Residential and commercial property
Property law covers far more than a house move. It runs from owning, transferring and letting a home, to buying, selling and investing in commercial premises and land. We advise individuals, families, landlords, tenants, investors and property developers on both residential and commercial property in England and Wales, and we explain the issues involved so you can make decisions with confidence. If you are simply moving home, our residential conveyancing team handles that day to day; the wider property questions sit here.
Buying and selling property
We help buyers, sellers and developers understand and manage the issues involved in purchasing or selling property in England and Wales, whether by private treaty or at public auction. That includes advising on your contract for sale, negotiating the terms and conditions of the deal, arranging title searches and land enquiries, and explaining the costs involved, including Stamp Duty Land Tax and other charges. We act on the sale and purchase of houses, flats, units, vacant land and rural land, and we make sure your lender’s requirements are met where a mortgage is involved.
Leasehold and freehold
Whether you own or are buying a freehold or a leasehold property, it helps to be clear about what you actually own and what you are responsible for. We advise on the difference between freehold and leasehold, on lease terms, ground rent and service charges, on lease extensions, and on the obligations that fall on each party, so there are no surprises later.
Landlord and tenant
We act for both landlords and tenants, in the residential and commercial context. That covers preparing and reviewing leases and tenancy agreements, advising on repairing obligations, rent and renewals, and dealing with disputes when they arise. Our aim is to protect your position and, wherever possible, keep a workable relationship between the parties.
Transfers of equity, finance and re-mortgaging
A transfer of equity changes who legally owns a property, for example adding a partner to the title, removing a former partner after a separation, or restructuring ownership within a family or business. We handle transfers of equity alongside any mortgage or re-mortgage, advise on property finance and secured lending, and deal with your lender’s requirements properly.
Property development and land
For developers and landowners, we advise on buying and selling development land, the legal requirements for subdivisions and property developments, building contracts, and the searches and due diligence needed before you commit. We look to flag the risks early and keep the transaction moving.
Property and boundary disputes
Disagreements over property are stressful and can be costly if they are not handled well. We advise on boundary disputes, dividing fence disputes, rights of way and access, and other disputes between neighbours or between the parties to a property. We look to resolve matters by negotiation and alternative dispute resolution where possible, and we can provide representation in dispute resolution and at court where that becomes necessary.
When to speak to a property solicitor
It is worth taking advice early, before you sign a contract, take on a lease, transfer ownership, or let a dispute take hold. Getting the right advice at the outset usually saves time, cost and worry later, and means you understand exactly where you stand before you commit.