Residential Property

At Stone Rowe Brewer, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive residential conveyancing services, designed to streamline the process of buying, selling, or remortgaging your property.. With a focus on clarity, efficiency, and personalised care, our experienced legal team is dedicated to ensuring your property transactions are conducted with precision and peace of mind.

For over 30 years, we have taken great satisfaction in the number of clients who regularly return to us and who give us positive referrals. We believe this is because we like to meet and exceed our client’s expectations and deliver results in a straightforward, open and honest manner.

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Twickenham & Teddington Solicitors

Providing first-class legal advice throughout South West London and Surrey for over 40 years

How We Work

We recognise that each and every property transaction is unique and hugely important to you. Our objective is to treat each client as an individual, be available to answer your questions and to successfully conclude your business as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.

Our team works on both Residential and Commercial Property and full details our services can be found on those pages.

We are committed to making moving house a smooth and stress-free procedure. You can rely on our team to handle matters courteously and professionally and to ensure that matters proceed to completion at the earliest possible date.

Highly Experienced Team

We know that each transaction is different, and that stumbling blocks can occur in every transaction. However, our highly experienced teams of property lawyers are practised at overcoming such problems calmly and smoothly and with the minimum of delay to your transaction. Whether you are purchasing your first home, managing a portfolio of properties, renting a room or buying your council house, our dedicated conveyancing teams have the expertise to make your home buying experience a happy one. We are committed to providing a fast, efficient service and to maintaining our excellent reputation.

If you are buying, selling or remortgaging a Property and would like a quote for our legal services, we will be happy to provide this and to answer any further questions that you may have.

Residential Conveyancing FAQs

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one party to another. This includes preparing, executing, and lodging legal documents to ensure the buyer acquires a clear title to the property, and all legal obligations are met. Conveyancing involves several key activities, including conducting searches, dealing with the Land Registry, and managing the funds transfer.

How long does the conveyancing process take?

The conveyancing process typically takes between 8 to 12 weeks from the acceptance of an offer to the completion of the sale. However, this timeframe can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the transaction, the chain of transactions involved, any unforeseen issues that may arise, and the efficiency of the parties involved.

What are the stages of the conveyancing process?

The main stages include:

Instruction and initial checks: Legal representatives are appointed, and initial checks are conducted, including anti-money laundering checks.
Searches: Local authority and other searches are undertaken to identify any issues that might affect the property’s value or usability.
Drafting and reviewing contracts: The sale contract is drafted, reviewed, and negotiated.
Exchange of contracts: Once agreed upon, contracts are exchanged, and the transaction becomes legally binding.
Completion: The balance of the purchase price is transferred, and the buyer legally takes possession of the property.
Post-completion: The conveyancer deals with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax and registers the new owner with the Land Registry.

What is Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), and when does it apply?

SDLT is a tax on properties purchased in England and Northern Ireland. The amount of SDLT you pay depends on the purchase price of the property and whether you are a first-time buyer or own other properties. The current thresholds and rates can be found on the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) website. SDLT is not applicable in Scotland and Wales, where different tax regimes apply.

What happens if the sale falls through after exchange of contracts?

After the exchange of contracts, the transaction is legally binding. If either party pulls out, they can be sued for breach of contract. The buyer may lose their deposit, and both parties could incur additional costs.

Owing to these sorts of sanctions, it is extremely rare for one party to try and terminate a contract after exchange. In the highly unlikely event that this does happen, SRB’s Property and Litigation teams are able to advise.

What is the difference between freehold and leasehold?

Freehold means you own the property and the land it stands on outright. Leasehold means you own the property for the length of your lease agreement with the freeholder. Leaseholds are common for flats and apartments and can come with additional obligations and costs, such as ground rent and service charges. Understanding the implications of each is crucial before proceeding with a purchase.

Can I do my own conveyancing?

While it is legally possible to handle your own conveyancing, it is highly risky if you are not familiar with property law and the conveyancing process. Mistakes can be costly and may affect your property rights. It is advisable to hire a professional conveyancer or solicitor to navigate the complexities and ensure that your transaction is handled correctly.

How can SRB help with my conveyancing needs?

At SRB, our respective residential and commercial conveyancing teams offer a comprehensive service tailored to your unique needs, ensuring a smooth and efficient transaction. We provide transparent pricing and expert guidance throughout the process, from initial instruction to completion. Our team is dedicated to making the conveyancing process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

Contact us to discuss how we can assist you with your residential property transaction.

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