If you are buying, selling, or remortgaging a property in Southbank, it’s essential to seek advice and guidance from experienced conveyancing solicitors to ensure everything runs smoothly.
While property transactions are exciting, there are several potential risks to be mindful of. Our conveyancing team brings a wealth of expertise to help mitigate these risks and guide you through the process with care.
At Bird & Co, we offer a straightforward and dependable conveyancing service that is easily accessible. Our solicitors will support you through every stage of the process and are always available to answer any questions you may have.
We also provide a fast and efficient online conveyancing service, allowing us to serve clients throughout Southbank and the wider London area, including Westminster, Walworth, and Whitechapel.
To get in touch with a member of our conveyancing team covering Southbank, give us a call, or you can get a quote online.
Why choose Bird & Co for your conveyancing in Southbank?
- Specialist online conveyancing service – allowing you to access our expertise from anywhere in the UK or globally.
- Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accreditation by the Law Society – giving you confidence in the high standard of service we provide.
- Modern, simple, and efficient service – making your conveyancing process easier to manage and less stressful.
- Secure online systems – ensuring your safety and the protection of your funds throughout the transaction.
- Direct access to your solicitor – allowing you to get prompt answers from someone familiar with your case.
- Competitive fees with a clear upfront quote – receive a no-obligation online quote to understand your conveyancing costs.
How our conveyancing solicitors can help people in Southbank
Our conveyancing team for Southbank 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 Southbank
- Extensive national expertise with years of experience – This gives us a broader scope than many local conveyancers, allowing us to handle even the most complex transactions.
- Well-developed online systems for a seamless experience – Our proven systems help us avoid many of the common delays and frustrations clients face with firms less experienced in online conveyancing.
- Fast and cost-effective service – Our streamlined processes and long-standing efficiency allow us to reduce costs, passing the savings on to you.
- Accessible expertise across the UK and globally – Our online-first approach makes us the preferred choice for clients across the UK and internationally for property transactions in England and Wales.
- Secure and safe conveyancing – We use advanced security measures to protect your money, data, and personal information, and we are fully insured for your peace of mind.
Our conveyancing fees – how much does our conveyancing cost for Southbank property?
We offer a variety of flexible fee options for our conveyancing services in Southbank, including fixed fees for straightforward transactions. This gives you a clear understanding of the costs from the beginning. Your solicitor will inform you if any additional fees arise during the process.
Additional conveyancing costs, known as disbursements, may also apply. Common disbursements include registering the property 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. If so, your solicitor will assist in calculating the amount owed and submitting the return to HMRC.
Conveyancing FAQs
How does the conveyancing process work in Southbank?
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 completed 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 finalisation of the transaction. A transfer deed is submitted to HM Land Registry, and the seller is required to vacate the property.
How long does conveyancing take in Southbank?
Each conveyancing transaction presents its own unique challenges, making it difficult to provide an exact timeline for completion. However, under typical conditions, straightforward conveyancing usually takes around 12-14 weeks from the date an offer is accepted and solicitors are instructed.
Occasionally, delays may occur. If your transaction is expected to take longer, your solicitor will keep you updated throughout the process.
What searches are involved in conveyancing in Southbank?
If you are buying a property in Southbank, 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 Southbank property?
For most property buyers or sellers, the difference between a conveyancing solicitor and a licensed conveyancer may not be immediately clear. Both are qualified to handle property transactions, and neither is inherently better than the other. However, working with a firm of solicitors can offer certain advantages.
Solicitor firms often have expertise in areas beyond property transactions, which can be valuable when buying or selling a property. This includes areas such as Wills and inheritance, property rights for unmarried couples, and dispute resolution. As a result, working with solicitors provides peace of mind, knowing that expert support is available for any related issue that may arise.
What issues should buyers consider when purchasing a home in Southbank?
When buying property in Southbank, several local property issues could arise, impacting the process or experience. Here are some common challenges:
- High Property Prices and Competition: Southbank, being a prime central London location, has some of the highest property prices in the city. Demand often exceeds supply, leading to bidding wars, which can further drive up prices. Buyers should be prepared for intense competition, especially for sought-after properties near the Thames and cultural landmarks.
- Leasehold vs. Freehold: Many properties in Southbank are leasehold, which can introduce additional complexities. Leasehold ownership typically comes with ground rent and service charges, and the length of the lease is crucial—shorter leases may require expensive renewals. It’s essential to fully understand the lease terms before purchasing.
- Building Restrictions and Planning Permissions: Southbank’s proximity to iconic landmarks like the London Eye and Tate Modern means there are often strict planning restrictions to preserve the area’s character. If you're considering renovations or extensions, you may face challenges securing planning permission, especially in conservation areas.
- Flood Risk: Being located by the River Thames, certain parts of Southbank are at risk of flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rain or rising water levels. Buyers should check the flood risk of specific properties and consider flood insurance if needed.
- Noise and Traffic: Southbank is a bustling area with heavy foot traffic, especially near tourist attractions like the Southbank Centre and major transport hubs like Waterloo Station. Noise from nearby bars, restaurants, and events can affect residents' quality of life. It's essential to assess how much noise and activity a property is exposed to, particularly if you prefer quieter surroundings.
- Ongoing and Future Developments: Southbank is undergoing significant regeneration and development. While this can increase property values, it can also cause short-term disruptions such as construction noise, dust, and blocked views. Check for any nearby developments or planned construction projects that might affect your purchase or living conditions.
- Limited Green Spaces: Southbank is an urban environment with limited green spaces compared to other parts of London. Buyers looking for access to parks and open areas should factor in the scarcity of such amenities in this densely built-up area.
- Property Maintenance and Service Charges: Many properties in Southbank are part of large, modern apartment complexes, which often come with high service charges. These fees cover maintenance, security, and communal facilities, but they can significantly increase the overall cost of ownership.
- Legal Complexities in High-Value Transactions: Southbank properties, often being high-value, may involve more complex legal processes, particularly if foreign investment or intricate financing is involved. Engaging a solicitor with local knowledge and experience with high-value transactions is important to avoid legal pitfalls.
- Investment Risks: While Southbank is a desirable area, property values can fluctuate, particularly if new developments affect the area's appeal. Changes to UK tax laws and regulations, especially for foreign buyers, can also impact property investments.
What documents does a property solicitor need for conveyancing in Southbank?
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 Southbank, 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 Southbank?
To get in touch with one of our conveyancers covering Southbank, you can give us a call or fill in our online enquiry form to request a call back.
Our Southbank conveyancing team will guide you through the initial stages of your transaction. Once your file is opened, your conveyancer will handle all the legal aspects involved.
Whether you are moving to, from, or within Southbank, our conveyancing solicitors are ready to provide their expertise.
Get in touch with our conveyancing solicitors for Southbank
Get in touch with our conveyancing solicitors covering Southbank by giving us a call, or you can get a quote online.