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Conveyancing solicitors
Moving home isn’t cheap, which is why it’s important that you chose the right legal team to carry out your conveyancing.
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Have a question or need some help? Call 0208 5324884
QualitySolicitors is proud to promise no hidden costs within our fees; granting you complete transparency into our pricing.
Our team carry out more conveyancing in the UK than anyone else. With a network of over 100 offices, we understand your local area.
Our expert conveyancing solicitors look after your legal position and will keep you up-to-date throughout the process. We’re open six days a week and provide a same-day response.
Our conveyancing solicitors provide a complete service
We provide an extensive conveyancing service, so you can relax, knowing we’ll take care of everything. As part of our home moving service we:
Investigate the property
We’ll let you know of any legal restrictions on the use of the building or land, issues over boundaries, rights of way, neighbour disputes and legal guidance on the surveyors’ report.
Investigate the surrounding area
Using our local knowledge and experience, we’ll investigate whether there are any plans for major road works or developments on neighbouring land that might affect you.
Any additional costs for this will be advised before the work is carried out.
Support with final negotiations over price
In most cases, we’ll be on hand to assist with any price negotiations and clarification over what is, or isn’t, included in the final price.
Contract for sale
Our property lawyers will make sure you have a contract for sale that protects you, by covering all the important issues and preventing any nasty surprises.
1
Preparing to buy
Contact your mortgage company and chosen solicitor early on, to ensure everything’s in place, ready for when you find your new home and make an offer.2
Preparing to buy
Once your offer has been accepted, we’ll start our detailed investigations on the property and surrounding area, such as the local authority, water authority and environmental searches.3
Mortgage and property survey
If you’re using one, the mortgage company will arrange a valuation before making a formal offer. If you choose to have a survey or buyer’s report completed, this can be arranged at this stage.4
Contract Reporting
Following our investigations of the property survey, we will report to both you and your mortgage lender, if you require one, and advise of the results of the searches / survey and highlight the key factors of the property and surrounding areas. During this stage, we will also attempt to arrange the next step, the ‘exchange of contracts’.5
Agreement (exchange of contracts
At this stage, you and the seller will have your lawyers exchange signed copies of the contract, confirming a binding agreement. The moving date will be finalised, and you will need to pay the deposit (usually around 10% of the agreed price). .6
Moving day (completion)
At this stage, you and the seller will have your lawyers exchange signed copies of the contract, confirming a binding agreement. The moving date will be finalised, and you will need to pay the deposit (usually around 10% of the agreed price).1
Preparing to sell
Get in touch with us early on, so we can ensure everything is ready for when you accept an offer.
2
Buyer’s investigations (searches)
We’ll supply the buyer’s solicitors with the information they need on your property and help you respond to any questions they have.
3
Buyer’s property survey or valuation
The buyer’s mortgage company will arrange a property valuation before agreeing to lend any money. We’ll then give you an indication of the final balance of any mortgage to be repaid on this property.
4
Buyers enquiries
Respond to any enquiries from the buyers solicitors. During this stage, we will try to arrange the next step, which is the ‘exchange of contracts.
5
Agreement (exchange of contracts)
You and the buyer will confirm a binding agreement once your lawyers have exchanged signed copies of the contract. The moving date will be agreed and the buyer will pay a deposit.
6
Moving day (completion)
You will move out by the agreed time and give your keys to your estate agent. We’ll let you know as soon as we receive the buyer’s money and will complete the final paperwork needed.
When you move home, there are two main types of costs involved. Legal costs are paid to your lawyer, whilst ‘disbursements’ (costs paid to others) are handled by your lawyer on your behalf. Below we separate out some of the common costs to help you understand what’s involved.
Your true legal costs are the costs payable to your lawyer for their work on your behalf.
These are usually based on the value of the property and you should be informed of the amount before deciding which law firm to use.
Be wary of conveyancing services that promote a low initial fee, but hide extra costs in their small print.
Costs for searches
These are charges for checks of the property and surrounding land. In each case, there is a fee payable to the company providing the search, which your lawyer will normally pay on your behalf and later reclaim in their bill to you.
One example of a search is a local authority search, which investigates whether there are any plans that might affect your property, like building a new road or a housing development.
Other common searches include a water authority and drainage search, which looks at details about the mains water supply and sewage removal, and an environmental search, which investigates previous uses of the land housing the property, to check for risk of contamination.
Your conveyancing lawyer will be to advise you on which searches you should pay to have completed.
Other conveyancing costs
Your conveyancing lawyer will advise you about any other costs involved.
These could include a fee from the land registry to update their records of who owns a property (if you’re buying), or to produce a copy of their records to prove you own a property (if you’re selling).
Another common cost is the charge applied for dealing with mortgage companies. Your lawyer should set out and explain these costs upfront.
Stamp duty SDLT
Stamp duty, or Stamp Duty Land Tax (often abbreviated to SDLT), is a tax applied by the government to the purchaser of a residential property purchased at over £125,000. It must be paid within 30 days of completing the purchase of a residential property. Law firms often deal with this on your behalf, which means it is sometimes included as part of the quote for conveyancing.How does stamp duty work?
Previously, stamp duty was applied to the whole purchase price of the property, depending on which ‘band’ the price fell into. For example, a residential house bought for £300,000 would hold a flat rate Stamp Duty cost of 3%; so, £300,000 x 3% = £9,000. Since December 2014, however, these rates have been applied differently. Rather than a flat rate on the whole purchase price, SDLT is now applied to the bands in a similar way income tax is calculated. So you will only pay Stamp Duty on the amount of the property that falls within a specific price band. So, in the example of a £300,000 property, SDLT will now be worked out as:- The first £125,000 = £0
- A 2% rate is applied to the next £125,000 = £2,500
- A 5% rate is applied to the final £50,000 = £2,500
- Total stamp duty payable = £5,000
What are the new stamp duty rates?
While the Stamp Duty threshold remains the same (£125,000), there are now different banded rates. From April 2016, those with a second home will also have to pay an extra 3% Stamp Duty on top of the standard rate band:| Purchase price | SDLT rate | Buy to Let/Additional Home Rate |
| Up to £125,000 | 0% | 3% |
| Over £125,000 to £250,000 | 2% | 5% |
| Over £250,000 to £925,000 | 5% | 8% |
| Over £925,000 to £1.5 million | 10% | 13% |
| Over £1.5 million | 12% | 15% |
Rates if you’re buying your first home
You can claim a discount (relief) so you don’t pay any tax up to £300,000 and 5% on the portion from £300,001 to £500,000. You’re eligible if:- you, and anyone else you’re buying with, are first-time buyers
- you complete your purchase on or after 22 November 2017
Land Transaction Tax (LTT)
Land Transaction Tax (often abbreviated to LTT), is a tax charged to the purchaser of a residential property purchased at over £180,000, or a non-residential property or land purchased at over £150,000. LTT is collected by the Welsh Revenue Authority. It must be paid within 30 days of completing the purchase of property. Law firms often deal with this on your behalf, which means it is sometimes included as part of the quote for conveyancing.How does LTT work?
LTT replaced stamp duty land tax in Wales from April 2018. You will pay LTT if you buy a freehold property; buy a new or existing leasehold; or are otherwise transferred land or property in exchange for payment. LTT is applied depending on the purchase price of the property in a similar way income tax is calculated. So you will only pay LTT on the amount of the property that falls within a specific price band. So, in the example of a £300,000 residential property, LTT will be worked out as:- The first £180,000 = £0
- A 3.5% rate is applied to the next £70,000 = £2,450
- A 5% rate is applied to the final £50,000 = £2,500
- Total LTT payable = £4,950
What are the LTT rates?
The LTT rates vary depending on several factors. Below are the most common rates: Main residential freehold property| Price threshold | LTT rate |
| The portion up to and including £180,000 | o% |
| The portion over £180,000 up to and including £250,000 | 3.5% |
| The portion over £250,000 up to and including £400,000 | 5% |
| The portion over £400,000 up to and including £750,000 | 7.5% |
| The portion over £750,000 up to and including £1,500,000 | 10% |
| The portion over £1,500,000 | 12% |
| Price threshold | LTT rate |
| The portion up to and including £150,000 | 0% |
| The portion over £150,000 up to and including £250,000 | 1% |
| The portion over £250,000 up to and including £1,000,000 | 5% |
| The portion over £1,000,000 | 6% |
| NPV threshold | LTT rate |
| The portion up to and including £150,000 | 0% |
| The portion over £150,000 up to and including £2,000,000 | |
| The portion over £2,000,000 | 2% |
Transfer of title
Looking to transfer the ownership of your property from one person to another?
Although a relatively straightforward process, it’s important it is completed correctly, to ensure everything progresses smoothly and to avoid unexpected problems in the future.
Our expert property solicitors will help with every stage of a transfer of title, providing support to complete your transfer efficiently and correctly.
We’ll contact the Land Registry on your behalf, ensure all necessary documentation is completed correctly, and talk through any issues that might arise from the transfer, granting you peace of mind that all the legal details are covered.
We’ll keep you informed throughout every stage, to help ensure your transfer process is swift and straightforward.
Remortgaging
As a homeowner you may, at some point, wish to remortgage your property to take advantage of a better deal, or to release money from your property.
At QualitySolicitors, we make remortgaging as quick and simple as possible. We’ll guide you through the process, take care of any paperwork and legal checks and review the terms of your existing mortgage to avoid any unwanted surprises further down the line.
Expert legal advice you can rely on:
Housing and property
There are so many complex legal aspects relating to housing and property and, as they’re such cherished and valuable assets, it’s imperative that you make sure the law is giving you as much support and protection as possible. Is it really worth the risk of not speaking to a property solicitor when we’re so accessible, efficient and friendly? Find out moreBoundary disputes
In a world where many of us live in close proximity to our neighbours, it’s not uncommon for confusion regarding boundaries to arise. However, when handled correctly, a boundary dispute doesn’t have to mean falling out with your neighbours. Many boundary issues can be resolved amicably and fairly.
Buying at auction
Buying property at auction can be an exciting experience and is often a great way to get a good deal. However, it can also be a step into the unknown - particularly if it’s your first time. By talking to a legal expert before buying at auction you can approach the process with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Contract disputes
Dealing with property issues can sometimes be complex - particularly when other parties are involved. That’s why contracts exist to help things run smoothly. And whether you own or rent property, at some stage you will probably enter into a contract with another party.
Conveyancing
Moving home isn’t cheap, which is why it’s important that you choose the right legal team to carry out your conveyancing.
Disrepair claims
When you live in rented accommodation, you put your trust in your landlord to maintain the property to an acceptable standard. But sometimes things can go wrong and you may experience difficulties getting your landlord to make repairs.
Homelessness
When you live in rented accommodation, you put your trust in your landlord to maintain the property to an acceptable standard. But sometimes things can go wrong and you may experience difficulties getting your landlord to make repairs.
Investment and buy to let properties
More and more people are enjoying the rewards of investing in property. And buying-to-let is a great way to ensure that your property provides a regular income and strong return on your investment. The key to successful property investment is to do your homework and seek expert legal advice before investing in a property.
Leasehold Enfranchisements
Leasehold properties are a diminishing asset, which is why purchasing the freehold title of your house, terrace, maisonette or flat may be financially beneficial to you. It is more common for flats to be sold as leaseholds, but some new build houses can be sold as leaseholds too. Without owning the freehold title, it will cost each time you wish to extend the lease and you will have ongoing expenses to your freeholder for insurance, service charges and ground rent. In addition, some contract clauses may be unappealing to buyers, which could make your property unsellable.
Leasehold Extensions
All leasehold properties have an expiry date, meaning the ownership of the property will revert back to the freehold owner once the lease term comes to an end. To prevent that from happening and losing your asset, keep track of your lease length and don’t let it get too low. The shorter the period left on the lease, the quicker the leasehold will diminish in value.
Leasehold Extensions
If you’re looking for advice about leaseholds, we’re here to help. Leasehold is a particular type of property ownership that comes with its own unique legal rights and responsibilities. Many flats in the UK are sold on a leasehold basis but leasehold can apply to other properties too.
Neighbour disputes and anti-social behaviour
Whether you’re buying, selling, renting or leasing property or land abroad, there will be times when you need to present documentation to foreign authorities. And because every country has its own property laws, it’s important to ensure your documents will be accepted. It may therefore be necessary to have the documents validated (notarised) by a Notary in the UK.
Party walls
When building work, repairs or improvements are carried out to a property, the work may impact on neighbours who share a wall or boundary. Therefore the Party Wall Act was introduced to minimise disputes between neighbours when work is being completed. The Party Wall Act covers work to shared walls but can also cover work being carried out close to neighbouring boundaries or buildings.
Planning law
If you are looking to make changes to your home, there are planning laws that say what you can, and cannot do. There are also certain processes to follow. Masons Law take away many of the worries as we know you have enough on your plate.
Possession and repossession proceedings
If you’re a homeowner or tenant facing problems keeping up the repayments on your property, you may be concerned about the threat of eviction, or having your home repossessed. In these circumstances it’s natural to feel worried but at Masons Law we have expert property solicitors on hand to help. We can answer all the questions you may have and will help you do everything possible to remain in your home.
Rehousing and transfers
At Masons Law we believe it’s important for people to live in a home that meets the requirements of their family. Sometimes, for various reasons, your current home may not be suitable for the needs of you and your family. In these circumstances you may wish to be rehoused or transferred to another property.
Rehousing and transfers
At Masons Law we believe it’s important for people to live in a home that meets the requirements of their family. Sometimes, for various reasons, your current home may not be suitable for the needs of you and your family. In these circumstances you may wish to be rehoused or transferred to another property.
Remortgaging
As a homeowner, at some point you may wish to consider remortgaging – either to take advantage of a better mortgage deal or to release money from your property. And with different mortgage providers offering different deals, you may wish to consider changing to a new lender.
Right to Manage
Choosing to buy the freehold title of your property may prove too costly or lengthy, which is why you may consider taking over the management responsibilities of the property from the freeholder instead. While this won’t grant you all of the benefits of owning the freehold, it will give you and your fellow leaseholders more control over the common areas of your property through a process known as Right to Manage.
Right to Manage
Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, it makes good sense to have a solid tenancy agreement in place. Not only will this highlight your rights and responsibilities but it will also help maintain a positive relationship between you and your landlord or tenant.
Transfer of title
Are you looking to transfer the ownership of a property from one person to another? Although this is a fairly straightforward process, it’s important that it is completed correctly to ensure everything progresses smoothly and to avoid unexpected problems in the future.
Unlawful eviction
Being forced to leave your home is upsetting and stressful whatever the circumstances. But if your landlord has evicted you without following the correct procedures, they may have broken the law and you may be able to take action against them.