1. We will obtain title information and deal with the Lender’s requirements insofar as we are able in order to effect drawdown of the mortgage advance.

2. We will advise you on the basic nature and effect of the security documents and arrange for their signature/ execution.

3. When everyone is ready we will carry out any necessary pre-completion searches and request the mortgage advance from the Lender or Lender’s solicitor as appropriate.

4. On completion we will redeem any existing secured borrowing, deduct our costs and send any surplus to you.

5. Following completion we will apply to register the charge at HM Land Registry.

6. Care and attention throughout

7. Postage and copying charges

Time scale and key stages

Because of the nature of the work, it is difficult to give a clear indication of the likely time scale in which the matter may be concluded. You will however be notified of progress on a regular basis and of all key stages.

From our experience most house sales and purchases take around 8 weeks, and flat sales and purchases take about 12 weeks. The key stages of a sale and purchase are:

• Pre-contract matters. During this stage the buyers conveyancer carries out its due diligence by way of searches and enquiries.

• Exchange. This is when a completion date is agreed and binding contract is formed

• Completion. This is when the buyer pays for the property and the seller releases the keys.

Who will be dealing with your case?

Our team has over 43 years experience in delivering high quality work in all matters relating to residential conveyancing. They have particular expertise in high value or complex transactions.

Your case may be dealt with by Tim Unwin (partner and Head of residential conveyancing) and the Real Estate team.