Property law.

Property auctions operate to much stricter timescales than traditional transactions. Once the hammer falls, the buyer is legally committed to complete the purchase, often within 20 to 28 days.

For buyers, we can:

• Review auction legal packs before bidding.
• Identify title defects or legal risks.
• Examine leases, searches and special conditions.
• Advise on financing and completion requirements.

For sellers, we can:

• Prepare auction legal packs.
• Draft special conditions of sale.
• Liaise with auctioneers and potential buyers.
• Manage completion following a successful auction sale.

Expert Conveyancing for Private Treaty and Auction Transactions

Whether you are buying or selling a freehold house, leasehold property, or purchasing at auction, our experienced conveyancing solicitors provide practical legal advice and support throughout the transaction.

We act for first-time buyers, home movers, investors, landlords and developers, helping transactions progress smoothly from instruction through to completion.

Private Treaty Sales and Purchases

Private treaty transactions are where a sale is agreed between buyer and seller through estate agents or direct negotiation.

Our solicitors will:

• Prepare and review contracts and legal documentation.
• Investigate title and ownership issues.
• Carry out searches and enquiries.
• Review lease terms for leasehold properties.
• Liaise with mortgage lenders and brokers.
• Negotiate contract terms where required.
• Exchange contracts and complete the transaction.
• Register ownership and mortgages at HM Land Registry.

For leasehold properties, we also review ground rent provisions, service charge arrangements, management company information and any restrictions that may affect the property.

Whether you are buying your first home, selling an investment property or purchasing at auction, we provide the legal support needed to ensure your transaction proceeds efficiently and with confidence.

Protecting the Value of Your Property

As the term remaining on a lease reduces, it can affect the value of your property, its mortgageability and its attractiveness to future buyers. Extending your lease can help protect your investment and provide long-term peace of mind.

Our specialist leasehold property solicitors advise leaseholders on both statutory lease extensions and informal lease extension agreements, guiding clients through the process from initial advice and valuation through to completion.

Statutory Lease Extensions

Qualifying leaseholders have a legal right to extend their lease under legislation.

We will assess your eligibility, serve the required legal notices, liaise with valuers, negotiate with the freeholder and ensure the extension is completed in accordance with the statutory procedure.

Informal Lease Extensions

In some circumstances, a leaseholder and freeholder may agree lease extension terms outside of the formal statutory process.

An informal lease extension can sometimes be completed more quickly and flexibly, but it is important to carefully review any proposed terms.

We review the proposed terms, negotiate where necessary and advise you on whether an informal agreement represents good value compared to your statutory rights.

Negotiating with Freeholders

Whether pursuing a statutory or informal lease extension, negotiation is often a key part of the process.

Our aim is to secure the best possible outcome while keeping the process as straightforward and cost-effective as possible. Whether your lease is approaching a key threshold or has already fallen significantly, early advice can help preserve your property's value and avoid increased extension costs.

If you own a leasehold flat, you may have the legal right to join with other qualifying leaseholders to purchase the freehold of your building. This process is known as Collective Enfranchisement.

Acquiring the freehold gives leaseholders greater control over the management and maintenance of the building, service charges, insurance arrangements and future lease extensions. It can also help protect and enhance the long-term value of your property.

Our specialist property solicitors can advise on eligibility, work alongside valuers to assess the premium payable, serve the necessary legal notices, negotiate with the freeholder and complete the purchase on your behalf.

Our Service Includes:

• Assessing eligibility for a collective enfranchisement claim
• Advising on the legal process and likely costs
• Preparing and serving statutory notices
• Negotiating with the freeholder's solicitors
• Managing the purchase of the freehold
• Registering the freehold ownership at HM Land Registry

Whether you live in a small, converted building or a larger apartment development, our experienced team can guide you through the process and help you gain greater control over your property and its future management.

Purchasing a new-build property is different from buying an existing home. Whether you are buying off-plan before construction is complete or purchasing a completed new-build property, our specialist conveyancing team will guide you through every stage of the transaction.

New-build purchases often involve strict deadlines, detailed developer contracts and additional legal requirements. We work closely with developers, lenders and buyers to ensure the process runs smoothly and your interests are fully protected.

Our New-Build Conveyancing Service Includes:

• Reviewing the developer's contract and supporting legal documentation
• Checking planning permissions and building regulation approvals
• Reviewing estate roads, drainage and utility arrangements
• Investigating any management company obligations and service charges
• Advising on reservation agreements and exchange deadlines
• Reviewing new-build warranties, including NHBC, Premier Guarantee, LABC and similar schemes
• Liaising with your mortgage lender and complying with lender requirements
• Exchanging contracts and completing your purchase
• Registering your ownership and mortgage at HM Land Registry

Buying Off-Plan

Many new-build properties are purchased before construction has been completed. In these cases, buyers are often required to exchange contracts within a short timeframe, sometimes many months before the property is ready for occupation.

We carefully review the contract terms, construction completion provisions, long-stop dates, deposit protection arrangements and warranty documentation to ensure you understand your obligations and are fully protected.

Why Choose Us?

New-build transactions require specialist knowledge and attention to detail. Our experienced conveyancing solicitors understand the complexities of developer agreements and can help ensure your purchase proceeds efficiently, giving you peace of mind as you move into your new home.

Whether you're a first-time buyer, investor or home mover, we provide clear advice and practical support throughout your new-build purchase from reservation through to completion.

Simple, Expert Legal Support for Homeowners

Whether you are changing mortgage lenders, adding or removing someone from your property ownership, or restructuring existing borrowing, our experienced conveyancing team can guide you through the process from start to finish.

We work with homeowners, mortgage lenders and financial advisers to ensure transactions are completed efficiently, safely and in full compliance with lender requirements.

What is a Remortgage?

A remortgage is the process of replacing your existing mortgage with either:

• A new mortgage from a different lender; or
• A new product with your current lender.

A solicitor is often required to act on behalf of both you and your lender to ensure the property provides suitable security for the loan.

Our Remortgage Services Include:

• Reviewing the title to your property
• Satisfying lender requirements
• Redeeming your existing mortgage
• Dealing with legal documentation
• Completing the remortgage transaction
• Registering the new mortgage at HM Land Registry

What is a Transfer of Equity?

A Transfer of Equity is the legal process of adding, removing or changing ownership of a property whilst at least one existing owner remains on the title.

Common reasons include:

• Marriage or moving in together
• Separation or divorce
• Buying out a co-owner's share
• Adding a spouse or partner to the property
• Family property transfers
• Estate or tax planning arrangements

A Transfer of Equity can take place with or without a remortgage.

Why is a Solicitor Needed?

When a mortgage is involved, lenders have strict legal requirements that must be met before ownership can change.

We act to ensure:

• The lender's interests are protected
• The property's title is legally sound
• Mortgage conditions are satisfied
• Ownership is correctly transferred
• All legal documents are properly prepared and executed
• Changes are registered with HM Land Registry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer ownership if I have a mortgage?

Yes. However, your lender's consent will usually be required before the transfer can proceed.

Can a Remortgage and Transfer of Equity happen together?

Yes. It is common for both transactions to complete simultaneously, particularly following separation, marriage or a buyout between co-owners.

How long does the process take?

Most straightforward matters are completed within 4–8 weeks, depending on lender approval and the complexity of the transaction.

Will I need to attend the office?

In most cases, the process can be completed remotely using electronic identification and signed documentation.