Buying or selling a home, involves more than just finding the right property. Legal responsibilities sit at the heart of the process.
Using a solicitor for buying a house protects your interests, by checking legal paperwork, and ensuring that the transaction exchange and completion of the properties, ends correctly and on time.
What Does a Solicitor do When You Buy or Sell a House?
A solicitor ensures all legal aspects of the transaction meet only English Property Law, Scotland is different. They manage contracts and conduct property searches.
As well as check boundaries, restrictions, and any legal disputes linked to the property. This protects you from any post-purchase problems.
Your solicitor also liaises with mortgage lenders and the Land Registry. They make sure ownership is transferred without legal issue. When selling, your solicitor drafts contracts and handles buyer enquiries, to reduce delays and ensure accurate disclosure.
Do I have to use a Solicitor?
Yes, we would always recommend using a solicitor, you legally need a solicitor or conveyancer when buying a property in the UK. DIY conveyancing is strongly discouraged. The solicitors manage funds, submit tax forms, and provide legal advice. These tasks require qualifications and professional liability cover.
In Sidcup, Bexley, & Dartford estate agents and solicitors should ideally work together, and at Wisdom Estates, we pride ourselves on the regular and extensive contact that we endeavour to have with your solicitor throughout the process. In our experience regular contact speeds up the sale, and keeps all parties informed at each step.
How Much Are Solicitor Fees for Buying a House?
Solicitor fees vary depending on the type of property, location, and complexity of the transaction. Costs typically start from £1500+VAT. Many firms now offer fixed-fee packages for transparency.
If you’re buying a leasehold property, or using a Help to Buy Scheme, you should expect higher fees due to the extra-legal work involved, as leaseholds require reviewing service charges and freeholder agreements. Similarly, dealing with a mortgage company, could also incur further solicitor charges.
Our advice would be to always ask for an itemised quote that explains all possible charges, before instructing. This should ensure that you won’t be caught out by any unexpected legal costs.
What’s Included in Solicitors Fees for Buying a House?
Typical services included in a solicitor’s quote:
- Title and Land Registry checks
- Local authority and environmental searches
- Drafting and reviewing contracts
- Mortgage handling and financial transfers
- Stamp Duty guidance and submission
If anything falls outside the fixed fee, such as dealing with planning issues, these will be explained in advance.
What to Expect from your solicitor
- Regular updates from your solicitor
- Responses to legal enquiries from the other parties’ solicitors
- Support with Contracts, Stamp Duty, and Searches
- Secure transfer of funds on completion day
This preparation reduces delays and gives your solicitor everything they need to act on your behalf quickly and efficiently.
Selling a House in Sidcup, Bexley & Dartford? Here's What to Know:
If you’re looking to sell a house in Sidcup, Bexley & Dartford, you’ll still need a solicitor to manage the legal side of the sale.
Drafting contracts, requesting the title deeds, and answering buyer queries.
They’ll draft contracts, request the title deeds, and answer buyer queries. Good communication here helps avoid fall-throughs. Your solicitor will also organise the mortgage settlement and ensure the buyer’s funds are received and distributed properly on time and accurately.
As well as organise the mortgage settlement and ensure the buyer’s funds are received and distributed properly. Working with local solicitors who understand the local market, often results in faster completions and smoother communication.
Solicitor Checklist: What you might be asked to provide:
Whether you’re buying or selling, here’s what documentation you should prepare for when working with a solicitor:
Documents to Have Ready
- Proof of ID (passport or driving licence)
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Mortgage offer (if buying with a mortgage)
- Source of funds (bank statements or savings records)
- Property information form (if selling)
- Fittings and contents list (if selling)
- Leasehold documents (if applicable)
Final Thoughts: Obtain Legal Support You Can Trust
Engaging a solicitor is far more than just a box-ticking exercise. Reputable solicitors guide you through the legal process and protect your investment from risk. Their support helps prevent costly delays, legal disputes, or aborted transactions.
The sale and purchase of a property can be an emotional and frustrating process without the right support. Which is why, at Wisdom Estates, we endeavour to do everything in our power to alleviate the stress along the way.
Especially when emotions run high in property deals. If you're buying or selling in Sidcup, Bexley or Dartford, working with a local solicitor who understands the area can make a big difference.
At Wisdom Estates, our preference is always to work closely with trusted local solicitors and if you're buying or selling in Sidcup, Bexley, or Dartford, and surrounding areas. Our family-run team can connect you with experienced legal professionals who, in our experience communicate in our experience communicate clearly, and act efficiently.
Using a local solicitor, means there is someone you can talk to face-to-face, should the need arise, and in our experience, this can help enormously should any legal problems arise.
A good local solicitor can ensure that every sale and purchase runs smoothly. If you're buying or selling in Sidcup, Bexley, Dartford and surrounding areas, our family-run team can connect you with experienced legal professionals who communicate clearly and act fast - get online instant valuation for your property.
We pride ourselves on being a prestigious independent estate agent for Sidcup, Bexley and Dartford, who consistently receive outstanding 5* Customer Reviews, so for free and impartial help and advice, on buying or selling, why not contact Wisdom Estates today?
Make ‘your wisest move today’, calling:
Sidcup office: 0208 090 5959
Dartford office: 01322 272 144
We’ll guide you through every step and introduce you to the right solicitor for your move.
Thinking of selling? Get an online instant valuation for your property.
