Property & Conveyancing
What it is: A property transaction is the legal process of transferring ownership or interests in land and buildings in England and Wales, whether residential or commercial. It covers investigating title, carrying out searches, exchanging contracts, and completing the transfer, followed by registration at HM Land Registry. When it applies: This service is relevant when buying or selling a home, purchasing an investment or commercial property, transferring property between parties, or dealing with related matters such as gifts or transfers of equity. Each transaction involves specific legal, tax, and regulatory considerations, including Stamp Duty Land Tax. How a solicitor helps: A property solicitor or licensed conveyancer investigates the legal title, raises and reviews enquiries and searches, checks the contract, and advises on any issues affecting the property, such as rights of way, restrictive covenants, or planning matters. They manage the exchange and completion, handle funds securely, and register the change of ownership. First steps: Obtain a copy of the title and any lease, arrange your finances and any mortgage in principle, and instruct a solicitor early so searches can begin promptly. Clear communication of your timescales helps keep the transaction on track. Scotland has an entirely separate conveyancing system, including 'missives' and registration with the Land Register of Scotland.
