If you're planning to buy, sell, or remortgage a home in Bideford, enlisting the assistance of experienced conveyancing solicitors is crucial to ensure a hassle-free transaction.
Undertaking a property deal can be an exhilarating experience, but it's important to be mindful of potential risks. At Bird & Co, our conveyancing team uses their wealth of expertise to mitigate these risks and provide meticulous guidance throughout your case.
Our priority is to offer a reliable and transparent conveyancing service that is easily accessible to our clients. From initiation to completion, our dedicated conveyancing solicitors will be by your side, addressing any questions or concerns you may have.
Additionally, we offer a convenient and efficient online conveyancing service, enabling us to cater to a diverse clientele in Bideford and across north Devon, including Abbotsham, Eastleigh and Landcross.
To get in touch with a member of our conveyancing team covering Bideford, give us a call or you can get a quote online.
Why choose Bird & Co for your conveyancing in Bideford?
- Specialist online conveyancing service – meaning our expertise is accessible anywhere in the UK or internationally.
- Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accreditation by the Law Society – providing assurance that we offer a high quality service.
- A modern, simple and efficient service – removing stress and confusion from your conveyancing.
- Secure online systems – minimising the risk to your money and personal information.
- Direct access to the solicitor handling your case – ensuring your questions can be answered quickly and meaningfully.
- Competitive fees with a clear quote upfront – See how much your conveyancing might cost by getting a no-obligation quote online.
Wondering if online conveyancing is right for you? Take a look at the benefits of working with our online conveyancers instead of a local conveyancer in Bideford.
How our conveyancing solicitors can help people in Bideford
Our conveyancers act for clients in Bideford across many different types of property transactions, including:
- Buying and selling your home
- Advice for first time buyers, such as:
- Remortgaging
- Equity release
- Advice about buying as joint tenants or tenants in common
- Buying and selling listed property
- Buying and selling leasehold property
- Collective enfranchisement and buying the freehold of a house
- Lease extension
- Transfer of equity
- Gifting property and Deeds of Gift
- Buy to let conveyancing
- Buying and selling land
- Commercial conveyancing
- Stamp Duty advice
Benefits of working with our online conveyancers instead of a local conveyancer in Bideford
- National expertise with many years of experience handling a wide range of transactions – Giving us a greater depth and breadth of experience than many local conveyancers.
- Well-developed online systems for a smooth conveyancing experience – Reducing the potential for delays and other frustrations.
- A fast, cost-effective service – With streamlined processes that allows us to pass cost savings onto our clients.
- Accessible expertise across the UK and worldwide – Our online-first approach makes us a top choice for clients anywhere who are dealing with property in England and Wales
- Safe, secure conveyancing at all times – As well as using the latest security systems and process, we are fully insured just in case anything goes wrong.
Our conveyancing fees – how much does our conveyancing cost for properties in Bideford?
At our firm, we understand the importance of offering flexible fees for our conveyancing services in Bideford. We have implemented fixed fee structures for uncomplicated matters, allowing you to have a clear understanding of the costs involved right from the beginning.
Should any additional fees be required to finalise your transaction, your dedicated solicitor will keep you informed every step of the way.
Disbursements are additional costs that arise during the conveyancing process. Examples of disbursements commonly encountered include the registration of your property with HM Land Registry and the undertaking of conveyancing searches.
Additionally, taxes such as Stamp Duty Land Tax or Capital Gains Tax may affect your property transaction. In such cases, your solicitor will collaborate with you to calculate the amount owed and file the return with HMRC.
Conveyancing FAQs
How does the conveyancing process work in Bideford?
The three main parts of the conveyancing process are:
- Offer and acceptance
- Exchange of contracts
- Completion
Upon acceptance of an offer, the buyer and seller will reach an agreement to proceed with a contract. However, it is important to note that until the contract is signed and exchanged by both parties, no legal commitments are enforceable.
The buyer's solicitor will undertake various property examinations to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. These examinations might involve:
- Reviewing property information provided by the seller and making further enquiries if necessary (done by the conveyancing solicitor)
- Conducting conveyancing property searches, such as local authority checks (arranged by the conveyancing solicitor)
- Carrying out an independent survey (arranged by the buyer)
The buyer will consider applying for a mortgage, if required, at this point in the process.
After the completion of property checks to the satisfaction of both parties, they will proceed to sign and exchange contracts, establishing a legally binding agreement. Withdrawal from the transaction without incurring a financial penalty is not an option once this stage is reached.
Upon completion, the buyer’s solicitor will submit a transfer deed to HM Land Registry, and the seller will have to vacate the property.
How long does conveyancing take in Bideford?
Every conveyancing transaction brings forth its own set of distinct challenges, which makes it impractical to provide an exact timeframe for completion. Nevertheless, in typical circumstances, the completion of uncomplicated conveyancing work often takes approximately 12-14 weeks from the acceptance of an offer and the instruction of solicitors.
It is important to note that delays may occur occasionally, but your solicitor will ensure you are well-informed throughout the process if your conveyancing transaction is expected to take longer.
What searches are involved in conveyancing in Bideford?
If you are purchasing a property in Bideford, your conveyancer will perform several checks to ensure there are no underlying concerns that require attention.
The three primary types of conveyancing searches conducted are:
- Local authority checks – to check the surrounding area for planning and building regulation consents, as well as proposed road schemes and any other planned or proposed work in the area that might affect the occupier of the property
- Environmental searches – to check for issues such as flooding or land contamination
- Water and drainage searches – to check matters such as water and drainage access
Should any additional checks be required, your conveyancing solicitor will communicate this to you.
Is it better to use a conveyancing solicitor or a conveyancer for property in Bideford?
For the average property buyer or seller, it may not be immediately clear how a conveyancing solicitor differs from a licensed conveyancer. These two designations represent distinct qualifications for professionals handling property transactions. While neither is inherently superior, there are advantages to be gained by opting for a solicitors’ firm.
A firm of solicitors brings more than just expertise in property transactions to the table. They typically have extensive experience in a wide range of legal areas that can prove highly beneficial to those buying or selling property. These additional areas of knowledge include Wills and inheritance, property rights for unmarried couples, and dispute resolution.
Working with solicitors offers the reassurance that clients will have access to the necessary expertise, regardless of the specific issue they may encounter during the process.
What issues should buyers consider when purchasing a home in Bideford?
When buying property in Bideford, Devon, there are several common issues that people might run into, including specific local property issues.
Flooding: Bideford is located on the estuary of the river Torridge, and certain areas can be prone to flooding. It is important to thoroughly research the flood risk areas and consult flood maps before purchasing a property. Additionally, obtaining flood insurance may be necessary, and it is essential to consider the potential impact of flooding on the property's value and future resale prospects.
Conservation areas and listed buildings: Bideford has several conservation areas and a number of listed buildings, which are protected by law due to their historical or architectural significance. If you are interested in buying a property within a conservation area or a listed building, you may face restrictions on alterations, renovations, or extensions. It is advisable to consult with the local planning authority to understand any limitations or requirements associated with such properties.
Mining and subsidence: In certain parts of Devon, including Bideford, there is a history of mining activity. Subsidence can be a concern if the property is located in an area with old mine workings. It is important to commission a thorough survey to assess any potential subsidence risks and check if appropriate insurance coverage is available.
Radon gas: Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be found in certain areas, including parts of Devon. It is advisable to have a radon survey conducted to assess the levels of radon gas in the property. High levels of radon gas can be harmful to health, and mitigation measures may be required.
Access and rights of way: Some properties in rural areas around Bideford may have shared access or rights of way through neighbouring land. It is important to clarify the details of access rights and ensure they are legally documented and agreed upon. Disputes or restrictions on access can impact the property's value and your ability to use and enjoy the property as intended.
Planning and development: Before purchasing a property, it is important to investigate any nearby planning applications or proposed developments that may impact the area. This includes considering the potential for new housing developments, commercial projects, or infrastructure changes, which could affect the property's views, privacy, or overall desirability.
What documents does a property solicitor need for conveyancing in Bideford?
For successful residential conveyancing, it is crucial to have the necessary documents in place, which can vary depending on whether you are buying or selling a property.
If you are buying a property in Bideford, the following four documents are some of those required during the process:
- Identification (e.g. passport or driving licence)
- Proof of address
- Proof of funds (such as bank statements)
- The official offer of mortgage
When selling a property, documents you will need include:
- Proof of ownership
- Seller’s Property Information Form
- Certificates, guarantees and planning permission documentation
- Fitting and contents form
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Leasehold or freehold information
- Details of the mortgage
How do you instruct our conveyancing solicitors for Bideford?
To get in touch with one of our conveyancers covering Bideford, you can give us a call or fill in our online enquiry form to request a call back.
When it comes to your conveyancing needs in Bideford, our professional team is ready to guide you through the initial stages of your transaction. Once your file is established, our experienced conveyancer will meticulously handle all the legal intricacies associated with your transaction.
Whether you're moving to, from, or within Bideford, our conveyancing solicitors are well-equipped to provide their expertise.
Get in touch with our conveyancing solicitors for Bideford
Get in touch with our conveyancing solicitors covering Bideford by giving us a call or you can get a quote online.