Guide to Property Solicitors and Property Law
Whether you're buying your dream home, selling a property, or looking for clarity on property related matters, our comprehensive guide on property solicitors and residential property law will help you understand everything you need to know including:
What is residential property law?
Property law is the body of law that governs transactions related to residential and commercial property. It covers areas such as mortgage lending, planning and land ownership.
Owning a property, whether it is residential or commercial, is a big deal, and with that ownership come certain rights and responsibilities. Residential property and commercial property law tells you what you can and can't do, like making alterations to your property and understanding your obligations to neighbours.
What does a Property Solicitor do?
Property solicitors are qualified legal professionals who specialise in property law. People most commonly think of them when they are buying or selling a house but they can also help with other property related matters such as property development, property disputes, financial issues relating to property and more.
Below are some examples of how a property lawyer can help you:
Type of Case | How Property Solicitors Can Help |
Property Purchase | Guiding you through the legal aspects of buying a house, such as property searches, due diligence, negotiations and contract exchange. |
Property Sale | Assisting in the sale of a property, drafting contracts, and ensuring a legally binding transaction. |
Property Transfer | Facilitating the transfer of property ownership, ensuring all legal requirements are met. |
Leasehold Matters | Handling legal aspects of leasehold properties, including amending a lease, lease extensions, sharehold of freehold nightmares and ground rent issues. |
Boundary Disputes | Resolving disputes over property boundaries, ensuring your rights are protected. |
Property Searches | Conducting searches to uncover any potential legal issues or restrictions related to the property. |
Contract Review | Reviewing contracts to ensure your interests are protected before you sign on the dotted line. |
Title Deed Examination | Examining property title deeds to ensure clear ownership and uncover any restrictions or encumbrances. |
Planning Permissions | Advising on planning permissions and potential restrictions when altering or developing a property. |
Dispute Resolution | Providing legal guidance and representation in property-related disputes and litigation. |
Mortgage and Finance Matters | Advising on mortgage agreements and financing options for property purchases. |
Property Taxation | Assisting with property tax matters and ensuring compliance with relevant taxation laws. |
Lease Agreements | Drafting, reviewing, and advising on lease agreements for both commercial and residential properties. |
Property Solicitors vs Conveyancers
You might have heard the terms "property solicitor" and "conveyancer". But what's the difference between the two?
Property solicitors are legal professionals with a wide range of legal expertise, including property law. Conveyancers specialise specifically in the legalities of property transactions like buying a house.
The best property solicitors bring a comprehensive legal understanding to the table. Their training equips them to handle complex legal scenarios that might arise during property transactions.
Conveyancers, while highly skilled in property matters, might have limitations when dealing with legal complexities beyond the transaction process.
In some cases, both can work together as a team, with the property solicitor providing legal advice on broader aspects like flying freeholds, while a conveyancer handles the nitty-gritty of the property transaction such as contract negotiations and transfer of money.
Do I need a Property Solicitor?
Whether or not you need a property solicitor depends on your situation, its complexity and how quickly you want to resolve the problem or get something done.
Lots of people ask themselves if they need a lawyer for buying a house. The short answer to this is no, there is no legal requirement to use a solicitor when buying or selling a house. However, it is recommended to use one because of the complexities that can be involved and to avoid any costly mistakes or oversights.
The same can be said for pretty much any issue where the law is involved. Solicitors are specialists and have experience in dealing with matters you are going through. They can walk you through the process, help you understand your next steps, and handle all the formalities like documentation and paperwork, so you can get the job done quickly and with as little stress as possible.
How much does a property solicitor cost?
The cost of a property solicitor can vary based on factors such as location, the complexity of the issue, and the services you require. For example, solicitors fees for buying a house will differ from the cost of a solicitor who is helping you with a planning permission issue.
Different solicitors also charge in different ways. Some might quote you a fixed fee for a predefined amount of work, while some might charge hourly. In some cases, they might take a percentage of a property price as payment.
Below is a brief overview of how much you might expect a solicitor to cost for different services. However, please note that all of these are estimates and will vary on a case by case basis. The only way to know how much your property transaction will cost is to get a quote from a solicitor.
Legal Service | Average Solicitor Cost | Average Duration |
Buying a House | £800-£1500 | 6-8 weeks |
Property Sale | £800-£1500 | 6-8 weeks |
Remortgaging | £500-£1000 | 4-6 weeks |
Leasehold Extension | £1000-£2000 | 6-12 months |
Transfer of Equity | £500-£1000 | 4-6 weeks |
Lease Agreement | £500-£1000 | 4-6 weeks |
Property Dispute Resolution | £1000-£3000+ | Variable |
When you're exploring the costs of a solicitor, transparency is key. The best property solicitors will provide you with a clear breakdown of their fees and any additional costs you might incur. It's recommended to ask for a detailed quote upfront, so you have a clear understanding of what you'll be paying for.
While it's natural to consider the costs, remember that the value of hiring a skilled legal professional goes beyond just the price tag. A knowledgeable solicitor can help you avoid potential pitfalls. The peace of mind and expertise they bring to the table can make the investment worthwhile.
What makes a good property solicitor?
Having the right property solicitor by your side can make all the difference to your situation. But what exactly should you look for when searching for the perfect partner?
Property law expertise
At the heart of a great property solicitor is a deep understanding of property law. Look for professionals who have specialised knowledge in this field and who have experience in the area you need help with. For example, if you are looking for help with a land dispute, then a land dispute lawyer would be the best choice for you over a conveyancer. Or if your situation relates to a commercial property, then a commercial property solicitor is a better option over one who deals more with residential property issues.
Clear and effective communication
Property transactions involve a lot of back-and-forth, and clear communication is key. A skilled property solicitor will explain complex legal concepts in simple terms. They should also listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and keep you informed at every stage of the process.
Good attention to detail
The devil is in the details, especially when it comes to property law. A meticulous property solicitor will leave no stone unturned. They'll scrutinise contracts, identify potential issues, and ensure that all paperwork is accurate and complete.
Trustworthiness and integrity
Your property solicitor will handle sensitive information and play a crucial role in your financial and legal matters. Seek professionals with a reputation for integrity and trustworthiness. A good solicitor will always act in your best interest and be transparent about their fees and services.
How do I find the best property lawyer?
In today's digital age, finding a property solicitor is easier than ever. If you're looking to work with a property solicitor, you're likely to turn to online searches to find the right professional for your needs.
There are many benefits to working with a solicitor online, including lower costs and efficiency. However, it is up to you whether you choose to work with a solicitor who is local to you or not.
Once you've found a few property solicitors that catch your eye, visit their websites to learn more about their services, expertise, and experience. You can also check out reviews from other clients to get a sense of how they've helped people just like you and check their SRA record to verify their credentials.
After you've gathered a list of potential property solicitors, it's time to compare your options. Look at their services, fees, and what others are saying about them. When you're ready, reach out to a few solicitors to discuss your needs and get a sense of how they can help you.
Alternatively, you can use Lawhive to find a property solicitor in less than 5 minutes, and get a fixed fee quote for their services. In most cases, we can get you connected to and working with a solicitor the same day. To get started, just tell us about your case and we’ll take care of the rest.
