Residential Conveyancing

Property Services

We are proud to be able to offer the complete range of property and conveyancing services, using a partner-led approach. We have two Partners, a Solicitor, an Apprentice Solicitor and a Paralegal working in this area. Between them, they offer a wide range of knowledge and a depth of expertise.

We have also attained accreditation with the Law Society’s Quality Conveyancing Scheme – a scheme designed by the Law Society specifically to give you “ultimate peace of mind” and a “professional high-quality conveyancing service”. Membership of the Scheme requires ongoing specific training for all those taking part in this area of work and annual re-accreditation. We work hard to maintain this.

Conveyancing

Buying and selling your home may not be the easiest transaction that you have ever undertaken. By any measure it is a major step and one that you will take fairly rarely. Even with modern registered conveyancing there are traps for the unwary. Many such transactions require that your sale and purchase are achieved on the same day – potentially involving others buying and selling in the same ‘chain’. Whilst this can become complicated, thankfully there is little that our very experienced conveyancers have not come across before. If problems do arise then our aim is to find a practical solution that works for you.

We also regularly come across transactions that span the border between England and Scotland. Whilst the two countries have entirely different legal jurisdictions and ways of handling property transactions we are well-versed in working with our Scottish counterparts so as to achieve the desired outcome.

We aim to make the process as smooth as possible and to keep you informed at all stages as we progress. You have enough to do when moving home and so we want you to have confidence in our expert team of conveyancers and leave the worries of the legal side of things to us.

We have prepared a number of examples showing our likely costs and the expenses that you will be asked to meet, which we hope you will find helpful. To view, please click the link below:

Residential Conveyancing - Costs Guide

Re-Mortgaging

A quick and relatively painless approach to switching your mortgage. If the lender’s criteria allow it then we can use search indemnity products and complete the transaction in days. If searches with the usual authorities are required then the process takes longer – but no more than 3-4 weeks usually.

We have prepared an example showing our likely costs – and the expenses that you will be asked to meet – which we hope you will find helpful. To view, please click the link below:

Residential Mortgages and Re-Mortgaging - Costs Guide

Trust Deeds And Co-Habitation

Where there is a need to protect or define interests in property then a Trust Deed regulating the use of property and/or its sale proceeds may be essential. There is no such thing as the ‘common law spouse’ in land law – and precious little protection for the non-owning co-habitee. It is best to agree the basis of ownership and the rights and responsibilities from the outset.

We can advise and assist in the preparation of these deeds.

Powers Of Attorney

Where a landowner intends to go abroad for a period or is otherwise unable to act in person – then a Power of Attorney can fill the gap. An attorney can be appointed to complete the sale of a certain property (or its purchase), or any other required legal formality.

There are some restrictions – duration can be limited to 12 months; the Power ends on the loss of mental capacity of the donor (or on death); and special care needs to be taken where the land is owned jointly – but they are nevertheless a useful tool.

Tenancy Agreements

If a property has been purchased as an investment, and you intend to let it out, then you will want to ensure that the tenancy agreement meets all of your requirements and that you have met your statutory obligations.

Remember that a landlord has to provide all of the following to an incoming tenant from the outset:

An Energy Performance certificate to the correct grade
A gas safety inspection certificate (where there is gas)
An electricity safety inspection certificate
Safe and functioning hot water and space-heating appliances
Smoke and carbon monoxide detection devices
Statutory information concerning any rent-deposit taken, and to place the deposit with an approved institution (or provide a similar insurance-based solution)
Check (and record) the entitlement of the proposed tenant to rent in the UK
Provide a copy of the ‘How to Rent’ booklet

If the tenancy is in relation to an agricultural occupancy then special rules can apply and additional notices may need to be served upon the tenant.

We can assist with practical advice and action in all of the above areas, and can also handle the deposit obligations on your behalf – or assist you to register yourself.

Easements And Boundaries

Rights of way and their use and repair can become problematic – particularly where the use has seemed customary but has never been written down in any title. Registration of titles at the Land Registry has exposed such issues – which then need to be addressed sensitively and carefully. This might apply to rights of way on foot or by vehicle, or perhaps to a right to run services or drainage over someone else’s land.

Boundary locations, boundary structures and responsibilities for their upkeep and maintenance can cause problems, especially where previous land deeds have not made the position clear. The statutory position can be complicated to resolve and can involve surveyors and assessors.
We can help steer you through the issues and help you to achieve a practical solution to the problem.

Costs And Expenses

Whatever you are asking us to do for you, you will likely want to know how much it will all cost. We understand that, and so we will give you a written itemised estimate of costs, searches and expenses for any work that you ask us to do – at the outset.

We offer a premium service with an emphasis on quality advice and speed of service at an economic price. Between us we will make it work for you.