Residential conveyancing solicitors, London
Explore how we can help you with all your residential property legal requirements.
Contact our teamHelping with quick and efficient property transactions in the London area
Whether you’re in the market to buy your own dream home or are looking for an investment property, the process can sometimes be complex and protracted, which can be frustrating, confusing and stressful to deal with. The benefits of using a property expert with local knowledge to help with the legal aspects of the transaction shouldn’t be underestimated. With clear communication and specialist advice, it can make a significant difference to helping the property transaction proceed in the most smooth and efficient way possible.
With conveyancing solicitors in London that already have existing connections and relationships within the property sector in this location, such as with surveyors and estate agents, our services can help to move things along and our collaborative approach is designed to always keep you in the loop with where things are up to and what to expect next.
What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of property from one person to another. It involves various tasks such as conducting property searches, preparing legal documents, and ensuring that the transfer is properly registered with the relevant authorities.
Our team of residential property solicitors
Charlotte Brackley
Partner | Real Estate, Landed Estates and Farming, Residential Property, Rural Services
Nicola Donnelly
Associate | Real Estate, Plot Sales, Residential Property
Jennifer Smith
Senior Residential Property Executive | Residential Property
Janice Taylor
Conveyancing Executive | Real Estate, Plot Sales, Residential Property
The role of conveyancing solicitors in London
The role and responsibilities of conveyancing solicitors in London is to help ensure that property transactions are carried out in compliance with all current legislation and to ensure that the client has all of the necessary facts to make informed decisions about their purchase.
Whether you are buying or selling, your conveyancing solicitor in the London area can make a big difference to how quickly and smoothly your transactions goes. Their responsibilities include:
- Working with your mortgage lender to ensure all legal requirements are met
- Carrying out searches on a property and its local area
- Determining stamp duty land tax requirements, if applicable
- Drafting contracts for the transaction
- Arranging contract exchange and deposit transfers
- Arranging completion date and the fulfilment of the transaction
The conveyancing process in London
While the transaction stage of the property buying or selling process can be summarised by two main legal stages, exchange of contracts and completion, there are many other parts of the process that come both before and after this to consider. These conveyancing essentials include:
- Surveys
- Local searches
- Looking into any covenants or rights issues
- Deposit administration
- Registering titles
- Specialist areas of expertise for property conveyancers in London
Town, Coast and Country
Download our brochure and explore more information about the residential property services we offer, and discover why we are the legal experts in town, coast and country properties.
Our areas of expertise
With many years of experience across a wide range of different property transactions across London and the surrounding areas, our conveyancing team specialise in:
- Leasehold flats, including leases, lease extensions and acquiring freehold
- High net worth transactions
- New builds and converted properties
- Buy to let properties
- Purchases and sales
- Transfers of equity
- Remortgages
- Land development
- Auction properties
- Covenant advice
Local market insight for London residential conveyancing
Choosing a conveyancer familiar with the nuances of the London property landscape is essential. From high-rise apartments in Canary Wharf to period townhouses in Kensington, each borough presents its own legal and logistical challenges. We offer market-specific insight to help you navigate leasehold reform, ground rent concerns, and local authority requirements. Our deep understanding of London’s fast-paced property environment allows us to pre-empt common pitfalls, ensuring a smoother transaction process whether you’re buying in Zone 1 or beyond.
What sets our conveyancing service apart
Beyond the legal paperwork, we provide a service rooted in transparency, accessibility, and practical support. Our dedicated conveyancing team offers direct lines of communication with your solicitor, regular updates without jargon, and the flexibility to communicate through phone, email, or video call to suit your preferences. With fixed-fee structures that avoid hidden costs and clear timelines, we empower clients with clarity and confidence at every step. Whether you’re purchasing a studio flat or a luxury home, you’ll receive the same standard of care and attention to detail.
Why choose Moore Barlow for residential conveyancing in London?
The team at Moore Barlow have a depth of experience in the competitive and fast-moving London property market and we understand the need for swift and decisive action along with ensuring legal compliance and communicating clearly. We offer specialist residential property conveyancing services to individuals and businesses across the London area and further afield, helping our clients to complete the sale or purchase as quickly and effectively as possible.
We are proud to hold a range of industry-recognised accreditations that reflect our expertise in residential conveyancing. These include the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), which demonstrates our commitment to best practices, client care, and high-quality service in the buying and selling of residential property. In addition, our team’s in-depth knowledge of the London property market, including leasehold reform, shared ownership, and high-value property transactions, ensures that you benefit from advice tailored precisely to your needs. Many of our competitors emphasise speed and efficiency, and we match this while also offering a distinctly personalised service, prioritising clear communication and proactive updates for every stage of your transaction. Our long-standing relationships with local property agents, surveyors, and mortgage advisers also allow us to navigate challenges swiftly and effectively.
How we can help
At Moore Barlow, our experienced solicitors are dedicated to providing comprehensive assistance with a wide range of residential property matters in London. We understand the complexities involved in residential conveyancing and strive to ensure a smooth and efficient process for our clients. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a seasoned property investor, or require assistance with lease extensions or remortgaging, our specialist team is well-equipped to handle all aspects of residential property transactions. With our in-depth knowledge of property law and commitment to outstanding client service, you can trust us to guide you through every step and protect your interests.
Our team offers comprehensive residential conveyancing support, including legal advice on shared ownership purchases, lease extensions, freehold acquisitions, buy-to-let investments, help-to-buy transactions, and right to buy or right to acquire schemes. We also provide guidance with new build contracts, ensuring that all developer agreements are thoroughly reviewed and negotiated if needed. For clients purchasing high-value properties, we offer expertise in handling complex title issues, restrictive covenants, and SDLT (Stamp Duty Land Tax) implications. Our commitment extends beyond completion—we assist with notices to landlords, registration with HM Land Registry, and post-completion compliance matters to ensure the process is fully resolved from start to finish.
Who we help
Our solicitors in London handle residential conveyancing matters for a diverse range of clients, including first-time buyers, homeowners, property investors, and landlords. We provide expert legal advice and support throughout the entire process to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.
Our clients include a wide variety of individuals involved in the residential property market. We regularly act for first-time buyers navigating the complexities of today’s competitive housing market and seasoned property investors managing diverse portfolios. Our experience extends to professionals within finance, tech, and creative industries looking for central London residences, as well as international buyers needing guidance through UK property regulations. We also work with property developers purchasing multiple units for future development and landlords acquiring residential properties for rental income. Our service is tailored to accommodate a diverse clientele, ensuring each receives relevant and practical legal support.
Contact us
For expert advice on residential conveyancing in London, contact our experienced team at Moore Barlow today. We are committed to providing exceptional service and ensuring a smooth property transaction for you. Call us on 023 8071 8000 or email us. Let us handle all your residential property needs.
We have offices in London, Richmond, Southampton, Guildford, Lymington and Woking and offer specialist residential conveyancing legal services to clients nationwide. Contact Moore Barlow to find out how we can help you and your family.
Contact our residential property team
Frequently asked questions: Residential Conveyancing
How long does residential conveyancing typically take?
The average conveyancing process takes between 8 to 12 weeks. However, timelines can vary depending on factors such as the length of the property chain, mortgage approval times, and whether the transaction is freehold or leasehold. We keep you updated regularly and work efficiently to meet expected deadlines.
What documents do I need to provide when selling my property?
You’ll need to provide proof of identity, title deeds (if not with your mortgage lender), property information forms (TA6, TA10, TA7 for leasehold), and any guarantees for works undertaken. We will supply and help you complete all necessary legal documentation.
What is the difference between exchange and completion?
Exchange of contracts is the point at which the transaction becomes legally binding for both parties. Completion is the day when the purchase money is transferred, and ownership of the property officially changes hands. These dates can be the same, although they often occur days or weeks apart.
Can I pull out of a house purchase after making an offer?
Until contracts are exchanged, either party can withdraw from the transaction without legal penalties. Post-exchange, pulling out typically incurs financial consequences, so it’s important to be certain before this stage.
Do I need a survey when buying a residential property?
While not a legal requirement, a survey is highly recommended to uncover structural issues or defects not visible during a viewing. Conveyancers do not carry out surveys, but we can advise on legal matters related to survey findings.
What are disbursements in conveyancing?
Disbursements are third-party costs paid on your behalf during the conveyancing process. These can include Land Registry fees, local authority searches, bank transfer charges, and Stamp Duty Land Tax. We provide a full breakdown of these costs upfront.
How does leasehold differ from freehold?
In a freehold property, you own the building and the land it stands on indefinitely. Leasehold gives the right to occupy a property for the length of the lease, with the land and common areas typically owned by a freeholder. Leasehold purchases involve additional legal considerations, such as service charges and ground rent.
What is a property chain and how can it affect my transaction?
A property chain is a sequence of linked property sales and purchases, where each depends on the next. Delays in any part of the chain can affect progress. We manage communication between parties to limit delays and keep your transaction on track.
What happens after completion?
Following completion, we ensure the payment of any Stamp Duty owed and handle registration of your ownership with HM Land Registry. You will receive confirmation once the process is finalised, along with any new title documents.
Can you help with purchasing a property at auction?
Yes, we provide pre-auction contract reviews to check for legal risks and post-auction support for completing the purchase within the tight deadlines set by auction houses. Acting quickly and efficiently is crucial in these situations, and we’re well experienced in managing these transactions.
