Expert legal advice for residential property
Whether you are a first-time buyer or property investor, buying a listed building or looking to remortgage, our specialist conveyancing team is here to get you moving. As experts in residential property law, we provide clear and accurate legal advice to buyers and sellers in Bath, Frome, Sherborne and Wells.
Our residential property solicitors have a wealth of local knowledge, a deep commitment to personal service and excellent relationships with local estate agents. That means we can minimise any issues along the way and help you complete your transaction quickly.
Our residential property services
Buying and selling property
Buying or selling a property often involves more than a dozen complex legal steps. But our knowledgeable and experienced residential conveyancing team handles every step on your behalf for a fast, efficient and stress-free transaction.
Remortgaging
Moving your mortgage from one deal or lender to another is a great way to cut your monthly bills or release equity. We can help you get the best deal with a variety of refinancing options, letting you save or generate the maximum amount of money.
Transfer of ownership
There are many reasons why you might transfer ownership or equity in a property. If a relationship ends, one person might want to stay in the home. You might want to add someone to an existing mortgage. Or perhaps you are planning to invest in property with a friend or family member. Whatever your situation, our friendly residential property solicitors can guide you through the process and put a legal agreement in place that everyone’s happy with.
Stamp Duty
Stamp Duty or Land Tax (on purchase)
This depends on the purchase price of your property. You can calculate the amount you will need to pay by using HMRC’s website or if the property is located in Wales by using the Welsh Revenue Authority’s website.
Next steps: get in touch to discuss residential property
If you’re looking for legal advice for property matters, contact our team of property experts on: 0800 533 5349 or email enquiries@mogersdrewett.com
Helpful Guides
Meet the team
Frequently asked questions
The cost involved will depend on a number of different factors, all of which are unique to the property. See more information about our pricing here or call us for an individual cost estimate.
| Service | Price Range |
| Purchase (Freehold) | £950 – £9,000 plus VAT and Disbursements* |
| Purchase (Leasehold) | £1,200 – £9,500 plus VAT and Disbursements* |
| Sale (Freehold) | £950 – £7,500 plus VAT and Disbursements* |
| Sale (Leasehold) | £1,100 – £8,000 plus VAT and Disbursements* |
| Re-Mortgage | £995 – £2,500 plus VAT and Disbursements* |
| Transfer of Equity | £500 – £2,500 plus VAT and Disbursements* |
*Disbursements are costs payable to a third party on your behalf as part of the legal process. For example, applying for the searches on a property you are buying can cost between £350-£500 depending on the location of the property and the searches required. When instructed we will request funds from you in advance to cover the expected costs.
The precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below we have suggested some key stages that you may wish to include:
- Take your instructions and give you initial advice
- Check finances are in place to fund purchase and contact lender’s solicitors if needed
- Receive and advise on contract documents
- Carry out searches
- Obtain further planning documentation if required
- Make any necessary enquiries of seller’s solicitor
- Give you advice on all documents and information received
- Go through conditions of mortgage offer with you
- Send final contract to you for signature
- Agree completion date (date from which you own the property)
- Exchange contracts and notify you that this has happened
- Arrange for all monies needed to be received from lender and you
- Complete purchase
- Deal with payment of Stamp Duty/Land Tax
- Deal with application for registration at Land Registry
Obviously, our fees do not include any external costs and charges that we may incur as part of the process (e.g. estate agents commission, removal costs, environmental remediation costs etc). You will also be responsible for these items.
How long it will take from your offer being accepted until you can move in to your house will depend on a number of factors. The average process takes between 8-12 weeks.
It can be quicker or slower, depending on the parties in the chain. For example, if you are a first time buyer, purchasing a new build property with a mortgage in principle, it could take 12 weeks. However, if you are buying a leasehold property that requires an extension of the lease, this can take significantly longer, between 3 and 4 months. In such a situation additional charges would apply.
Whilst we will do all that we can to expedite matters and will keep you informed about how long it will take to register your property, it is important to take in to account the delay should you be considering purchasing a property with a view to selling it again immediately or shortly afterwards.
Residential Property Partner Alison Treble supervises the team of property specialists in Bath, Sherborne & Wells.
Residential property refers to any property that is specifically designed to be lived in. This separates it from non-residential properties such as commercial property (buildings that house a business) and industrial properties (mainly used for manufacturing, storage and logistics).
Examples of residential property include:
- Houses
- Bungalows
- Flats
- Townhouses
- Condominiums
