What is conveyancing and why do I need it?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another. It involves conducting searches, checking legal documents, handling contracts, and ensuring the property is legally transferred to you. It's a legal requirement and essential for protecting your interests and ensuring you have clear title to the property.

How much does residential conveyancing cost?

Conveyancing costs vary depending on the property value and complexity of the transaction. Our fees include all standard legal work, searches, and Land Registry fees. We provide transparent pricing with no hidden costs and will give you a detailed breakdown of all fees before starting work.

What happens if there are problems with the property?

If we discover issues during our investigations, we'll explain the implications and your options. This might include title defects, planning issues, or problems revealed by surveys. We'll advise you on whether to proceed, negotiate with the seller, or withdraw from the transaction, always protecting your interests.

What searches are needed when buying a house?

Standard searches include Local Authority searches (planning, building control, highways), environmental searches (contamination, flooding), water and drainage searches, and chancel repair liability. Additional searches may be needed based on location and property type, such as mining searches, flood risk assessments, or commons registration searches. We arrange all necessary searches and explain any issues found.

How long does the conveyancing process take?

Most residential purchases complete in 8-12 weeks from offer acceptance, though this varies based on chain length, mortgage processing, search results, and any issues that arise. Cash purchases with no chain can complete faster (4-6 weeks), while complex cases may take longer. We work efficiently to meet your target completion date.

What happens on completion day?

On completion day, we receive the mortgage funds, transfer the purchase money to the seller's solicitor, and collect the keys. We then register your ownership with the Land Registry and handle stamp duty payments. You can usually collect keys from the estate agent on completion day afternoon. We'll confirm completion and provide you with all relevant documents.

Do I need a solicitor if I'm buying with cash?

Yes, even cash buyers need legal representation for conveyancing. We still need to conduct searches, investigate title, check contracts, handle money transfers, and register your ownership. Cash purchases are often faster as there's no mortgage to arrange, but the legal work is just as important for protecting your interests.

What is exchange of contracts and why is it important?

Exchange of contracts is when both parties become legally bound to complete the transaction. Before exchange, either party can withdraw without penalty. After exchange, withdrawal can result in loss of deposit and liability for costs. We ensure you're fully satisfied with all aspects of the purchase before recommending exchange.

Can I speed up my house purchase?

Several factors can speed up your purchase: being a cash buyer, having a mortgage offer ready, being flexible on completion dates, having a short chain or no chain, and responding quickly to queries. We work efficiently on legal matters, but some aspects like search results and mortgage processing are outside our control. We'll advise on realistic timescales.

Residential Conveyancing

Expert residential conveyancing services for buyers, sellers, and remortgaging.

Why choose Gardner Champion Solicitors for your legal matter?

It shouldn’t be difficult to get the right legal support for Residential Conveyancing. Gardner Champion Solicitors combines clear advice, responsive service, and trusted expertise to help you move forward with confidence.

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Tell us what you need help with and we’ll respond promptly, explain your options clearly, and guide you through next steps.

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Wherever possible we provide upfront fees and a clear scope, so you know what’s included and what to expect.

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Authorised and regulated by the SRA, with a long heritage and a modern, client-first approach to legal service.

Tell us what you need and we’ll connect you with the right solicitor. Clear advice, responsive updates, and a trusted team at Gardner Champion Solicitors.

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Residential Conveyancing

We handle residential property transactions with care and efficiency. Our experienced conveyancers guide you through every step of the process, from initial offer to completion.

Key Services

Freehold and leasehold purchases
Property sales and exchanges
Remortgaging and transfers
New build purchases
Help to Buy schemes
Shared ownership transactions

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Detailed Information

Complete Residential Conveyancing Services

Our residential conveyancing team provides comprehensive legal services for all types of residential property transactions. Whether you're buying your first home, moving up the property ladder, or investing in buy-to-let properties, we ensure your transaction proceeds smoothly and your interests are protected throughout the process.

First-Time Buyers

We understand that buying your first home can be overwhelming. Our team provides clear explanations of the process, helps you understand your legal obligations, and ensures you're fully informed at every stage. We work closely with mortgage brokers and estate agents to coordinate all aspects of your purchase.

Property Investors

For property investors, we provide specialised advice on buy-to-let purchases, portfolio management, and tax-efficient property structures. We understand the unique challenges of property investment and provide practical legal solutions to support your investment goals.

First-Time Buyers

Property Investors

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Help Guides

Preparing for Your Property Purchase

Essential steps to take before starting the conveyancing process to ensure a smooth transaction.

Step-by-Step Process

1Get your finances in order and obtain a mortgage agreement in principle
2Choose a solicitor and instruct them early in the process
3Arrange a property survey to identify any structural issues
4Gather all necessary documents (ID, proof of funds, etc.)
5Consider additional insurance (buildings, contents, life insurance)
6Plan your moving date and arrange removal services
7Notify relevant parties of your change of address
8Set aside funds for all associated costs and fees

Helpful Tips

Start the legal process as soon as your offer is accepted
Keep all documents organised in a dedicated folder
Don't make any major financial changes during the process
Stay in regular contact with your solicitor for updates

Important Warnings

Don't exchange contracts until you're completely satisfied
Ensure you have sufficient funds for all costs and fees
Don't skip the survey - it could reveal expensive problems
Be aware that the process can take longer than expected

Essential steps to take before starting the conveyancing process to ensure a smooth transaction.

Step-by-Step Process

1Get your finances in order and obtain a mortgage agreement in principle
2Choose a solicitor and instruct them early in the process
3Arrange a property survey to identify any structural issues
4Gather all necessary documents (ID, proof of funds, etc.)
5Consider additional insurance (buildings, contents, life insurance)
6Plan your moving date and arrange removal services
7Notify relevant parties of your change of address
8Set aside funds for all associated costs and fees

Helpful Tips

Start the legal process as soon as your offer is accepted
Keep all documents organised in a dedicated folder
Don't make any major financial changes during the process
Stay in regular contact with your solicitor for updates

Important Warnings

Don't exchange contracts until you're completely satisfied
Ensure you have sufficient funds for all costs and fees
Don't skip the survey - it could reveal expensive problems
Be aware that the process can take longer than expected

Ready to get started?

Let our expert team handle your legal needs with confidence and care.

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Additional Information

Our Process

Our residential conveyancing process begins with an initial consultation where we explain the legal process and provide a clear timeline. We then conduct all necessary searches and investigations, review contracts and legal documents, and keep you informed throughout. We coordinate with all parties involved to ensure a smooth completion.

Timeline

Most residential conveyancing transactions complete within 8-16 weeks, depending on factors such as the property chain, mortgage approval, and any issues that arise. We'll provide realistic timelines and work efficiently to complete your transaction as quickly as possible.

Costs & Fees

We offer competitive fixed fees for standard residential conveyancing. All our legal fees exclude VAT. Our fees include all legal work, searches, and Land Registry fees. We'll provide a detailed cost breakdown before starting work and keep you informed of any additional costs that may arise.

What You'll Need

Proof of identity (passport or driving licence)
Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
Proof of funds or mortgage offer
Property details and address
Estate agent details
Surveyor contact details
Insurance details
Any relevant planning documents

Pricing & Service Information

Our Legal Fees

£800 - £1,500+ VAT

Depending on property value and transaction complexity

VAT at 20% will be added to all our legal fees

Additional Costs (Disbursements)

These are costs paid to third parties on your behalf:

Property searches(Required)

Local authority, drainage, environmental searches

£250-£400

Land Registry fees(Required)

Varies by property value

£40-£910

Bank transfer fee(Required)

Electronic funds transfer (inc VAT)

£40

Leasehold management pack

For leasehold properties only

£200-£400

What's Included

All legal work from instruction to completion
Property searches and reviewing results
Contract review and legal advice
Liaising with lenders, estate agents, and other solicitors
Exchange of contracts and completion
Land Registry registration
Stamp Duty Land Tax advice and submission
Regular progress updates

What's Not Included

Stamp Duty Land Tax (government tax)
Property surveys
Mortgage arrangement fees
Buildings insurance
Removal costs
Estate agent fees

Typical Timescales

8-12 weeks for most residential transactions

May vary depending on chain length, searches, mortgage processing, and any issues arising

Key Stages of Your Matter

Instruction & ID Checks

We take your instructions, verify your identity, and begin initial checks

Searches & Enquiries

Property searches ordered and reviewed, enquiries raised with seller's solicitor

Contract Review & Mortgage

Contract reviewed, mortgage arranged, comprehensive legal advice provided

Exchange of Contracts

Contracts exchanged making the transaction legally binding, deposit paid

Completion

Funds transferred, legal ownership passes to you, keys released

Post-Completion

Ownership registered at Land Registry, documents provided to you

Example Pricing Scenarios

Freehold house purchase £200,000

First-time buyer, straightforward freehold property with mortgage

£1,493-£1,593 (inc VAT)

Leasehold flat purchase £350,000

Leasehold property with management company and mortgage

£2,497-£2,897 (inc VAT)

Property sale £225,000

Straightforward freehold house sale

£695-£745 (inc VAT)

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Contact our residential conveyancing specialists for a consultation.

+44 333 034 4629

hello@gardnerchampion.co.uk

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Residential Conveyancing

Why choose Gardner Champion Solicitors for your legal matter?

Speak to the right solicitor, fast

Clear, transparent pricing

Solicitors you can count on

What you can expect

Get the right Residential Conveyancing legal help

Residential Conveyancing

Key Services

Related Property Law Services

Ready to get started?

Detailed Information

Complete Residential Conveyancing Services

First-Time Buyers

Property Investors

First-Time Buyers

Property Investors

Need this handled quickly?

Frequently Asked Questions

Help Guides

Preparing for Your Property Purchase

Step-by-Step Process

Helpful Tips

Important Warnings

Step-by-Step Process

Helpful Tips

Important Warnings

Ready to get started?

Additional Information

Our Process

Timeline

Costs & Fees

What You'll Need

Pricing & Service Information

Our Legal Fees

Additional Costs (Disbursements)

What's Included

What's Not Included

Typical Timescales

Key Stages of Your Matter

Instruction & ID Checks

Searches & Enquiries

Contract Review & Mortgage

Exchange of Contracts

Completion

Post-Completion

Example Pricing Scenarios

Freehold house purchase £200,000

Leasehold flat purchase £350,000

Property sale £225,000

Get Expert Legal Advice

Related Services

Related Legal Services

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