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Conveyancing solicitors in Plymouth
When it comes to buying, selling or remortgaging a home in Plymouth, you will need expert conveyancers on your side to make sure that the process is as straightforward as possible.
Moving homes is an exciting venture, but there are plenty of potential pitfalls which could derail the entire process. Our conveyancing team can make sure that you avoid those pitfalls, using their wealth of combined experience to carefully guide you through your case.
At Bird & Co, we offer a tailored conveyancing service that is easily accessible for all of our clients, no matter what their circumstances are.
Our team can walk you through the entire conveyancing process, being on hand to answer any questions you might have.
We are also able to offer a fast and efficient online conveyancing service, helping to make the process even more simple.
This means that we can reach a wide pool of clients across Plymouth and the wider Devon area, including Efford, Milehouse and Southway.
To get in touch with a member of our conveyancing team in Plymouth, give us a call, or get a quote online and a member of our team will be in touch with you very shortly.
Why choose Bird & Co for your conveyancing in Plymouth?
At Bird & Co, we specialise in online conveyancing. This means that we can guide you through the conveyancing process remotely, without the need for you to visit us at our offices.
The conveyancing service we offer is modern and efficient, designed to make each step as simple as possible. We will always be forthright with our advice, keeping you in the loop at all times.
When you work with us, you will have the benefit of being in direct correspondence with our team. You will be provided with a direct email address for the solicitor who is handling your case, meaning that you will receive a prompt answer to any questions you ask us.
As a firm, we are accredited by 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
We are also Lexcel accredited by the Law Society. Lexcel is only awarded to firms that frequently demonstrate the highest levels of customer service and practice management.
How our conveyancing solicitors can help people in Plymouth
Our expert team of conveyancing solicitors in Plymouth have a wide range of expertise, 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
We are also on the panel for most major lenders. This means that we can support you no matter who you are working with – be it a national firm or a local building society.
Benefits of working with our online conveyancers instead of a local conveyancer in Plymouth
There are a number of benefits to instructing our conveyancers:
- Our property lawyers have in-depth knowledge of the national property market, as well as the local Plymouth market. This gives us an edge over other firms which only deal with local transactions.
- Our online systems have been developed with sensitive communications in mind. We ensure that our clients are fully protected when they use our online conveyancing service. We do this by carrying out secure procedures like encrypting emails, securing our devices and putting malware protection in place.
- We can get your conveyancing done quickly and efficiently. As the entire conveyancing process can be carried out remotely, there are fewer potential delays to worry about.
- Online conveyancing tends to be more cost-effective. Traditional conveyancing work often incurs various additional costs. These can be avoided when work is completed remotely.
- We have previously dealt with transactions around the country, even for clients on the other side of the world. We are able to stay in touch with our clients, no matter where they might be, using video conferencing.
- Our legal obligations to you remain the same as if we were meeting in person. There are no differences to the general conveyancing process and we are fully insured just in case.
Our conveyancing fees – how much does our conveyancing cost for Plymouth property?
We are able to offer a range of flexible fees for our conveyancing work in Plymouth., including fixed fees for straightforward work.
There may be occasions where additional fees are required to complete your transactions. if this is likely to be the case, we will let you know at the earliest opportunity so we can talk you through your options.
Other costs associated with the conveyancing process are known as disbursements. Examples of disbursements could include registering the property with HM Land Registry or conveyancing searches.
You may also need to consider how your transaction will be affected by tax, such as Stamp Duty Land Tax or Capital Gains Tax. Your conveyancer can help to clarify whether this is the case, calculate how much is owed and file the return with HMRC.
Conveyancing FAQs
How does the conveyancing process work in Plymouth?
There are usually three main stages to the conveyancing process. These are:
- Offer and acceptance
- Exchange of contracts
- Completion
When an offer is accepted on a home, the buyer and seller will agree to enter into a contract. Note that, until the contracts are signed and exchanged, the transaction is not legally binding and either party can choose to pull out.
The buyer will then carry out a number of checks with the help of their conveyancer. 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)
If needed, the buyer will also apply for a mortgage at this stage.
Once the property checks have been completed and both parties are happy to proceed, contracts will be signed and exchanged. This is the point at which the transaction is legally binding and there is no turning back for either party.
Completion is where the transaction becomes official. A transfer deed will be submitted to HM Land Registry and the seller will need to leave the property.
How long does conveyancing take in Plymouth?
The time it takes to complete a property transaction will depend on a number of different factors.
Under normal circumstances, you can expect a conveyancing transaction to take around 12-14 weeks to reach completion, but this time frame can often change at a moment’s notice.
Sometimes, delays are out of our control, such as issues further along the property chain. If it appears as though it will take longer than expected to reach completion, your conveyancer will keep you informed and talk you through the options at your disposal.
What searches are involved in conveyancing in Plymouth?
If you are buying a property in Plymouth, then your conveyancer will need to carry out a number of checks.
The three main types of conveyancing searches are:
- Local authority checks – to check the surrounding area for planning, pollution, highway 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 might be needed, depending on the type of property and where it is located. If this is the case, your solicitor will keep you informed.
Is it better to use a conveyancing solicitor in Plymouth or a conveyancer?
The distinction between a conveyancing solicitor and a licensed conveyancer might not be immediately apparent to the average property buyer or seller.
Both represent different qualifications for handling property transactions. Neither holds an inherent superiority over the other, but opting to collaborate with a solicitor's firm can offer certain advantages.
Typically, a solicitor's firm possesses a broader range of experience beyond just property transactions, encompassing areas such as Wills and inheritance, property rights for unmarried couples, and dispute resolution.
Engaging with solicitors can thus offer the reassurance that a diverse range of expertise is readily available, addressing any potential support requirement that may arise.
What issues should buyers consider when purchasing a home in Plymouth?
When buying property in Plymouth, England, like any other location, there are certain common issues and considerations that potential buyers should be aware of. It's important to conduct thorough research and work closely with professionals such as real estate agents, solicitors, and surveyors to mitigate any potential problems. Here are some specific local property issues to be mindful of in Plymouth:
- Flood Risk: Certain areas in Plymouth are prone to flooding due to their proximity to water bodies like rivers, estuaries, and the sea. It's essential to check the property's flood risk level and inquire about any past flooding incidents. You may need to obtain flood insurance and take necessary precautions to safeguard your property.
- Historic Mining Activities: Some parts of Plymouth have a history of mining activities, particularly in areas like Devonport and Stonehouse. This could potentially lead to subsidence or ground instability issues. A thorough survey should be conducted to assess any risks associated with mining activities.
- Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings: Plymouth has a number of conservation areas and listed buildings, which are subject to strict regulations regarding alterations and renovations. If you're interested in such properties, be aware of the limitations and permissions required for any modifications you intend to make.
- Leasehold vs. Freehold: Many properties in Plymouth, particularly flats and apartments, are leasehold rather than freehold. Understand the terms of the lease, associated costs, and lease length. Leasehold properties can have additional fees and restrictions, so ensure you're comfortable with the arrangement.
- Service Charges and Ground Rent: In leasehold properties, you may be required to pay service charges and ground rent to the property management company or landlord. Be clear on the costs involved and the services covered by these charges.
- Parking and Access: Availability of parking can be an issue in some parts of Plymouth. Ensure you have adequate parking facilities or access to public transportation if needed.
- Environmental Issues: As with any coastal city, environmental concerns such as coastal erosion and sea-level rise should be taken into consideration, especially if the property is close to the waterfront.
- Local Economy and Regeneration Plans: Research the local economy and any ongoing or planned regeneration projects in Plymouth. This can impact the property's value and potential for growth in the future.
- Transport Links: Check the accessibility and quality of local transportation options, especially if you rely on public transportation or need to commute to work.
- Local Schools and Amenities: If you have or plan to have children, consider the availability and quality of local schools. Additionally, proximity to amenities like shopping centres, healthcare facilities, and recreational areas is important for your convenience and lifestyle.
What documents does a property solicitor need for conveyancing in Plymouth?
Residential conveyancing requires a number of documentations during the process, but this often depends on whether you are buying or selling a property.
During the process of purchasing a property in Plymouth, 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 Plymouth?
First, fill in our conveyancing quote form for conveyancing in Plymouth and a member of our team will get in touch with you.
Our Plymouth 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 Plymouth, our conveyancing solicitors will be able to lend their expertise.
Get in touch with our conveyancing solicitors for Plymouth
To get in touch with a member of our conveyancing team in Plymouth, give us a call, or get a quote online and a member of our team will be in touch with you very shortly.