Conveyancing solicitors in Brighton and Hove

Conveyancing solicitors Brighton & Hove 

As well as having an experienced mortgage broker working with you on your property purchase, it’s equally as important to have a professional solicitor to help with all conveyancing for the legal property related matters. At Strive Mortgages, we have access to a nationwide panel of solicitors we can recommend helping pair you with the right solicitor for your conveyancing needs

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another. It involves various legal and administrative tasks such as property searches, title checks, drafting and reviewing contracts, and arranging for the transfer of funds.

You need a solicitor to do conveyancing because it involves complex legal procedures and documents that must be prepared and executed correctly to avoid any legal issues. A solicitor specialising in conveyancing will have the necessary knowledge and expertise to handle the process smoothly and ensure that all legal requirements are met. 

They will also act on your behalf during the transaction, making sure that your interests are protected and that any issues or disputes are resolved promptly.

Work with the Best Conveyancing Solicitors Brighton

At Strive Mortgages, we aim to ensure that the entire home-buying process runs as smoothly as possible. With so many moving parts involved, it’s crucial to work with the right professionals in each field. 

That’s why we partner with a service that assists you in finding the ideal conveyancing solicitor for your home purchase in Brighton. Whether you prefer the highest-rated or the most cost-effective conveyancer, or if you prefer one local to you in Brighton, we can assist you in finding the perfect fit.

No obligation quote 

When you request a no obligation residential conveyancing quote in Brighton, you can expect to receive a fixed fee quote that comes with a no move, no fee guarantee.

Benefits of using a conveyancing solicitor 

When There are several benefits to using a conveyancer for the purchase or sale of a property in Brighton including:

• Legal expertise: A conveyancer has the legal expertise to handle all aspects of the conveyancing process, including drafting and reviewing contracts, conducting searches, and handling the transfer of funds.
• Time-saving: Conveyancing can be a time-consuming process, and using a conveyancer can save you time and reduce the risk of errors.
• Cost-effective: While conveyancing fees may seem high, they are often cost-effective in the long run as conveyancers can help identify any potential issues with the property or sale that could cause delays or extra costs down the line.
• Peace of mind: Using a conveyancer can provide peace of mind that all legal requirements have been met, and that the purchase or sale is being handled by an experienced professional.

What to expect from your conveyancer in Brighton & Hove 

The steps involved in the conveyancing process when buying a house may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the transaction, but generally include:

• Sales memorandum – Once you have made an offer on a property and it has been accepted, a sales memorandum will be sent to your solicitor and the seller’s solicitor, outlining the details of the sale.
• Client terms – Your solicitor will send you their terms of engagement, outlining the services they will provide and the fees involved.
• Review contract – Your solicitor will review the contract for sale and raise any queries or concerns with the seller’s solicitor.
• Review mortgage offer – If you are obtaining a mortgage, your solicitor will review the mortgage offer to ensure that the terms and conditions are acceptable.
• Searches – Your solicitor will carry out various searches to check for any legal or environmental issues that may affect the property, such as planning permission, building regulations, flood risk, and contamination.
• Enquiries – Your solicitor will raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor to clarify any issues or concerns that have arisen during the conveyancing process.
• Mortgage deed – Your solicitor will prepare the mortgage deed, which is a legal document that creates a charge over the property in favour of the lender.
• Report on title – Your solicitor will prepare a report on title, which sets out the legal title to the property and highlights any issues or restrictions that may affect the property.
• Exchange of contracts – Once all queries have been answered and both parties are satisfied with the contract, you and the seller will sign the contract and your solicitor will exchange it with the seller’s solicitor.
• Completion – On the agreed completion date, your solicitor will transfer the purchase price to the seller’s solicitor, and once the funds have cleared, you will be given the keys to your new home.
• Post-completion – After completion, your solicitor will register the transfer of ownership and any mortgage charge with the Land Registry, and provide you with a copy of the registered title.

What documentation will your conveyancer need?

Your conveyancing solicitor will typically require the following documents and information from you:

• Proof of identity: Your conveyancer will need to verify your identity by asking for documents such as a passport, driving license or utility bills.
• Mortgage offer: If you are obtaining a mortgage to buy the property, your conveyancer will need to see the mortgage offer and ensure that the terms are acceptable.
• Property information form: Your conveyancer will need to see a completed property information form which provides details about the property you are buying.
• Fixtures and fittings list: You will need to provide a list of fixtures and fittings that are included in the sale.
• Property survey report: If you have commissioned a property survey, your conveyancer will need to see a copy of the report.
• Property title deeds: Your conveyancer will need to see the title deeds to the property.
• Land Registry documents: Your conveyancer will need to obtain copies of Land Registry documents such as the title register and title plan.
• Search results: Your conveyancer will need to see the results of searches that have been carried out on the property, such as local authority searches, drainage searches, environmental searches and mining searches.
• Insurance details: Your conveyancer will need to see proof of buildings insurance cover, which is a requirement of most mortgage lenders.
• Funds: You will need to provide funds for the purchase of the property, including the deposit and any other costs such as stamp duty and legal fees.

What to expect from your draft contract document? 

The draft contract, also known as the sale contract or the purchase agreement, is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of the property sale. It typically includes:

• Property details: The draft contract will have a detailed description of the property being sold, including the address, boundaries, and any fixtures or fittings that are included in the sale.
• Parties involved: It will identify the parties involved in the transaction, including the buyer and seller, their solicitors, and any other relevant parties such as mortgage lenders.
• Purchase price: The draft contract will state the purchase price of the property and the payment schedule.
• Deposit: It will specify the amount of deposit that the buyer is required to pay and the timeframe for doing so.
• Completion date: The contract will set out the agreed completion date, which is when the ownership of the property will transfer from the seller to the buyer.
• Conditions: It will include any conditions that need to be met before the sale can proceed, such as the results of searches and surveys, and any required repairs.
• Other clauses: The draft contract may also contain other clauses, such as details of any warranties or guarantees, the seller’s obligations regarding the property, and any restrictions or covenants that apply to the property.

How to find the best conveyancing solicitors in Brighton & hove 

Here are some ways to find the best conveyancing solicitors:

• Consult your estate agent for a list of recommended conveyancing solicitors they work with.
• Ask for recommendations from friends and family who have gone through the process before. 
• Search for a solicitor who specialises in conveyancing since it’s important to work with someone who has experience in this area of law.
• Verify their accreditation and credentials by looking for solicitors who are members of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.
• Evaluate their reputation and track record by reading online reviews and testimonials from previous clients.
• Schedule a free initial consultation with potential conveyancing solicitors to discuss your needs and determine if they’re the right fit for you

Costs of a conveyancing solicitor in Brighton 

The costs of using a conveyancing solicitor in Brighton for a purchase can vary depending on several factors, such as the property value, the complexity of the transaction, and the solicitor’s fees.

The main costs involved typically include:

• Solicitor’s fees: These cover the legal work done by the conveyancing solicitor, such as reviewing contracts, carrying out searches, and completing the transaction. Solicitors may charge either a fixed fee or an hourly rate.
• Disbursements: These are fees paid by the solicitor to third parties for services such as property searches, land registry fees, and stamp duty.
• VAT: Value-added tax is charged on the solicitor’s fees and some disbursements.
• Additional costs: These may include fees for extra services such as handling a Help to Buy scheme application or dealing with a leasehold property.

It’s important to obtain a clear and comprehensive quote from the solicitor at the outset of the transaction to ensure that all costs are transparent and there are no hidden surprises.

What can you expect buying in Brighton 

Brighton is a popular seaside city located in the south of England, known for its vibrant culture, diverse communities, and beautiful beaches.

When buying a property in Brighton, you can expect to pay higher prices than in other parts of the country, particularly in popular areas such as Hove and the city center. It’s important to have a realistic budget in mind and be prepared to act quickly when a suitable property becomes available.

Brighton has a unique character and set of challenges for property buyers. For example, some properties may be subject to restrictions due to their location in conservation areas or listed buildings. It’s important to do your research and work with professionals who are familiar with the local property market.

What are the benefits of using h2 local conveyancing solicitor in Brighton & Hove? 

Using a local conveyancing solicitor in Brighton and Hove can offer several benefits, including:

• Local knowledge: A local conveyancing solicitor will have a better understanding of the local property market and any unique aspects of the area. This can help ensure that the conveyancing process runs smoothly and any potential issues are addressed.
• Accessibility: Being able to meet with your solicitor in person can make the process more efficient and less stressful. You can discuss any concerns or questions you may have and get updates on your case more easily.
• Faster turnaround times: A local solicitor may be able to complete the conveyancing process more quickly than one located further away. This can be particularly important if you are in a chain or have other time-sensitive factors to consider.
• Personalised service: A local conveyancing solicitor is more likely to provide a personalized service tailored to your individual needs. They may have a better understanding of your situation and can provide more relevant advice.

Overall, using a local conveyancing solicitor in Brighton and Hove can help make the home buying process smoother, more efficient, and less stressful.

What is the difference between a property solicitor and a conveyancer?

A property solicitor is a qualified legal professional who specialises in various aspects of property law, including conveyancing. They can provide legal advice and representation in court if necessary. 

A conveyancer, on the other hand, is a specialist in property transactions, specifically the legal transfer of property ownership. They do not have the same level of legal qualifications as a solicitor and cannot provide legal advice beyond the conveyancing process. While both can assist with property transactions, the main difference lies in the level of legal expertise and the scope of services they can provide.

For more info on finding a conveyancer in Brighton, please contact a member of the Strive team, by emailing info@strivemortgages.co.uk or call us on 01273 002697.