Real Estate

We handle all legal matters relating to the sale and purchase of freehold and leasehold property we advise on the myriad legal issues that arise out of the ownership or management of residential property.

Since 2007, we have provided a personal, expert and effective service to everyone from first-time buyers to those well experienced in property ownership. We shall continue to do so.

We take care to explain fully all aspects of the purchase or the sale, the mortgage and the survey, and the wider implications of property ownership.

Our Residential Conveyancing team is here to act for clients who are buying or selling houses, flats, new-builds, significant country houses, retirement property; in short, Homes.

Buying a home should be an enjoyable process. Our aim is to provide excellent communication and efficient service throughout the transaction. Problems (and delays) do arise on a purchase, and, when they do, we will alert you and explain the problem clearly and promptly, explain the options, and then agree a way forward with you.

Selling a home should be an efficient process; especially when linked to your purchase. We would strongly encourage you to contact us at the very early stages of a sale; ideally before the property goes on the market. You will always be able to refer to a Partner; and we will advise you on all of the legal aspects of the Buying or Selling process.

We act for many investors looking to acquire or dispose of residential property.

These transactions will range from the purchase or sale of residential property portfolios, auction purchases, and an increasing number of buy-to-let investments. On the purchase, we will advise you on all of the legal elements of the transaction, in particular the terms of any occupational leases or tenancies. We will attend the auction on your behalf if you require. We are panel Advocates for most of the major mortgage lenders and will act for them where necessary and instructed.

On the sale, we will prepare a comprehensive pre-sale bundle and attend to all of the usual formalities leading to exchange and completion.

Residential property values have soared and dipped in the past few years; but it is a fact that mortgages are an inevitable part of most purchases and sales.

We are panel Advocates for most of the major mortgage lenders, and can accept instructions to act for them (as well as you) on your purchase. Where we act for you and your lender on a purchase, our fee estimate will include provision for the work involved in the mortgage elements. We also act for a number of banks and other lending institutions as independent advisers.

Equity Release Schemes are complex; and not at all the quick and painless products that they purport to be. We can advise you on the implications and deal with the necessary formalities of an Equity Release Scheme.

We regularly act for the owners of flats and houses who wish to extend their leases.

We will advise you on the eligibility criteria, the choice of a valuation surveyor, and will deal with the necessary notices throughout the process. We work closely with our Litigation team, if need be. At the conclusion of the process we handle the drafting or amendment of the lease extension document, and the stamp duty, registration and mortgage formalities. Lease extension is not an inevitable and one-sided process: because of this, we are retained as advisers to many intermediate property owners and management companies in connection with their rights and responsibilities.

We advise on the various elements of each of property purchases these processes, include:

• Assessing eligibility.
• Instructing valuers and surveyors.
• financing the purchase
• Preparation of agreements

We have extensive expertise and experience in acting for a wide range of clients including individuals, businesses, banks and other institutions, Trustees and charities and landowners.
Work undertaken includes the following:

• Disputes over construction & engineering projects.
• Lease renewals and extensions and rent reviews.
• Boundary and other neighbour disputes.
• Service charge disputes.
• Possession claims (commercial and residential).
• Issues over Restrictive Covenants.
• Disputes over Dilapidations.
• Claims over rent arrears or other breaches of covenant.
• Claims for adverse possession.

As always we aim to provide a rapid and cost effective solution to the problem. Often this will involve Alternative Dispute Resolution either by negotiation or Mediation. Where however there is a need to litigate we are resolute in our determination to pursue the best possible outcome for our clients.