If you are buying, selling, or remortgaging a home in Herne Bay, you'll need the expertise of experienced conveyancing solicitors to ensure a smooth process.
While property transactions are exciting, there are several potential risks to be aware of.
Our conveyancing team uses their combined expertise to mitigate these risks and guide you through your case.
At Bird & Co, we offer our clients a straightforward and reliable conveyancing service that is easily accessible. Our conveyancing solicitors will support you through the entire process from start to finish and will be available to answer any questions you may have.
We also provide a fast and efficient online conveyancing service, enabling us to serve clients across Herne Bay and the wider Kent area, including Whitstable, Blean, and Fordwich.
To get in touch with a member of our conveyancing team covering Herne Bay, give us a call or you can get a quote online.
Why choose Bird & Co for your conveyancing in Herne Bay?
- Expert online conveyancing service – allowing you to access our expertise from anywhere in the UK or abroad.
- Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accreditation by the Law Society – assuring you of the high-quality service we provide.
- Modern, straightforward, and efficient service – making your conveyancing process easier to manage and less stressful.
- Secure online systems – ensuring the safety of you and your money throughout your transaction.
- Direct access to your solicitor – enabling you to get prompt answers to any questions from someone familiar with your case.
- Competitive fees with an upfront clear quote – find out how much your conveyancing might cost with a no-obligation online quote.
How our conveyancing solicitors can help people in Herne Bay
Our conveyancing team for Herne Bay 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 Herne Bay
- National expertise with extensive experience handling a diverse range of transactions – giving us broader experience than many local conveyancers, including more complex cases.
- Well-developed online systems for a seamless conveyancing experience – our tested systems help us avoid many delays and frustrations often encountered with firms less accustomed to online operations.
- Fast, cost-effective service – years of practice have allowed us to streamline our service and reduce costs, passing those savings on to you.
- Accessible expertise across the UK and worldwide – our online-first approach makes us the go-to firm for clients nationwide and globally dealing with property in England and Wales.
- Safe, secure conveyancing at all times – we employ the latest security measures to protect you, your money, and your data, and we are fully insured for added peace of mind.
Our conveyancing fees – how much does our conveyancing cost for Herne Bay property?
We offer a range of flexible fees for our conveyancing services in Herne Bay. This includes fixed fees for straightforward cases, giving you a clear idea of the costs from the start. If additional fees are necessary to complete your transaction, your solicitor will inform you.
Other costs associated with the conveyancing process are known as disbursements. Common disbursements include registering a property with HM Land Registry and conducting conveyancing searches.
Your property transaction may also be subject to taxes such as Stamp Duty Land Tax or Capital Gains Tax. If applicable, your solicitor will help calculate the amount owed and file the return with HMRC.
Conveyancing FAQs
How does the conveyancing process work in Herne Bay?
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.
Once the property checks are complete and both parties are ready to proceed, they will sign and exchange contracts, making the transaction legally binding. At this point, neither party can withdraw without incurring a financial penalty.
Completion marks the official transfer of the property. A transfer deed will be submitted to HM Land Registry, and the seller must vacate the property.
How long does conveyancing take in Herne Bay?
Each conveyancing transaction has its own unique challenges, making it difficult to predict the exact time needed to reach completion. Generally, straightforward conveyancing takes about 12-14 weeks from the acceptance of an offer and the instruction of solicitors.
However, delays can sometimes occur. If your transaction is expected to take longer, your solicitor will keep you updated.
What searches are involved in conveyancing in Herne Bay?
If you are buying a property in Herne Bay, 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 Herne Bay property?
For the typical property buyer or seller, distinguishing between a conveyancing solicitor and a licensed conveyancer might not be immediately clear. Both qualifications enable someone to handle property transactions, and neither is inherently superior to the other. However, working with a firm of solicitors offers certain advantages.
Solicitors often have experience in various areas beyond property transactions, such as Wills and inheritance, property rights for unmarried couples, and dispute resolution. This breadth of expertise can be very beneficial, providing assurance that you have access to the right support, no matter what issue arises.
What issues should buyers consider when purchasing a home in Herne Bay?
When buying property in Herne Bay, buyers may encounter several local property issues specific to the area:
- Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk: Herne Bay is a coastal town, and properties near the shore might be at risk of coastal erosion and flooding. Buyers should obtain a comprehensive flood risk assessment and consider the potential impact on insurance premiums and future property value.
- Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings: Herne Bay has several conservation areas and listed buildings. This can restrict modifications and renovations to properties, requiring special permissions and adherence to strict regulations.
- Seaside Tourism: Being a popular seaside destination, some areas might experience seasonal fluctuations in noise levels and traffic. Properties near the seafront or popular tourist spots may have higher foot traffic and noise during peak tourist seasons.
- Historic Land Use: The history of the area might affect current properties. For example, former industrial sites or reclaimed land could pose issues with land contamination. Buyers should ensure thorough environmental searches are conducted.
- Transport Links and Infrastructure: Herne Bay has good transport links, including proximity to major roads and a train station. However, certain areas might experience congestion or noise from nearby transport routes. Buyers should consider how transport links will impact their daily life.
- Local Amenities and Services: The availability of local amenities such as schools, healthcare facilities, and shopping centres can vary. Buyers should investigate the quality and proximity of these services to ensure they meet their needs.
- Development Plans: Future development plans in Herne Bay could affect property values and living conditions. Prospective buyers should research any planned developments, such as new housing estates, commercial properties, or infrastructure projects, to understand their potential impact.
- Community and Neighbourhood: The character of different neighbourhoods within Herne Bay can vary significantly. Buyers should explore various areas to find a community that aligns with their lifestyle and preferences.
- Local Schools and Catchment Areas: If buyers have children or plan to start a family, they should consider the quality of local schools and their catchment areas. Property locations can significantly affect eligibility for preferred schools.
- Market Trends: Herne Bay's property market trends can fluctuate. Buyers should be aware of current market conditions, including property prices and demand, to make informed purchasing decisions.
What documents does a property solicitor need for conveyancing in Herne Bay?
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 Herne Bay, 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 Herne Bay?
To get in touch with one of our conveyancers covering Herne Bay, you can give us a call or fill in our online enquiry form to request a call back.
Our Herne Bay conveyancing team will guide you through the initial stages of your transaction. Once your file is opened, your conveyancer will handle all the legal details.
Whether you are moving to, from, or within Herne Bay, our conveyancing solicitors are ready to offer their expertise.
Get in touch with our conveyancing solicitors for Herne Bay
Get in touch with our conveyancing solicitors covering Herne Bay by giving us a call or you can get a quote online.