Conveyancing Solicitors

Expert legal guidance for smooth and stress-free property transactions.

Buying or selling a home is one of life’s biggest moments, but it can also be one of the most stressful. Having a good firm of solicitors behind you and the right legal support can make all the difference.

At Awdry Law Solicitors, our experienced conveyancing team is here to make the process as straightforward as possible. We specialise in helping clients across Swindon, Wiltshire, and surrounding areas, offering a friendly, professional service that is tailored to your needs.

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Our Conveyancing Services

Whether you’re buying, selling, remortgaging, or transferring the equity in your property, our conveyancing solicitors provide expert support every step of the way.

Buying a Property

From the moment your offer is accepted to the day you get the keys, our solicitors are by your side. We’ll handle all the legals, including:

• Reviewing contracts and title deeds.
• Conducting local authority and environmental searches.
• Liaising with your mortgage lender to ensure funds are in place.
• Managing the legal steps to completion, so you can focus on your new home.

Selling a Property

Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful. At Awdry Law we will handle all the legal work, including:

• Prepare the contract of sale and obtain the title documents.
• Resolve any queries raised by the buyer’s solicitor.
• Keep you updated every step of the way, until completion.

Remortgaging

Switching mortgage lenders or updating your loan terms? Our team ensures the process is quick and hassle-free, handling all the legal paperwork and liaising with lenders.

First-Time Buyers

Buying your first home can be exciting, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Our solicitors guide you through the process, explaining every step in plain English and ensuring you feel confident throughout.

Shared Ownership and Help to Buy Schemes

Navigating government schemes like Help to Buy or shared ownership can be complex. We’ll handle the legalities and make sure you’re fully informed about your rights and responsibilities.

How much does a conveyancing solicitor cost?

The cost of a conveyancing solicitor can vary depending on the complexity of the transaction, the value of the property, and whether the property is freehold or leasehold.

We are committed to providing straightforward information about legal fees at the outset of every instruction and to giving clients choices about pricing structures and payment methods.

Across different work types there are alternative pricing models. Some of these only apply to certain types of work but throughout the firm there is a commitment to openness and transparency and to ensure that all our clients fully understand the likely cost of their work and the choices that are available to them.

What are disbursements?

Disbursements are additional costs incurred during the conveyancing process, which are paid to third parties.

These can include:

  • Local authority searches
  • Land Registry fees (based on the property’s value).
  • Stamp Duty Land Tax (if applicable, based on government thresholds).
  • Bank transfer fees for handling funds

Why might costs be higher?

  • Leasehold properties: These require additional work, such as reviewing lease agreements and liaising with managing agents.
  • Unforeseen legal issues: Disputes over boundaries, restrictive covenants, or missing title deeds can increase fees.

Visit our Legal Fees page for transparency on the typical range of our fees and disbursements.

How long does the conveyancing process take?

Timescales can vary depending on factors like property type, transaction complexity and the property chain. Across the country, the average conveyancing process can take three months or more from start to finish. We know that for most of our clients time is of the essence and for that reason (subject to your objections to the contrary) we look for all ways to reduce delays. We have completed transactions within a few days. The most important thing is that you let us know your required timescale and any dates to aim for or to avoid and we will keep in touch with you on timings.

Factors that can delay the process:

  • Waiting for mortgage approvals or search results.
  • Issues within a property chain.
  • Unresolved legal disputes or missing documents.

Our proactive approach at Awdry Law Solicitors helps minimise delays, ensuring your transaction progresses smoothly.

What is the difference between freehold and leasehold, and how does it affect conveyancing?

Understanding whether a property is freehold or leasehold is crucial, as it directly impacts the conveyancing process.

Freehold

You own both the property and the land it sits on outright.

Conveyancing for freehold properties is typically simpler and faster, as there are fewer parties involved.

Leasehold

You own the property for the duration of the lease but not the land it sits on, which belongs to the freeholder.

Conveyancing for leasehold properties is more complex and involves additional steps, such as:

  • Reviewing the lease terms and conditions.
  • Checking ground rent and service charges.
  • Liaising with freeholders or managing agents.

Leasehold conveyancing often takes longer and can incur higher fees due to the extra work required.

If you’re unsure about the type of property you’re purchasing, our conveyancing solicitors can advise you.

Comprehensive Conveyancing for Every Property Type

New Builds

Purchasing a new-build property often comes with unique considerations that require attention to detail. Our services include:

  • Reviewing contracts to ensure they reflect developer warranties, including NHBC guarantees or equivalent.
  • Checking compliance with planning permissions and building regulations.
  • Addressing deadlines for completion tied to development schedules.
  • Advising on potential delays and protecting your deposit in case of setbacks.

New-builds can be particularly popular in Swindon and Wiltshire, given the area’s development growth. Our local insight ensures you’re well-informed about ongoing and upcoming projects.

Buy-to-Let Properties

Investing in property to rent out is an excellent way to generate income, but it also comes with legal responsibilities. We can assist landlords by checking for potential liabilities, such as maintenance obligations or local authority planning conditions.

Whether you’re investing in central Swindon or rural Wiltshire, our expertise ensures your transaction aligns with your investment goals.

Rural and Agricultural Properties

Buying property in the countryside often involves unique issues, such as:

  • Reviewing rights of way, easements, and access agreements.
  • Checking for agricultural restrictions or subsidies attached to the land.
  • Ensuring compliance with environmental protections or local planning restrictions.
  • Advising on water and drainage systems, including private supplies like wells or septic tanks.

Wiltshire’s rural charm attracts buyers seeking space and tranquility. Our local knowledge allows us to address these complexities seamlessly.

Listed and Heritage Properties

Purchasing a listed building requires careful attention to legal details. We help by:

  • Checking for restrictions on modifications or renovations.
  • Ensuring compliance with planning permissions and listed building consents.
  • Advising on potential obligations for maintaining the property’s historic features.

Our Conveyancing App

We know convenience matters. That’s why we’ve developed our free app to help you manage your property transaction easily and securely.

With the app, you can:

  • Access your case 24/7 from your phone or tablet.
  • Track progress on a personalised timeline.
  • Complete and submit forms digitally, saving time and paper.
  • Receive instant notifications when there’s an update on your case.
  • Certify your ID remotely and upload documents with just a few taps.

Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the move, our app keeps you connected to your conveyancer.

Prefer a traditional approach? We’re just as happy to meet face-to-face or communicate via phone or email.

Contact a member of our Conveyancing Solicitors team today.

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