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Conveyancing Solicitors in Leicestershire
If you are buying, selling or remortgaging a home in Leicestershire, our expert conveyancing solicitors are on hand to make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Moving homes is an exciting time, but it can be fraught with difficulties, especially if a thorough approach is not taken. Our Leicestershire conveyancing solicitors can help to make the entire conveyancing process as straightforward as possible, while also making sure that every minor detail is carefully considered.
We offer a reliable, efficient conveyancing service that is designed to be accessible to all of our clients. Using our combined experience, we can carefully guide you through your case from start to finish, allowing you to move with confidence.
Our physical offices are based in Grantham, Newark and Lincoln, but we frequently work with clients from Leicestershire and are familiar with the local market. We are able to support our clients in and around Leicestershire including Leicester, Wigston and Thurmaston using our online conveyancing service.
Get in touch with a member of our conveyancing team near Leicestershire by giving us a call, or get a quote online.
Why choose Bird & Co for your conveyancing in Leicestershire?
Our conveyancing service is designed to be as straightforward as possible, alleviating much of the stress associated with carrying out a property transaction.
Our Leicestershire conveyancing solicitors are also able to carry out online conveyancing work. This means the entire process can be carried out remotely and you won’t need to visit our offices unless you want to.
When you work with our team, you will always have a direct line of correspondence with us, as well as a direct email address for the solicitor you are working with.
Our conveyancing solicitors in Leicestershire have in-depth knowledge of the national property market, as well as the local Leicestershire market. Many other firms only have knowledge of their local markets.
We are also able to deal with transactions around the country and we frequently use video conferencing to speak to clients outside of the UK.
You can opt to work with our Leicestershire team in person, or you can use our online conveyancing service. No matter which option you choose, our legal obligations to you remain the same. There are no differences in the service you receive, and we are fully insured just in case.
We are accredited with the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme. This means that we will:
- Provide high quality legal advice.
- Get your conveyancing transaction completed as efficiently as possible.
- Provide top quality customer service and respond to queries quickly.
- Keep you regularly updated and never leave you in the dark about the status of your transaction.
- Be upfront and honest about your fees – we will provide you with an accurate quote before you instruct us so that you can decide whether we are right for you.
In addition to this, we are also Lexcel accredited by the Law Society. This demonstrates our commitment to upholding the highest standards of customer service and practice management.
How our conveyancing solicitors can help people in Leicestershire
Our conveyancing team for Leicestershire 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 Leicestershire
- National expertise with years of experience handling a diverse range of transactions – This broadens our experience beyond that of many local conveyancers, especially for more complex transactions.
- Advanced online systems for a seamless conveyancing experience – Our proven systems help us avoid many delays and frustrations often encountered with firms less experienced in online operations.
- A fast, cost-effective service – Through extensive practice, we've streamlined our service and costs, passing those savings on to our clients.
Accessible expertise throughout the UK and worldwide – Our online-first approach makes us the preferred firm for clients across the nation and globally dealing with property in England and Wales. - Secure conveyancing at all times – We use the latest security measures to protect you, your money, and your data. Additionally, we are fully insured for your peace of mind.
Our conveyancing fees – how much does our conveyancing cost for Leicestershire property?
We can offer fixed fees for straightforward conveyancing work. This allows you to have a clear idea of how much you will have to pay from the outset. If additional fees are required to complete your transaction, your property solicitors in Leicestershire will keep you informed.
Additional costs associated with the conveyancing process are referred to as disbursements. Disbursements could include conveyancing searches or the process of registering a transaction at HM Land Registry.
Depending on the type of transaction, you may also need to consider whether tax will come into play, such as Stamp Duty Land Tax or Capital Gains Tax. If this is the case, your solicitor will help you to calculate how much tax is owed and file the return with HMRC.
Conveyancing FAQs
How does the conveyancing process work in Leicestershire?
There are usually three main stages to the conveyancing process that you should be aware of. These are:
- Offer and acceptance
- Exchange of contracts
- Completion
The buyer and seller will agree to enter into a contract when an offer is accepted. Until that contract is signed and exchanged, the transaction is not deemed to be legally binding and either party can choose to back out without receiving a penalty.
The buyer will then work alongside their conveyancer to carry out various checks on the property. Checks could 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 (done by the conveyancing solicitor).
- Carrying out an independent survey (done by the buyer).
The buyer will also apply for a mortgage at this stage if required.
Once the property checks have been completed and both parties are happy to proceed, contracts will be signed and exchanged. The transaction is now legally binding.
When the transaction reaches the completion stage, it is deemed to be official. A transfer deed is submitted to HM Land Registry and the seller is required to leave the property.
How long does conveyancing take in Leicestershire?
The time it takes to complete conveyancing in Leicestershire will depend on a number of factors, including the type of property in question and how complex the property chain is.
Under normal circumstances, you can expect a transaction to take around 12-14 weeks to reach completion, but this can quickly change as each stage progresses.
If there are likely to be significant delays to your transaction, your solicitor will keep you informed and run through your available options.
What searches are involved in conveyancing in Leicestershire?
If you’re buying a property in Leicestershire, your conveyancer will carry out several checks to ensure that there are no issues that you should be aware of.
The three main types of conveyancing checks are:
- Local authority checks – to check the surrounding area for planning, pollution, highway, pollution or other related issues.
- 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.
Further checks may be required, depending on the type of property in question and where it is located. If this is the case, your solicitor will let you know.
Is it better to use a conveyancing solicitor or a conveyancer for Leicestershire property?
For the typical property buyer or seller, the difference between a conveyancing solicitor and a licensed conveyancer might not be immediately clear. Both hold different qualifications to handle property transactions. Neither is inherently better than the other, but there are benefits to working with a firm of solicitors.
A solicitors' firm usually has expertise in various areas beyond property transactions, which can be very valuable to those buying or selling property. This includes areas such as Wills and inheritance, property rights for unmarried couples, and dispute resolution. Therefore, working with solicitors can ensure that the right expertise is available, regardless of any issues you may encounter.
What issues should buyers consider when purchasing a home in Leicestershire?
While Leicestershire is a popular place to live offering many advantages to buyers, there are some key local issues to consider when buying in the area. These include:
- Flood Risk: Certain areas in Leicestershire, particularly near rivers such as the Soar and Trent, are prone to flooding. It’s important to check the flood risk of the property you are interested in and consider getting a comprehensive flood risk assessment.
- Coal Mining Legacy: Parts of Leicestershire have a history of coal mining. Properties in these areas may be affected by subsidence, which can cause structural damage. It’s essential to conduct a coal mining search to identify any potential risks.
- Planning and Development Restrictions: Leicestershire has a mix of urban and rural areas with varying planning and development restrictions. Be aware of any local planning policies that may affect future development or alterations to the property.
- Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings: Leicestershire has many conservation areas and listed buildings, particularly in historic towns like Leicester, Loughborough, and Market Harborough. Properties in these areas are subject to stricter regulations regarding modifications and upkeep.
- Transportation and Infrastructure Projects: Large infrastructure projects may impact property values and living conditions. Research any ongoing or planned projects that could affect the property.
- Agricultural Land: If you are considering buying a property with agricultural land, be aware of any agricultural ties or restrictions. Some properties may come with clauses that require the land to be used for agricultural purposes only.
- Radon Gas: Certain areas in Leicestershire have higher levels of radon gas, which can pose health risks. It’s advisable to carry out a radon risk assessment for properties in these areas.
- Local Market Conditions: Property prices and demand can vary significantly across different parts of Leicestershire. Understanding the local market conditions can help you make a more informed decision and potentially negotiate a better deal.
- School Catchment Areas: For families, being within the catchment area of a good school can be a priority. Check the local school catchment areas and their Ofsted ratings if this is a consideration for you.
- Utilities and Services: Ensure that the property has access to essential utilities and services. Some rural properties might have limited access to mains gas, water, or sewage systems, which can affect living conditions and maintenance costs.
What documents does a property solicitor need for conveyancing in Leicestershire?
Residential conveyancing in Leicestershire 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 Leicestershire, 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 Leicestershire?
Get in touch with a member of our conveyancing team near Leicestershire by giving us a call, or get a quote online.
Our Leicestershire conveyancing team will be able to run through the initial stages of your conveyancing transaction and, once your file is opened, your conveyancer will take care of all of the legal details related to your transaction.
Whether you are moving to, from, or across Leicestershire, our conveyancing solicitors will be able to lend their expertise.
Get in touch with our conveyancing solicitors for Leicestershire
Get in touch with a member of our conveyancing team near Leicestershire by giving us a call, or get a quote online.