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Conveyancing Services

Ramsdens’ team of experienced conveyancers offer a wide range of residential conveyancing services for individuals who are buying or selling a home. No matter what your requirements are, our conveyancing team will provide you with the expert advice you need to complete your sale or purchase.

Our conveyancers have been offering conveyancing services for decades. From communicating with your mortgage lender to organising your conveyancing transaction, or helping you to understand your Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) obligations, we will endeavour to take the stress out of your house move by providing practical advice at every stage of the conveyancing process, making your experience as hassle-free as possible.

With many offices across Yorkshire, in cities such as Leeds and York, and towns such as Halifax and Huddersfield, we can support you wherever you are based in the north west. Contact the conveyancing team at Ramsdens today by calling 01484 821 500 or complete our online contact form, and we will be in touch at a time that is convenient for you.

How our conveyancers can help

Ramsdens has one of the largest and most technologically advanced conveyancing teams in the country, and we treat every house move as if it were our own.

We understand that buying a property is a huge investment, and our legal specialists will do our utmost to provide you with useful advice and guidance throughout.

Our house conveyancing services include:

How long does the residential conveyancing process take?

The duration of the conveyancing process varies greatly depending on the complexity of the transaction. On average, the conveyancing process for a straightforward transaction takes between eight to 12 weeks from the day your offer is accepted. However, please remember, this is only an estimated timeline and can be longer if there are complications or delays.

At Ramsdens Solicitors, our conveyancing team works diligently to ensure a smooth transaction, striving to resolve any issues that may arise suddenly. Our extensive experience and proactive approach allow us to anticipate potential setbacks and manage them efficiently to minimise delays.

Whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced property investor, we understand that every client’s needs and circumstances are unique. We commit ourselves to provide the best possible service to ensure that your property transaction progresses smoothly and meets your timeline.

What conveyancing fees can I expect to pay?

The cost of conveyancing is dependent on a number of factors, including the type and value of the property, the complexity of the transaction, and any additional services required. Generally, conveyancing fees can be split into two categories:

  • Conveyancer fees: this is the cost of the service provided by your conveyancer. At Ramsdens Solicitors, we offer a competitive and transparent pricing structure, which we will discuss with you at the outset.
  • Disbursements: these are costs that must be paid to third parties throughout the process. They can include charges for property searches, Land Registry fees and bank transfer fees.

Please note that if you are buying a property, you may also need to pay SDLT, which is not included in the conveyancing fees.

It is our policy at Ramsdens Solicitors to provide a detailed conveyancing quote at the beginning of the process, giving you a clear understanding of the costs involved in your property transaction.

Why choose Ramsdens?

We recognise that the two most important matters to our clients when buying or selling a property are to be kept informed of progress, and for things to be done as quickly as possible. To meet these requirements, our conveyancers are committed to keeping you fully informed throughout your transaction.

You can keep track of your case 24/7 with our interactive e-conveyancing service and our unrivalled investment in online access to title deeds, personal searches and direct computer links to the Land Registry.

Find out what our clients think here.

With Ramsdens, you can guarantee that you will receive:

  • Interactive online case tracking: allows you to track the progress of your transaction online at any time of the day or night.
  • Access to Ramsdens’ conveyancing experts: whatever related matters may arise during the course of your transaction, we have in-house expertise to hand.
  • Contacts with other local professionals: we can put you in direct contact with people we trust who can advise on surveys, tax planning, estate strategy and financial planning.
  • A committed and experienced team: we take things personally and treat each house move as if it were our own. You will always be kept informed of progress and your transaction will be completed with minimum fuss.
  • Transparent conveyancing costs: fixed fees are agreed at the outset, with all details explained.

The expertise of our team is widely recognised, and they have received many accolades, including:

  • Accredited member of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme
  • Winners of #CQS Award for Excellence in Conveyancing Practice at the Law Society Excellence Awards
  • Highly Commended in the LFS Awards Conveyancing Team of the Year for the Yorkshire and North East Region 2017
  • Winners at the Yorkshire Legal Awards 2017, Residential Conveyancing Team of the Year
  • Winners of the 'Outstanding Business Leader of the Year' Award at the British Conveyancing Awards 2021

Our conveyancing resources

We have created a wide variety of conveyancing resources that aim to help make sense of this complicated legal process. Click on the links below to read our resources.

FAQs about conveyancing solicitors

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another. It includes several steps such as conducting property searches, managing contracts, dealing with the Land Registry, and transferring the funds to pay for the property. It is a critical part of any property transaction, be it a purchase, sale or remortgage.

The importance of having a skilled, knowledgeable conveyancer cannot be understated. A conveyancer not only safeguards your interests in the transaction but also ensures that all legal obligations are met, and the transaction completes within the necessary legal framework.

At Ramsdens Solicitors, our conveyancing team prides itself on providing a personalised, high-quality service. We believe in the importance of clear communication, and our clients receive regular updates on their case progress.

What conveyancing searches and checks will need to be carried out?

During the conveyancing process, a variety of searches and checks to uncover any potential issues that could affect your use or enjoyment of the property, or its value. These typically include:

  • Local authority search: this search will reveal information about planning permissions and building control history related to the property, any enforcement actions for violation of planning rules, and details of any nearby road or traffic schemes.
  • Water and drainage search: this search confirms whether the property is connected to the public water supply and drainage system.
  • Environmental search: this search can provide information about potential contamination or flood risks.
  • Land Registry search: this confirms the seller's ownership of the property.
  • Chancel repair liability search: this reveals whether the property is liable for contributions towards the repairs of a local church.

At Ramsdens Solicitors, our team conducts these and other necessary searches as part of our comprehensive conveyancing service, providing you with peace of mind in your property transaction.

What is the difference between exchange and completion in residential conveyancing?

In the process of residential conveyancing, exchange and completion are two significant milestones that represent different stages of the property transaction.

  • Exchange: this is the point at which the buyer and seller exchange signed contracts, and the transaction becomes legally binding. The buyer typically pays a deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price) at this stage. After the exchange of contracts, both parties are committed to the sale and purchase of the property, and withdrawal could result in severe legal penalties.
  • Completion: this is the final stage of the conveyancing process. On the day of completion, the balance of the purchase price is transferred from the buyer's solicitor to the seller's solicitor. Once the funds are received, the seller must vacate the property, and the keys are handed over to the buyer. The property ownership is then registered in the buyer's name at the Land Registry.

The period between exchange and completion can vary depending on the parties' agreement, ranging from the same day to a few weeks later.

What happens if the sale falls through?

If a property sale falls through before the exchange of contracts, either party is free to withdraw without incurring a penalty. However, any costs incurred, such as solicitor's fees or survey costs, will usually still need to be paid.

If the sale falls through after the exchange of contracts, the party withdrawing from the transaction may face severe financial penalties. For example, if the buyer pulls out, they may lose their deposit. If the seller withdraws, they could be sued for breach of contract.

Can I carry out the conveyancing process myself?

Technically, it is possible to carry out the conveyancing process yourself, without the assistance of a solicitor or licensed conveyancer. However, it is not recommended that you attempt this.

The conveyancing process involves complex legal work, including conducting detailed property searches, understanding planning and local authority information, dealing with the Land Registry, managing the funds for the purchase, and more. Mistakes or oversights can lead to significant issues, potentially resulting in financial loss or legal problems.

By choosing Ramsdens Solicitors, you can be assured of a professional and thorough conveyancing service. Our experienced team of conveyancing professionals will guide you through each step of the process, offering peace of mind and ensuring your property transaction runs smoothly.

Contact us

Speak to a knowledgeable and experienced house conveyancing solicitor today by contacting Ramsdens Solicitors. Either call us on 01484 821 500, email us at info@ramsdens.co.uk or complete our online enquiry form and we will contact you at a time that is suitable for you.