Conveyancing

Whether you are buying or selling through iSold, we would recommend using one of our own carefully-chosen conveyancing solicitors to undertake all the necessary legal and administrative work required to transfer ownership of the property from one party to another. Please contact us for a quote.

We offer a fast, efficient service and will keep you informed about progress through your iSold My account page.

Of course, you can hire your own solicitor but we do not recommend undertaking the process yourself as it is a time-consuming and complex process with potential risks. For example, if carried out incorrectly, you could find yourself involved in a costly legal dispute over boundaries, planning issues or legal rights. Moreover, most mortgage lenders will insist on you employing a solicitor.

What does a conveyancing solicitor do?

The seller's solicitor will obtain the deeds to the property and, once the sale is agreed, send a draft contract and supporting papers to the buyer's solicitor, who will confirm current ownership of the property and check if there are any outstanding issues, obtain copies of any existing guarantees and planning consents, etc.

The seller will be asked to answer questions about their property and to complete a fixtures and fittings list of items to be included in the sale. Once contracts have been exchanged and the transfer deed effected, the sale is legally binding.

At completion, your solicitor will also act on behalf of your current lender, making sure your existing mortgage is repaid (if you are not a first time buyer). A seller's iSold completion fee can also be paid from the proceeds of sale. Once the sale has been completed, the buyer's solicitor will register the new owner with the Land Registry.

What the buyer's conveyancing fee includes

• A local search, which reveals any matters affecting the property (such as road widening schemes, planning consents)
• Land Registry fees, which are incurred in the transfer of ownership on the register from the old to the new owner
• Stamp duty
  • 0% on houses between £0-£250,000 (for first-time buyers)
  • 0% on houses costing up to £125,000 (non first-time buyers)
  • 1% on houses costing £125,000 – £250,000
  • 3% on houses costing £250,000 – £500,000
  • 4% on houses costing £500,000 – £1 million
  • 5% on houses costing £1 million or more
• Plus other disbursements and solicitor's costs

Please note, this is a handy guide and does not constitute legal advice.