If you're buying, selling, or remortgaging a property in Sittingbourne, experienced conveyancing solicitors are essential to ensure a smooth process.
While property transactions are exciting, they also come with potential risks. Our conveyancing team uses their expertise to navigate these risks and guide you through your case.
At Bird & Co, we offer a straightforward and dependable conveyancing service. Our solicitors will assist you throughout the entire process and address any questions you may have.
We also provide a fast and efficient online conveyancing service, allowing us to assist clients across Sittingbourne and the wider Kent area, including Conyer, Rodmersham, and Newington.
To get in touch with a member of our conveyancing team covering Sittingbourne, give us a call or you can get a quote online.
Why choose Bird & Co for your conveyancing in Sittingbourne?
- Specialist online conveyancing service – enabling access to our expertise from anywhere in the UK or internationally.
- Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accreditation by the Law Society – ensuring confidence in the high-quality service we provide.
- A contemporary, straightforward, and efficient service – simplifying your conveyancing process for easier management and reduced stress.
- Secure online systems – safeguarding you and your finances throughout every stage of your transaction.
- Direct communication with the solicitor handling your case – facilitating prompt responses to any queries from someone familiar with you and your transaction.
- Competitive fees with transparent quotes upfront – discover the potential cost of your conveyancing through a no-obligation online quote.
How our conveyancing solicitors can help people in Sittingbourne
Our conveyancing team for Sittingbourne 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 Sittingbourne
- Nationwide expertise with experience managing a range of transactions – Providing us with broader insights than many local conveyancers, including for complex transactions.
- Advanced online systems ensuring a seamless conveyancing experience – Our well-established systems enable us to mitigate many common delays and frustrations experienced by clients unfamiliar with online operations.
- Fast and cost-effective service – Years of practice have allowed us to optimise our processes and expenses, allowing us to pass on savings to our clients.
- Accessible expertise nationally and globally – Our emphasis on online accessibility makes us a preferred choice for clients across the UK and worldwide dealing with property matters in England and Wales.
- Secure conveyancing with the latest security measures – Using the latest security protocols to safeguard your finances and personal data, with comprehensive insurance coverage for added peace of mind.
Our conveyancing fees – how much does our conveyancing cost for Sittingbourne property?
We provide a variety of flexible fees for our conveyancing services in Sittingbourne. This includes fixed fees for straightforward tasks, ensuring transparency regarding your initial costs. Should there be any additional fees necessary to finalise your transaction, your solicitor will promptly inform you.
There are other associated costs known as disbursements in the conveyancing process. These may include expenses such as property registration with HM Land Registry and conducting conveyancing searches.
Your property transaction could also be subject to taxes such as Stamp Duty Land Tax or Capital Gains Tax. In such instances, your solicitor will assist you in determining the amount owed and will handle the filing process with HMRC on your behalf.
Conveyancing FAQs
How does the conveyancing process work in Sittingbourne?
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 have been finalised and both parties agree to move forward, they will sign and exchange contracts. This action renders the transaction legally binding, preventing either party from withdrawing 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 Sittingbourne?
Each conveyancing transaction presents its own set of challenges, making it difficult to predict precisely how long it will take. However, typically, straightforward conveyancing work takes approximately 12-14 weeks from the acceptance of an offer and the instruction of solicitors.
Occasionally, delays are inevitable. If your conveyancing transaction is expected to extend beyond the usual timeframe, your solicitor will provide regular updates to keep you informed.
What searches are involved in conveyancing in Sittingbourne?
If you are buying a property in Sittingbourne, 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 Sittingbourne property?
For the typical property buyer or seller, the difference between a conveyancing solicitor and a licensed conveyancer may not be immediately apparent. Both represent distinct qualifications for handling property transactions. Neither has an advantage over the other, yet there are benefits to engaging a solicitor's firm.
A solicitors' firm typically has expertise extending beyond property transactions, including areas such as wills, inheritance, property rights for unmarried couples, and dispute resolution. Collaborating with solicitors offers assurance that a range of expertise is available to address various issues that may arise during the buying or selling process.
What issues should buyers consider when purchasing a home in Sittingbourne?
When buying property in Sittingbourne you may encounter several common issues, including:
- Flood Risk: Certain areas in Sittingbourne are prone to flooding, which can affect property values and insurance premiums. Buyers should conduct thorough flood risk assessments and consider flood insurance.
- Infrastructure Development: Ongoing or proposed infrastructure projects, such as road construction or new developments, can impact the desirability and value of properties. Buyers should research planned projects in the area.
- Historic Property Issues: Sittingbourne has a mix of historic and modern properties. Historic properties may come with issues such as structural concerns, listed building regulations, or conservation area restrictions.
- Subsidence: Some areas in Sittingbourne may be susceptible to subsidence due to geological factors or nearby mining activities. Buyers should commission a survey to assess the risk of subsidence.
- Local Authority Searches: Local authority searches may reveal issues such as planning permissions, building regulations, or land contamination. Buyers should review these searches carefully to understand any potential issues affecting the property.
- Japanese Knotweed: This invasive plant species is prevalent in many parts of the UK, including Sittingbourne. It can cause structural damage to properties and may be challenging to eradicate. Buyers should be aware of any presence of Japanese Knotweed on or near the property.
- Radon Gas: Sittingbourne is located in an area where radon gas levels can be elevated. Radon gas exposure poses health risks, so buyers should consider conducting radon gas tests during the property purchase process.
- Ground Stability: Buyers should assess the ground stability of properties in Sittingbourne, particularly in areas with historical mining activities. Ground instability can lead to issues such as subsidence or ground heave.
- Boundary Disputes: Disputes over property boundaries or rights of way may arise, especially in older properties with unclear boundary lines. Buyers should ensure that property boundaries are accurately defined and legally documented.
- Environmental Factors: Sittingbourne's industrial past may leave some properties vulnerable to environmental contamination. Buyers should investigate potential environmental risks and seek appropriate advice and assessments.
- Navigating these potential issues requires thorough research, professional advice, and diligent property inspections to ensure a smooth and successful property purchase in Sittingbourne.
What documents does a property solicitor need for conveyancing in Sittingbourne?
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 Sittingbourne, 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 Sittingbourne?
To get in touch with one of our conveyancers covering Sittingbourne, you can give us a call or fill in our online enquiry form to request a call back.
Our conveyancing team in Sittingbourne is ready to guide you through the initial stages of your transaction. Once your file is opened, your conveyancer will handle all of the legal aspects of your transaction.
Whether you're relocating to, from, or within Sittingbourne, our conveyancing solicitors are here to offer their expertise.
Get in touch with our conveyancing solicitors for Sittingbourne
Get in touch with our conveyancing solicitors covering Sittingbourne by giving us a call or you can get a quote online.