Having the right solicitor for buying property in your corner can be the difference between a transaction that completes smoothly and one that drags on for months or falls apart entirely. At Johnson Astills, our solicitors for buying property combine expert legal knowledge with a personal, approachable service that takes the anxiety out of buying a home.
Please call us free now on 0800 059 0600 or complete a Free Online Enquiry and a member of the team will get back to you soon.
“I am perfectly satisfied with the way the case was handled. My solicitor was very efficient, easy to communicate with and was very clear on what the outcome would or could be and who worked well.”
Why The Legal Side Of Buying A Home Matters
For most people, buying a home is the most significant financial commitment they will ever make. The legal process involved, known as conveyancing, goes far deeper than signing a few forms. It involves investigating the legal title of a property, ordering searches that reveal hidden risks, reviewing detailed contractual documentation, and coordinating the transfer of what is often a life-changing sum of money. Our solicitors take every one of those responsibilities seriously and approach each transaction with dedication and professionalism.
Many buyers make the mistake of waiting until their offer has been formally accepted before appointing a solicitor for buying property. However, the sooner you involve a solicitor in the process, the better. As soon as you instruct us, we carry out the necessary identity and anti-money laundering checks, contact the seller’s solicitors to request the draft contract pack, and begin ordering property searches. All of these steps take time, and the sooner they are underway, the less likely you are to face unnecessary delays later in the transaction.
What Does A Solicitor For Buying Property Do?
A solicitor for buying property oversees the entire conveyancing process on your behalf. Our work involves:
• Reviewing The Contract Pack
Once we receive the draft contract package from the seller’s solicitors, we review it thoroughly. The pack typically includes the title deeds, a property information form, a fittings and contents form confirming what is and is not included in the sale price, and, in the case of leasehold properties, information from the landlord or management company about ground rent and service charges. We check every clause and raise formal enquiries where anything requires clarification or where we identify a potential issue.
We can help you understand the legal implications of any restrictive covenants on the property, flag title defects that need to be resolved before you proceed, and ensure that the terms of the contract are fully and clearly explained to you in plain language rather than legal jargon.
• Carrying Out Property Searches
Property searches are one of the most important parts of the conveyancing process. They are ordered from various authorities and agencies and uncover information that is not immediately apparent from viewings alone. For example, a local authority search reveals planning permissions, nearby road or development schemes, and any enforcement notices affecting the property. A drainage and water search confirms the property is connected to the mains. An environmental search covers flood risk, ground contamination, and proximity to landfill sites.
For buyers in Leicester and the broader East Midlands region, local knowledge matters. Certain searches in this part of the country can raise specific issues, including historical mining activity in parts of the region. Our team knows what to look for and how to advise you if something comes up that requires further investigation. We can help you assess whether additional specialist searches are needed before you commit.
• Working With Your Mortgage Lender
If you are purchasing with a mortgage, your lender will have its own requirements you must meet before it will release funds. We review your mortgage offer, check that the property meets the lender’s criteria, and make sure that every condition attached to the offer is properly addressed before exchange takes place.
We can also assist if your mortgage comes with complications attached, such as conditions relating to the property type, cladding, or lease length restrictions that need to be resolved before a lender will proceed.
• Exchange Of Contracts
Exchange of contracts is the moment at which the sale becomes legally binding. Before exchange, either party can withdraw without penalty. After exchange, pulling out carries serious financial consequences, including the loss of your deposit. We will not authorise exchange until all searches are satisfactory, all enquiries have been answered, and your mortgage offer is in place. At exchange, a deposit of typically ten percent of the purchase price is paid to the seller’s solicitors. We handle all of this on your behalf and keep you informed at every step.
• Completion And What Follows
Completion is the day you collect your keys. On that day, we transfer the balance of the purchase funds, confirm receipt, and authorise the release of the property. Once completion has taken place, there are still important legal steps that must be followed.
We handle the submission of your Stamp Duty Land Tax return to HMRC. This must be filed within 14 days of completion, and the amount payable depends on the purchase price, your personal circumstances, and whether you already own another property. First-time buyers may qualify for relief on properties up to a certain threshold, and we ensure the correct calculation is made and the return is submitted accurately and on time.
We then register your ownership at HM Land Registry, recording you as the new legal owner. Without this step, your title is not fully protected. Johnson Astills is accredited under the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, a recognised mark of excellence in residential conveyancing that reflects the standards our team consistently applies.
Speak To Your Conveyancing Team
Whether this is your first home, your next step up the ladder, or an investment purchase, our solicitors are here to guide you at every stage. We offer clear, transparent pricing so there are no surprises along the way.
To instruct a solicitor for buying property in Leicester, Loughborough, or anywhere across Leicestershire and the East Midlands, contact Johnson Astills today. Our team is ready to get started.
Please call us free now on 0800 059 0600 or complete a Free Online Enquiry and a member of the team will get back to you soon.
‘Having had experience of your organisation, my confidence in you grew. I would have no hesitation in asking you for any necessary representation in the future. Relatives and friends have already been told of my satisfaction. Thank you and well done’
