Property Sale Solicitors

We act for individuals, families, companies, first-time sellers, downsizers, and property investors. Whether your sale is straightforward or more complex, we deliver a responsive, professional service from start to finish.

There are many legal implications to manage and important decisions to make when buying a property. You must make full and honest disclosures, and resolve any issues that could affect the transaction. Surveys may reveal problems you were unaware of, and buyers or their mortgage lenders may impose their own conditions. If the property is leasehold, there may also be a freeholder or managing agent involved, adding extra steps to the process.

The role of your solicitor when selling a property

Each sale is different, but the legal process we follow generally includes the following steps:

Taking your instructions

When you contact us, we will provide an initial quote and send you forms to complete with details about the property and your identity. If you are happy to proceed, we will ask you to complete standard questionnaires which cover matters such as boundaries, disputes, planning history, and which fixtures and fittings are included in the sale.

Issuing the sales pack

We will prepare a draft contract, gather the title documents, and send these together with your completed forms to the buyer’s solicitor. If you have a mortgage, we will request a redemption statement from your lender. If the property is leasehold, we will obtain a leasehold information pack from the freeholder or managing agent.

We will check all documents carefully and ensure there are no outstanding issues, such as unpaid service charges or ground rent, before forwarding everything to the buyer’s solicitor.

Handling enquiries

The buyer’s solicitor may raise enquiries based on the information provided. We will respond directly or refer to you or the freeholder where needed. If there are any issues such as boundary or planning disputes, we will help you resolve these quickly to keep the sale progressing.

Once all enquiries are satisfied, we will send you the contract and transfer deed for signature.

Exchange of contracts

Once the documents are signed and both parties are ready, we will agree a completion date and formally exchange contracts with the buyer’s solicitor. This is the point where the sale becomes legally binding. If either party pulls out after exchange, they may face legal consequences.

Completion and post-completion

On the agreed completion date, we receive the purchase funds from the buyer’s solicitor. We use these to pay off your mortgage and any estate agent or legal fees, then transfer the balance to your nominated bank account.

We notify the estate agent to release the keys, and send the signed transfer deed and other documents to the buyer’s solicitor. They are then responsible for registering the change of ownership with the Land Registry.

Selling as part of a property chain

Many property sales are part of a chain of related transactions. Our team has extensive experience managing sales in chains and will coordinate closely with all parties involved to ensure contracts are exchanged and completed at the same time.

Costs involved in selling a property

Typical costs include:

• Solicitor’s fees
• Estate agent fees
• Bank transfer charges
• Land Registry fees (if applicable)
• Mortgage redemption charges
• Leasehold or freeholder fees (where relevant)

Our fees are clearly set out and tailored to your specific transaction. We will explain any third-party costs at the outset.

Special circumstances when selling

Selling a property may involve additional legal considerations. Our team can help you navigate more complex scenarios, including:

Divorce or separation

If you are selling the property as part of a divorce or separation, we work alongside your family solicitor to manage the sale, including cases where one party is buying out the other’s share.

Probate sales

If you are selling on behalf of a deceased relative, we can alongside your probate solicitor with obtaining probate (if not yet granted), and handling all legal aspects of the sale, including settling debts from the proceeds.

Inherited property

Selling inherited property or property held in a trust may have tax implications or involve more complex ownership structures. We will guide you through the process and ensure all necessary steps are taken.

Family transfers

If you are transferring part or all of your property to a family member, for example as a gift or in exchange for payment, we will advise you on the best structure for the transfer and handle the legal documentation.

Paying for care home fees

Selling property to fund care is often a sensitive matter. We provide practical and compassionate legal support to help families navigate this process with clarity and care.

Selling a buy-to-let property

If the property is rented, you may need to decide whether to sell with tenants in place or serve notice and sell with vacant possession. We advise landlords on their options and ensure the transaction is handled lawfully.

Selling a second home

Selling a second property may involve capital gains tax and other considerations. We will advise you on the implications and help you comply with all legal requirements.

Selling commercial property

Selling commercial property is different from selling a home. We assist companies, landlords and developers with all aspects of commercial sales, including tenant issues, lease terms, and complex title arrangements.

Ways to sell a property

In England and Wales, the two main ways to sell property are through private treaty or auction:

• Private sale is the most common method, involving marketing the property and agreeing a price with a buyer. We support you throughout the legal process from instruction to completion.
• Auction sale is typically faster. We prepare a legal pack for the auction and handle the legal work once the property is sold.

Different types of property ownership

The way you own a property affects how it is sold. We advise on:

Leasehold sales – Leasehold sales often involve additional documentation and fees. We will liaise with the landlord or managing agent to obtain the information needed and ensure your sale complies with lease requirements.

Shared ownership sales – We handle sales involving housing associations, including the legal steps required to assign your interest and manage buyer eligibility.

Joint ownership – If you own the property jointly, we will help coordinate the sale. If one party does not agree, court intervention may be required. We can advise you on the best course of action.

Tenants in common – We assist in the sale of property owned by tenants in common, whether selling your share or the whole property, and ensure legal ownership is correctly transferred.

Disputes with buyers

Most disputes are resolved before exchange. We assist in resolving issues such as missing items, unexpected survey results, or renegotiations. If the buyer attempts to withdraw after exchange, we will advise you on your legal remedies, including retaining the deposit or pursuing a claim for breach of contract.

Do I need a solicitor to sell my property?

Yes. A solicitor is essential for ensuring the legal transfer of ownership is handled correctly. Even in sales between family members, the legal requirements are the same, and mistakes can cause costly delays or legal issues later.

Contact us today to speak with one of our conveyancing specialists and request a fixed fee quote.