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Conveyancing Solicitors in Southampton
If you are buying, selling or remortgaging a home in Southampton, you will need the support of an expert team of conveyancing solicitors who can make sure that your transaction goes ahead as smoothly as possible.
No matter what sort of property transaction you are carrying out, there are bound to a number of risks that need to be taken into consideration. Our conveyancing team help you to manage those potential risks, using their wealth of combined expertise to guide you through your case from start to finish.
We provide a reliable, straightforward conveyancing service, which is easily accessible for all of our clients. Our team will be on hand to guide you through the entire conveyancing process and answer any questions you might have about your case.
We offer fast and efficient online conveyancing in Southampton, which means that we can reach a wide pool of clients across Southampton and the wider Hampshire area including Northam, Portswood, and Maybush.
Get in touch with our property solicitors in Southampton by giving us a call or getting a quote online.
Why choose Bird & Co for your conveyancing in Southampton?
We have specialist experience in online conveyancing. We can guide you through the conveyancing process remotely, which means you do not need to visit us at our physical offices, unless you feel as though you need to.
Our team provide a modern and efficient conveyancing service which makes the entire process as straightforward as possible.
When you work with us, you will always have direct correspondence with our team, as well as a direct email address for the property solicitor who will be working on your case.
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 which demonstrate the highest standards of customer service and practice management.
Not sure whether online conveyancing is right for you? Take a look at the benefits of working with our online conveyancers instead of a local conveyancer in Southampton.
How our conveyancing solicitors in Southampton can help you
Our expert conveyancing solicitors in Southampton have expertise in a wide range of conveyancing matters, 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 on the panel for most major lenders, which means that we will be able to support your case whether you are using a national firm or a local building society.
Benefits of working with our online conveyancers instead of a local conveyancer in Southampton
There are several reasons for instructing our online conveyancing solicitors. These include:
- Our property lawyers have in-depth knowledge of the national property market, as well as the local Southampton market. This means our property solicitors in Southampton have an edge over many firms which only deal with local transactions.
- Our online systems have been developed with sensitive communication in mind. We make sure to protect all of our clients when we carry out online conveyancing. We do this by encrypting emails, securely configuring our devices and putting malware protection in place.
- We can get your conveyancing done quickly and efficiently. There are several delays associated with the traditional conveyancing process which can be avoided when you work with our online conveyancing solicitors in Southampton.
- Online conveyancing tends to be more cost-effective. The additional costs that often come hand in hand with traditional conveyancing can be avoided by completing work remotely.
- We have dealt with property transactions around the country, even for clients who are on the other side of the world. We frequently use video conferencing to keep in touch with our clients, no matter where they are.
- Our legal obligations to you remain the same as if we were meeting in person. There are no differences to the overall conveyancing process and we are fully insured just in case.
Our conveyancing fees – how much does our conveyancing cost for Southampton property?
We provide a range of flexible fees for our conveyancing in Southampton. This includes fixed fees for straightforward conveyancing work, which means you will have a clear idea of how much you will have to pay from the outset. If additional fees are required to complete your transaction, then your Southampton conveyancing solicitor will keep you informed.
Other costs associated with the conveyancing process are called disbursements. Examples of disbursements might include registering the property with HM Land Registry or conveyancing searches.
You may also need to consider how your property will be affected by tax, such as Stamp Duty Land Tax or Capital Gains Tax. Your conveyancer can work alongside you to calculate how much is owed and file the return with HMRC.
Conveyancing FAQs
How does the conveyancing process work in Southampton?
Residential conveyancing in Southampton and nationally has three main stages to the process. These include:
- Offer and acceptance
- Exchange of contracts
- Completion
When an offer is accepted on a property, the buyer and seller agree to enter into a contract. Until the contract is signed and exchanged, the transaction is not legally binding and either party can pull out without receiving a penalty.
The buyer will then carry out a number of checks on the property with the assistance of their conveyancer. The 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 needed.
Once the property checks have been completed and both parties are happy to proceed, contracts will be signed and exchanged. The transaction will now be legally binding.
Completion is when the transaction is deemed to be official. A transfer deed will be submitted to HM Land Registry and the seller will leave the property.
How long does conveyancing take in Southampton?
The time it takes to complete a conveyancing transaction will depend on a number of different factors. Under normal circumstances you can expect work to completed in 12-14 weeks, but it may take longer if delays occur somewhere down the line.
If your case is likely to take longer than initially expected, your Southampton conveyancing solicitors will keep you informed and talk you through your options.
What searches are involved in conveyancing in Southampton?
During the conveyancing process, the buyer and their appointed conveyancing solicitor are responsible for carrying out a number of property searches. These will assess the local area in addition to the property, making sure there are no pressing issues that need sorting before completion.
There are three standard conveyancing searches, these include:
- 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
Some properties, depending on the type and the surrounding land, may need other property searches in addition to the three standard ones. Should this be required, our Bird & Co team will keep you up to date.
Is it better to use a conveyancing solicitor or a conveyancer for property in Southampton?
Whether you use a conveyancing solicitor in Southampton, or a conveyancer, is often entirely down to personal preference and budget. However, it is important to note that there are some differences between the two types.
Both conveyancing solicitors and conveyancers are qualified to instruct clients through their property transactions, but the difference between the two is that conveyancing solicitors are qualified to assist with other legal matters, unlike conveyancers. This can often be beneficial where a property transaction is more complex or there is a dispute during the process.
What issues should buyers consider when purchasing a home in Southampton?
When buying property in Southampton, England, there are several common issues that people might run into. These issues can be specific to the local property market and may require careful consideration. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Flooding: Southampton is located on the coast and is prone to flooding in certain areas. It is essential to research the flood risk of the property you are interested in and check if it is situated in a flood zone. Obtain information about flood prevention measures, insurance coverage, and previous flooding incidents in the area.
- Conservation areas and listed buildings: Southampton has several conservation areas and listed buildings that are protected by law to preserve their architectural or historic significance. If you are interested in a property located in a conservation area or a listed building, there might be restrictions on modifications or alterations you can make. It's crucial to understand the regulations and obtain necessary permissions before undertaking any work.
- Leasehold properties: Southampton has a significant number of leasehold properties, particularly flats and apartments. When purchasing a leasehold property, be aware of the lease length, ground rent, service charges, and any potential restrictions or obligations associated with the lease. Review the lease agreement carefully and consider seeking legal advice to fully understand your rights and responsibilities.
- Transport noise: Some areas in Southampton may be affected by transport noise due to nearby motorways, busy roads, or railway lines. If the property is located close to such sources, consider visiting the area at different times of the day to assess the noise levels and how they might affect your living experience.
- Property condition and maintenance: As with any property purchase, it's important to have a thorough survey carried out to identify any structural or maintenance issues. Southampton has a mix of older properties and newer developments, so ensure that you assess the condition of the property accordingly. Pay attention to common problems like damp, subsidence, or roofing issues.
- Parking and congestion: Depending on the location, parking can be a concern in Southampton, especially in densely populated areas or city centre locations. Check the availability of parking facilities, permit requirements, and any associated costs. Additionally, consider the level of congestion and traffic in the area, particularly during peak times.
- Student housing and HMOs: Southampton is home to several universities, resulting in a significant number of properties being used for student accommodation or operating as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). If you are buying a property in an area with a high concentration of student housing or HMOs, consider the potential impact on the neighbourhood, such as noise levels, parking demands, or changes in property values.
It's important to consult with local professionals, such as estate agents, solicitors, and surveyors, who have expertise in the Southampton property market. They can provide you with specific advice and guidance tailored to your circumstances and the property you are considering.
What documents does a property solicitor need for conveyancing in Southampton?
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 Southampton, the documents you will be required to provide include:
- Identification documentation, including passport or driving license and 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 Southampton?
To get in touch with a member of one of our conveyancers in Southampton, give us a call or get a quote online.
Our Southampton 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’re looking to buy, sell or carry out another property transaction, our conveyancing solicitors in Southampton are able to lend their expertise.
Get in touch with our conveyancing solicitors for Southampton
Get in touch with our conveyancing solicitors in Southampton by giving us a call or getting a quote online.