Property Solicitors

Property law covers all legal aspects of owning, using, and transferring property. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, dealing with leases, or resolving disputes, property law covers it all. It includes both residential property (like houses and flats) and commercial property (such as offices or shops).
At its core, property law helps people navigate processes like conveyancing (the legal transfer of property ownership), remortgaging, lease extensions, and equity release. It also protects your rights in situations like disputes with neighbours, landlord-tenant issues, or concerns about property boundaries.

In short, property law ensures that property transactions are clear, fair, and legally sound, giving you the confidence to make decisions about your property with peace of mind.

As a guideline, a straightforward transaction can take between 6-8 weeks to complete from the point at which the legal work commences i.e. when contract packs are received if you are purchasing, once contract packs have been issued if you are selling, once your mortgage offer has been received if you are remortgaging.

If you are transferring equity in a property which is not mortgaged, this should take between 4-6 weeks, once the legal work has commenced. However there are some instances where the timescale may be reduced, for example if there is no chain or if the matter is a cash transaction not requiring a mortgage.

There are also instances where this may be increased, usually where there is a long chain or the matter is more complex than the usual transaction. For example, if an unforeseen complicating factor such as those listed in the table above has to be dealt with. Whilst we will always keep you updated as to progress throughout.

Equity release refers to a variety of methods of releasing some of the value tied up in your home, or property. The money could be withdrawn in one large lump sum, one large sum followed by subsequent smaller amounts, or a series of smaller payments. There is plenty of flexibility designed to suit you and your unique circumstances.

Extending your lease, when conducted without the necessary knowledge and experience of the law, can quickly become a long and complicated process. At Goughs Solicitors we have the expertise to discuss what is involved, the costs and how our experts can offer you the right advice to ensure the process of your lease extension runs smoothly.

A property solicitor is there to help with all the legal aspects of buying, selling, and owning property. They make sure documents are correctly prepared, deal with contracts, advise on legal matters, and make sure everything is legally compliant. Property solicitors also handle tasks like reviewing contracts, negotiating terms, conducting property searches, and registering ownership. They provide expert guidance throughout the entire process, helping your property transactions go through smoothly.

A solicitor is crucial when buying a property because they handle all the legal details involved in the transaction. They will check the property’s legal status, review contracts, carry out property searches to identify potential issues and ensure the deal is legally binding. Without a property solicitor, you risk missing important legal obligations, which could lead to complications or financial losses in the future.

Yes, you will need a solicitor to sell a property. A property solicitor will manage the legal process of transferring ownership to the buyer, including preparing the sale contract, liaising with the buyer’s solicitor, and ensuring all paperwork is correct. While there is no legal requirement for you to have a solicitor, it’s highly recommended to make sure that everything is handled correctly and efficiently.

Property searches are investigations carried out by your solicitor to uncover any potential issues with the property you are buying. These can include checking for planning permissions, environmental concerns, boundary disputes, or risks from flooding or subsidence. Property searches are a vital part of the buying process, as they help you avoid hidden problems that could affect the property’s value or your safety.

Exchanging contracts is a key step in the property transaction process. After both the buyer and seller have agreed on the terms and conditions of the sale, their solicitors exchange signed contracts. At this point, both parties are legally bound to the deal, and the buyer typically pays a deposit. The exchange is usually done in writing or over the phone, and your property solicitor will handle this process, ensuring everything is in order before the exchange takes place.

Generally, you don’t need both a conveyancer and a property lawyer, as both can perform the same tasks when it comes to property transactions. A conveyancer is a legal professional who specialises in the process of buying and selling property, while a property lawyer may have a broader role, covering various areas of property law. For most residential transactions, a conveyancer will be sufficient. But for more complex matters, such as commercial transactions or legal disputes, you may need the expertise of a property lawyer.