If you're buying, selling, or remortgaging a home in Folkestone, experienced conveyancing solicitors are essential to ensure a smooth transaction.
While property transactions can be exciting, they also carry risks. Our conveyancing team has the expertise to navigate these risks and guide you through the process.
At Bird & Co, we offer a straightforward and dependable conveyancing service. Our solicitors will assist you from start to finish and are available to address any queries you may have.
We also provide a quick and efficient online conveyancing service, allowing us to assist clients across Folkestone and the broader Kent region, including Hythe, Hawkinge, and Dover.
To get in touch with a member of our conveyancing team covering Folkestone, give us a call or you can get a quote online.
Why choose Bird & Co for your conveyancing in Folkestone?
- Specialist online conveyancing service – enabling access to our expertise from anywhere in the UK or internationally.
- Accredited under the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) by the Law Society – ensuring confidence in the high-quality service we provide.
- Modern, straightforward, and efficient service – simplifying your conveyancing process for easier management and reduced stress.
- Secure online systems – ensuring the safety of you and your funds at every stage of the transaction.
- Direct communication with the solicitor handling your case – allowing for prompt responses to any queries from someone familiar with you and your transaction.
- Competitive fees with transparent quotes upfront – providing clarity on the potential cost of your conveyancing through a no-obligation quote online.
How our conveyancing solicitors can help people in Folkestone
Our conveyancing team for Folkestone have expertise in a wide range 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 Folkestone
- Extensive national expertise with years of experience handling diverse transactions – Providing broader experience compared to many local conveyancers, including for complex transactions.
- Well-established online systems for a seamless conveyancing experience – Our proven systems enable us to bypass many of the delays and frustrations common with firms less accustomed to online operations.
- Swift, cost-effective service – Through extensive practice, we've optimised our service and costs, passing on these savings to our clients.
- Accessible expertise across the UK and globally – Our online approach makes us a preferred choice for clients nationwide and worldwide dealing with property matters in England and Wales.
- Secure conveyancing at all times – Utilising the latest security measures to safeguard you, your finances, and your data, with comprehensive insurance coverage for peace of mind.
Our conveyancing fees – how much does our conveyancing cost for Folkestone property?
We provide a variety of flexible fees for our conveyancing services in Folkestone. This includes fixed fees for straightforward tasks, offering clear upfront pricing. If additional charges are necessary to finalise your transaction, your solicitor will inform you promptly.
Disbursements, which are additional costs associated with the conveyancing process, may include expenses such as registering a property with HM Land Registry and conducting conveyancing searches.
Your property transaction may also be subject to taxes like Stamp Duty Land Tax or Capital Gains Tax. In such instances, your solicitor will assist you in calculating the owed amount and filing the return with HMRC.
Conveyancing FAQs
How does the conveyancing process work in Folkestone?
There are three main stages to the conveyancing process. These are:
- Offer and acceptance
- Exchange of contracts
- Completion
When an offer is accepted, the buyer and seller will agree to enter into a contract. Until the contract is signed and exchanged by both parties, nothing is legally binding.
The buyer will carry out various checks on the property with their solicitor. The sort of checks that might be carried out include:
- 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 also apply for a mortgage at this stage, if necessary.
After the property checks are finalised and both parties agree to move forward, they will sign and exchange contracts. At this point, the transaction becomes legally binding, and neither party can withdraw without incurring a financial penalty.
Completion marks the official conclusion of the transaction. A transfer deed will be submitted to HM Land Registry, and the seller will vacate the property as part of the process.
How long does conveyancing take in Folkestone?
Each conveyancing transaction presents its own set of challenges, making it difficult to predict an exact timeline for completion. However, typically, straightforward conveyancing work takes approximately 12-14 weeks from the date of offer acceptance and solicitors' instruction.
Occasionally, delays are inevitable. If your conveyancing transaction is expected to take longer than usual to complete, your solicitor will provide you with regular updates to keep you informed.
What searches are involved in conveyancing in Folkestone?
If you are buying a property in Folkestone, your conveyancer will need to carry out a number of checks to ensure there are no issues that need to be addressed.
The three main types of conveyancing searches 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.
If further checks are required, then your solicitor will let you know.
Is it better to use a conveyancing solicitor or a conveyancer for Folkestone property?
The difference between a conveyancing solicitor and a licensed conveyancer may not be immediately apparent to the average property buyer or seller. Both represent distinct qualifications individuals can possess for handling property transactions. Neither holds an inherent advantage over the other, yet there are benefits to engaging a solicitor firm.
Solicitor’s firms typically have expertise beyond property transactions, including areas such as Wills and inheritance, property rights for unmarried couples, and dispute resolution. Collaborating with solicitors offers reassurance that a range of expertise is readily available to address any issue that may arise during the process of buying or selling property.
What issues should buyers consider when purchasing a home in Folkestone?
When purchasing property in Folkestone you may encounter some common issues, including:
- Coastal Erosion: Folkestone's coastal location makes it susceptible to erosion over time. Buyers should assess the stability of the coastline and potential risks associated with erosion, especially if the property is located near the sea.
- Flood Risk: Some areas of Folkestone are prone to flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall or storm surges. Buyers should conduct thorough flood risk assessments and consider obtaining flood insurance to protect their investment.
- Conservation Areas: Folkestone has several conservation areas to preserve its historic character and architectural heritage. Properties within these areas may be subject to additional planning restrictions and regulations, which buyers need to be aware of before making a purchase.
- Transport Links: While Folkestone benefits from excellent transport links, including the Channel Tunnel and high-speed rail services, some properties may be affected by noise or congestion from nearby transport routes. Buyers should consider the proximity of transportation infrastructure and its potential impact on their quality of life.
- Leasehold Properties: Many properties in Folkestone, particularly flats and apartments, are sold on a leasehold basis. Buyers should carefully review the terms of the lease, including ground rent, service charges, and lease length, to ensure they understand their rights and obligations as leaseholders.
- Regeneration Projects: Folkestone has undergone significant regeneration in recent years, with ongoing development projects aimed at revitalising the town. While these initiatives can enhance the local area, buyers should research planned regeneration schemes to understand how they may affect property values and future amenities.
- Parking and Access: Parking availability and access arrangements can vary significantly depending on the property's location and type. Buyers should consider whether off-street parking is essential and whether there are any restrictions or limitations on parking in the area.
- Local Amenities: Folkestone offers a range of amenities, including shops, schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational spaces. Buyers should assess the proximity and quality of these amenities to ensure they meet their needs and preferences.
What documents does a property solicitor need for conveyancing in Folkestone?
Residential conveyancing requires a number of documents during the process, but this often depends on whether you are buying or selling a property.
During the process of purchasing a property in Folkestone, the documents you will be required to provide include:
- Identification (e.g. passport or driving licence)
- Proof of address
- Proof of funds (such as bank statements)
- The official offer of mortgage
The documents required when selling a property 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 Folkestone?
To get in touch with one of our conveyancers covering Folkestone, you can give us a call or fill in our online enquiry form to request a call back.
Our conveyancing team in Folkestone will guide you through the initial stages of your conveyancing transaction. Once your file is opened, your conveyancer will manage all of the legal aspects of your transaction.
Whether you're relocating to, from, or within Folkestone, our conveyancing solicitors are here to offer their expertise.
Get in touch with our conveyancing solicitors for Folkestone
Get in touch with our conveyancing solicitors covering Folkestone by giving us a call or you can get a quote online.