If you are buying, selling, or remortgaging a home in Margate, you will need the expert advice and guidance of experienced conveyancing solicitors to ensure a smooth process.
While a property transaction is undoubtedly exciting, there are potential risks to consider. Our conveyancing team, with their extensive combined expertise, can mitigate these risks and guide you carefully through your case.
At Bird & Co, we offer a straightforward and reliable conveyancing service that is easily accessible. Our conveyancing solicitors will support you throughout the entire process, answering any questions you may have.
We also provide a fast and efficient online conveyancing service, allowing us to serve a wide range of clients across Margate and the wider Kent area, including Birchington-on-Sea, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate.
To get in touch with a member of our conveyancing team covering Margate, give us a call or you can get a quote online.
Why choose Bird & Co for your conveyancing in Margate?
- Expert online conveyancing service – access our expertise from anywhere in the UK or internationally.
- Accredited by the Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) – ensuring a high-quality service.
- Simple, efficient, and modern service – making conveyancing easier and less stressful.
- Secure online systems – safeguarding you and your money throughout the transaction.
- Direct communication with your solicitor – get swift answers from someone familiar with your case.
- Competitive fees with an upfront clear quote – receive a no-obligation quote online to see the cost of your conveyancing.
How our conveyancing solicitors can help people in Margate
Our conveyancing team for Margate 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 Margate
- Extensive national expertise with years of experience in handling diverse transactions – providing us with a broader range of experience than many local conveyancers, particularly for complex transactions.
- Advanced online systems for a seamless conveyancing experience – our proven systems help us avoid many delays and frustrations that clients often face with firms less experienced in online operations.
- Quick and cost-effective service – our streamlined processes and cost savings are passed on to our clients.
- Accessible expertise across the UK and globally – our online-first approach makes us a preferred firm for clients nationwide and worldwide dealing with property in England and Wales.
- Always secure conveyancing – we use the latest security measures to protect you, your money, and your data. We are also fully insured for your peace of mind.
Our conveyancing fees – how much does our conveyancing cost for Margate property?
We provide a variety of flexible fee options for our conveyancing services in Margate. This includes fixed fees for straightforward transactions, giving you a clear idea of costs from the beginning. Should additional fees be necessary to complete your transaction, your solicitor will inform you.
Other expenses related to the conveyancing process are known as disbursements. Common disbursements you may encounter include fees for registering a property with HM Land Registry and conducting conveyancing searches.
Your property transaction might also be subject to taxes, such as Stamp Duty Land Tax or Capital Gains Tax. If applicable, your solicitor will assist in calculating the amount owed and filing the return with HMRC.
Conveyancing FAQs
How does the conveyancing process work in Margate?
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 finished 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 be required to vacate the property.
How long does conveyancing take in Margate?
Each conveyancing transaction presents its own unique challenges, making it difficult to predict the exact time frame for completion. Generally, straightforward conveyancing takes approximately 12-14 weeks from the date an offer is accepted and solicitors are instructed.
Occasionally, delays are unavoidable. If it appears that your conveyancing transaction will take longer, your solicitor will keep you updated.
What searches are involved in conveyancing in Margate?
If you are buying a property in Margate, 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 Margate property?
For the average property buyer or seller, the difference between a conveyancing solicitor and a licensed conveyancer might not be immediately clear. Both have different qualifications to handle property transactions, and neither is inherently superior. However, working with a firm of solicitors can offer certain advantages.
A firm of solicitors typically has experience in a broader range of areas beyond property transactions. This expertise can be particularly valuable for individuals buying or selling a property. Areas of experience often include Wills and inheritance, property rights for unmarried couples, and dispute resolution. Therefore working with solicitors can provide reassurance that the appropriate expertise is available, regardless of the issue at hand.
What issues should buyers consider when purchasing a home in Margate?
When buying property in Margate there are several local issues and challenges that potential buyers might encounter:
- Coastal Erosion and Flooding: Margate is a coastal town, and properties near the seafront can be susceptible to coastal erosion and flooding. This can affect property insurance premiums and future resale values.
- Historic Buildings and Conservation Areas: Margate has numerous historic buildings and conservation areas. If you are purchasing a property in one of these areas, you may face restrictions on modifications and renovations to maintain the character and integrity of the area.
- Regeneration and Development Projects: Margate is undergoing significant regeneration and development projects. While this can lead to an increase in property values, it may also result in construction noise, traffic disruptions, and changes to the local landscape.
- Transport Links: While Margate has good transport links, including a train station with services to London, potential buyers should consider the convenience and frequency of public transport, especially if commuting is a factor.
- Tourism Impact: As a popular tourist destination, Margate experiences seasonal fluctuations in population. This can lead to increased noise, congestion, and demand for local services during peak tourist seasons.
- Local Amenities and Services: Depending on the location within Margate, access to local amenities and services such as schools, healthcare facilities, and shopping centres can vary. It’s essential to assess the availability and quality of these amenities in the area you are considering.
- Property Condition and Maintenance: Older properties, particularly those with historical significance, may require more maintenance and repairs. It’s crucial to conduct thorough surveys to identify any structural issues, dampness, or other problems that might require costly repairs.
- Community and Social Factors: Understanding the local community and social factors is essential. Margate has a diverse community with varying socio-economic backgrounds. Researching the neighbourhood’s safety, community engagement, and social dynamics can help ensure it aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.
- Environmental Concerns: Environmental factors such as air quality and green spaces should be considered. Margate’s coastal environment can also impact the wear and tear on properties, especially those exposed to sea air and salt.
- Legal and Planning Issues: Be aware of any ongoing legal or planning issues related to the property or surrounding area. This includes checking for any planning permissions, disputes, or potential future developments that might affect your property.
What documents does a property solicitor need for conveyancing in Margate?
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 Margate, 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 Margate?
To get in touch with one of our conveyancers covering Margate, you can give us a call or fill in our online enquiry form to request a call back.
Our Margate conveyancing team is available to guide you through the initial stages of your conveyancing transaction. Once your file is opened, your dedicated conveyancer will manage all of the legal aspects related to your transaction.
Whether you are relocating to, from, or within Margate, our experienced conveyancing solicitors are here to provide their expertise and support throughout the process.
Get in touch with our conveyancing solicitors for Margate
Get in touch with our conveyancing solicitors covering Margate by giving us a call or you can get a quote online.