How long does a property purchase typically take?

The timeline for property purchases varies depending on several factors. Simple residential purchases with no chain can complete in 4-6 weeks, while complex commercial transactions may take 3-6 months. Factors affecting timing include mortgage approval, survey results, title issues, and the complexity of the transaction. We work efficiently to complete your purchase as quickly as possible while ensuring all legal requirements are met.

What searches should be carried out when buying property?

Essential searches include local authority searches (planning, building control, highways), environmental searches (contamination, flood risk), water and drainage searches, and chancel repair liability searches. Additional searches may be required depending on the property location and type. We'll advise you on which searches are necessary and arrange them promptly to avoid delays.

What is the difference between freehold and leasehold?

Freehold means you own the property and the land it stands on outright. Leasehold means you own the property for a fixed period (the lease term) but not the land. Leasehold properties require ground rent and service charges, and you may need landlord consent for certain alterations. We can explain the implications of each tenure type and help you understand your rights and obligations.

Can I get out of a property purchase contract?

Once contracts are exchanged, both parties are legally bound to complete the transaction. However, there are limited circumstances where you may be able to withdraw, such as if the seller has misrepresented the property or if certain conditions in the contract are not met. We'll explain your options and help protect your interests throughout the transaction process.

When should I extend my lease?

It's generally better to extend your lease sooner rather than later. Extension costs increase significantly once the lease drops below 80 years due to 'marriage value' calculations. If your lease is approaching 80 years or less, you should seek advice urgently. We can assess your situation and advise on the most cost-effective timing for lease extension.

What are the costs involved in buying property?

Property purchase costs include solicitor's fees, searches, Land Registry fees, stamp duty land tax, survey costs, and mortgage arrangement fees. For leasehold properties, additional costs may include management fees and ground rent. We provide transparent fee estimates upfront and explain all costs involved in your transaction.

Do I need planning permission for property alterations?

Planning permission requirements depend on the scope and nature of alterations. Minor internal changes typically don't need permission, but extensions, changes of use, or alterations to listed buildings usually do. We can advise on planning requirements and help with applications where needed.

What happens if there are problems with my property after purchase?

If problems arise after purchase, your options depend on the nature of the issue and whether it was disclosed before completion. You may have claims for misrepresentation, breach of contract, or professional negligence. We can investigate the issues and advise on the best course of action to protect your interests.

How do I resolve a boundary dispute with my neighbor?

Boundary disputes should be addressed promptly through investigation of title documents, plans, and physical evidence. Many disputes can be resolved through negotiation and clear documentation of agreed boundaries. Where necessary, we can pursue court proceedings or help negotiate boundary agreements to resolve disputes permanently.

What are restrictive covenants and how do they affect my property?

Restrictive covenants are legal restrictions on how property can be used, often limiting certain activities or requiring consent for changes. They can significantly impact development potential and property use. We can investigate covenant restrictions, assess breach risks, and advise on modification or insurance options where appropriate.

Can I challenge my service charges as a leaseholder?

Yes, leaseholders have rights to challenge unreasonable service charges through the First-tier Tribunal. Challenges can be based on the reasonableness of charges, failure to follow consultation procedures, or lack of transparency. We can assess your service charge issues and represent you in tribunal proceedings if necessary.

What should I do if I'm facing a compulsory purchase order?

If you receive a compulsory purchase order, you should seek legal advice immediately as there are strict time limits for objections. You may be able to challenge the CPO on various grounds or negotiate better compensation terms. We can evaluate your case and represent you through the objection process and public inquiries.

Property Law

Expert property law solicitors providing comprehensive residential and commercial property services including conveyancing, lease extensions, planning applications, property disputes, and development projects throughout the UK.

Property Law

Our experienced property law team provides comprehensive legal services across all aspects of property ownership, transactions, and development. From first-time home purchases and commercial property acquisitions to complex leasehold extensions, planning appeals, and property dispute resolution, we deliver expert legal advice with practical commercial awareness. Whether you're buying, selling, developing, or facing property-related challenges, our specialist property solicitors guide you through every aspect of property law with clarity, efficiency, and success.

Our Services

Residential and commercial conveyancing
Property development and planning
Landlord and tenant matters
Property disputes and litigation
Lease negotiations and renewals
Property investment advice
Leasehold extensions and enfranchisement
Planning permission applications and appeals
Title registration and rectification
Restrictive covenant advice and removal
Right of way and easement creation
Compulsory purchase order representation
Equity release legal advice
Property taxation and SDLT planning
Environmental law and contaminated land
Construction disputes and dilapidations

Specialised Services

Residential Conveyancing

Expert residential conveyancing services for buyers, sellers, and remortgaging.

Commercial Property

Comprehensive commercial property services for businesses and investors.

Property Disputes

Expert resolution of property disputes including boundary, title, and possession matters.

Lease Extensions

Specialist lease extension and enfranchisement services for leaseholders.

Property Development

Comprehensive legal services for property development projects from planning to completion.

Commercial Leases

Expert commercial lease negotiation and management for landlords and tenants.

Property Investment

Legal support for property investment strategies including buy-to-let, commercial investment, and portfolio management.

Environmental Law

Specialized environmental law services for property transactions, development, and compliance.

Lease Amendments

Expert legal services for amending residential and commercial leases to reflect changing circumstances.

Leasehold Property Purchases

Comprehensive legal services for buying leasehold properties including flats, apartments, and leasehold houses.

Share of Freehold Transactions

Legal services for buying and selling shares of freehold, including collective enfranchisement and individual transactions.

Compulsory Purchase Order Advice

Expert representation for property owners facing compulsory purchase orders from public authorities and developers.

Conditional Property Contracts

Drafting and negotiating conditional contracts for complex property transactions with specific requirements.

Declarations of Trust

Legal documentation establishing beneficial ownership interests in jointly owned property.

Deed of Easement

Creating and documenting easements for rights of way, drainage, utilities, and other property rights.

Property Gifts and Transfers

Legal services for gifting property between family members including deeds of gift and tax planning.

Deed of Rectification

Correcting errors in property documents and legal instruments through formal rectification procedures.

Title Registration and Amendment

Land Registry applications for first registration, title amendments, and resolving boundary and ownership disputes.

Deed of Variation

Modifying existing property agreements and legal arrangements through formal deed of variation.

Dilapidation Claims

Expert handling of commercial and residential dilapidation claims for landlords seeking property repair costs.

Equity Release

Independent legal advice on equity release schemes including lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans.

Evicting Squatters and Trespassers

Legal representation in possession proceedings for evicting squatters, trespassers, and unauthorized occupants.

Extend a Leasehold

Comprehensive leasehold extension services including statutory and voluntary extensions for all property types.

Planning Permission Applications

Legal support for planning permission applications including complex development proposals and change of use applications.

Planning Appeals

Expert representation in planning appeals and enforcement proceedings to challenge local authority decisions.

Restrictive Covenants

Legal advice on restrictive covenants affecting property use including removal, modification, and enforcement.

Retrospective Planning Permission

Legal assistance with retrospective planning applications for work carried out without proper consent.

Right of Way Disputes

Resolution of access disputes including private rights of way, public footpaths, and vehicular access rights.

Right to Light and Planning Objections

Protecting and challenging rights to light in development projects and planning applications.

Section 42 Lease Extensions

Statutory lease extension procedures under Section 42 of the Leasehold Reform Act for flat owners.

Why Choose Gardner Champion?

Experienced property lawyers with specialist expertise
Competitive fixed fees available for most transactions
Fast transaction times with efficient processes
Comprehensive due diligence and risk assessment
Expert knowledge of local property markets
Strong relationships with estate agents and surveyors
Proactive problem-solving and risk management
Clear communication throughout the process
Access to specialist property counsel when needed
Technology-driven efficiency and transparency
Evening and weekend appointments available
Multi-disciplinary support across all property matters

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Get a transparent, fixed-fee quote tailored to your specific legal needs. All prices exclude VAT.

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Detailed Information

Comprehensive Property Law Services

Property law encompasses all legal matters relating to real estate, from simple residential purchases to complex commercial developments and property disputes. Our experienced property law team provides comprehensive legal services across all property sectors, helping clients navigate the complexities of property ownership, transactions, and development. We understand that property matters are often the largest financial transactions in our clients' lives, which is why we provide expert legal advice combined with practical commercial awareness to ensure successful outcomes.

Residential Property Services

Our residential property team handles all aspects of home buying, selling, and ownership, from first-time purchases to complex property portfolios. We provide expert conveyancing services, lease extensions, property disputes resolution, and comprehensive advice on all residential property matters including Help to Buy schemes, shared ownership, and property investment structures.

Commercial Property Expertise

Commercial property transactions require specialized knowledge of business leases, development agreements, investment structures, and commercial property law. Our commercial property team provides comprehensive legal support for acquisitions, disposals, leasing, property management, and development projects, ensuring your commercial property interests are fully protected.

Property Development and Planning

From initial land acquisition through to final sales, we provide comprehensive legal support for property development projects. This includes planning permission applications, development agreements, construction contracts, environmental assessments, and all aspects of development finance and sales arrangements.

Specialized Property Law Areas

Beyond standard conveyancing, our property law expertise extends to highly specialized areas including leasehold enfranchisement, restrictive covenants, planning law, property taxation, environmental compliance, and complex property disputes. We handle the most challenging property law matters with skill and precision, providing innovative solutions to complex property problems.

Leasehold Law and Extensions

We are specialists in all aspects of leasehold law including statutory lease extensions, collective enfranchisement, service charge disputes, and leasehold valuation tribunal representation. Our team helps leaseholders understand their rights and achieve the best possible outcomes in lease extension and enfranchisement proceedings.

Property Disputes and Litigation

When property disputes arise, we provide expert litigation services including boundary disputes, right of way issues, restrictive covenant enforcement, landlord and tenant disputes, and professional negligence claims. Our experienced property litigators work to resolve disputes efficiently while protecting our clients' interests.

Planning and Environmental Law

Our planning and environmental law expertise includes planning permission applications, planning appeals, enforcement proceedings, contaminated land issues, and environmental compliance. We work closely with planning consultants and environmental specialists to achieve successful outcomes for development projects and planning disputes.

Why Choose Our Property Law Team

Our property law team combines deep legal expertise with practical commercial awareness and extensive market knowledge. We understand that property transactions are often time-sensitive and financially significant, which is why we work efficiently to complete matters quickly while ensuring nothing is overlooked. Our proactive approach helps prevent problems and delays, saving you time and money while achieving your property objectives.

Expert Knowledge and Experience

Our property lawyers have extensive experience across all property sectors and transaction types. We stay current with changes in property law, market conditions, and best practices to provide the most effective legal advice and solutions for our clients' property needs.

Technology and Efficiency

We use cutting-edge technology and efficient processes to streamline property transactions and reduce completion times. Our online client portal provides real-time updates on transaction progress, while our digital systems ensure accuracy and security throughout the process.

Comprehensive Due Diligence

We conduct thorough due diligence on all property transactions, identifying potential issues before they become problems. This includes comprehensive title investigations, planning and building regulation checks, environmental assessments, financial due diligence, and detailed analysis of all legal documentation.

Residential Property Services

Commercial Property Expertise

Property Development and Planning

Need this handled quickly?

Our experienced solicitors can provide you with a free estimate and priority service.

Request a free estimate

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Contact us

Help Guides

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Property

A comprehensive guide to the property purchase process from initial offer to completion.

Step-by-Step Process

1Make an offer and have it accepted by the seller
2Arrange a mortgage (if required) and obtain a mortgage offer
3Instruct a solicitor to handle the legal work
4Carry out property surveys and searches
5Review the contract and property information
6Exchange contracts and pay the deposit
7Complete the purchase and receive the keys
8Register the property in your name with the Land Registry

Helpful Tips

Get mortgage pre-approval before making offers
Choose a solicitor with good local knowledge
Don't skip the survey - it could save you money
Keep all documents organised throughout the process

Important Warnings

Don't exchange contracts until you're completely satisfied
Ensure you have sufficient funds for all costs
Don't make any major financial changes during the process
Be aware of the risks of gazumping and gazundering

Selling Your Property Successfully

Essential steps to prepare and sell your property efficiently and profitably.

Step-by-Step Process

1Prepare your property for sale (declutter, minor repairs, staging)
2Obtain an accurate valuation from multiple estate agents
3Choose an estate agent and marketing strategy
4Gather all necessary documents (EPC, title deeds, planning consents)
5Instruct a solicitor to handle the legal work
6Respond promptly to enquiries and viewings
7Negotiate offers and accept the best one
8Complete the sale and hand over the keys

Helpful Tips

First impressions matter - invest in presentation
Be realistic about pricing based on market conditions
Choose an experienced estate agent with good local knowledge
Keep your property clean and tidy for viewings

Important Warnings

Don't overprice your property as it may deter buyers
Be prepared for the selling process to take time
Don't accept the first offer unless it meets your needs
Ensure all necessary documents are available from the start

A comprehensive guide to the property purchase process from initial offer to completion.

Step-by-Step Process

1Make an offer and have it accepted by the seller
2Arrange a mortgage (if required) and obtain a mortgage offer
3Instruct a solicitor to handle the legal work
4Carry out property surveys and searches
5Review the contract and property information
6Exchange contracts and pay the deposit
7Complete the purchase and receive the keys
8Register the property in your name with the Land Registry

Helpful Tips

Get mortgage pre-approval before making offers
Choose a solicitor with good local knowledge
Don't skip the survey - it could save you money
Keep all documents organised throughout the process

Important Warnings

Don't exchange contracts until you're completely satisfied
Ensure you have sufficient funds for all costs
Don't make any major financial changes during the process
Be aware of the risks of gazumping and gazundering

Ready to get started?

Let our expert team handle your legal needs with confidence and care.

Get Instant Quote Speak to a solicitor

Additional Information

Our Process

Our property law process begins with an initial consultation to understand your needs and objectives. We'll explain the legal process, provide a clear timeline, and identify any potential issues. Throughout the transaction, we keep you informed of progress and handle all legal requirements efficiently. We work closely with estate agents, surveyors, and mortgage brokers to ensure a smooth process.

Timeline

Timeline varies depending on the type of transaction. Simple residential purchases typically take 4-8 weeks, while complex commercial deals may take 3-6 months. We'll provide realistic timelines at the outset and work to complete your transaction as quickly as possible while ensuring all legal requirements are met.

Costs & Fees

We offer competitive fixed fees for standard residential conveyancing and transparent pricing for commercial transactions. All our legal fees exclude VAT. Our fees include all standard legal work, searches, and Land Registry fees. We'll provide a detailed cost breakdown before starting work and keep you informed of any additional costs that may arise.

What You'll Need

Proof of identity and address
Proof of funds or mortgage offer
Property details and address
Estate agent details (if applicable)
Surveyor contact details
Insurance details
Any relevant planning documents
Previous property documents (if selling)

Pricing & Service Information

Our Legal Fees

£800 - £1,500+ VAT

Depending on property value and transaction complexity

VAT at 20% will be added to all our legal fees

Additional Costs (Disbursements)

These are costs paid to third parties on your behalf:

Property searches(Required)

Local authority, drainage, environmental searches

£250-£400

Land Registry fees(Required)

Varies by property value

£40-£910

Bank transfer fee(Required)

Electronic funds transfer (inc VAT)

£40

Leasehold management pack

For leasehold properties only

£200-£400

What's Included

All legal work from instruction to completion
Property searches and reviewing results
Contract review and legal advice
Liaising with lenders, estate agents, and other solicitors
Exchange of contracts and completion
Land Registry registration
Stamp Duty Land Tax advice and submission
Regular progress updates

What's Not Included

Stamp Duty Land Tax (government tax)
Property surveys
Mortgage arrangement fees
Buildings insurance
Removal costs
Estate agent fees

Typical Timescales

8-12 weeks for most residential transactions

May vary depending on chain length, searches, mortgage processing, and any issues arising

Key Stages of Your Matter

Instruction & ID Checks

We take your instructions, verify your identity, and begin initial checks

Searches & Enquiries

Property searches ordered and reviewed, enquiries raised with seller's solicitor

Contract Review & Mortgage

Contract reviewed, mortgage arranged, comprehensive legal advice provided

Exchange of Contracts

Contracts exchanged making the transaction legally binding, deposit paid

Completion

Funds transferred, legal ownership passes to you, keys released

Post-Completion

Ownership registered at Land Registry, documents provided to you

Example Pricing Scenarios

Freehold house purchase £200,000

First-time buyer, straightforward freehold property with mortgage

£1,493-£1,593 (inc VAT)

Leasehold flat purchase £350,000

Leasehold property with management company and mortgage

£2,497-£2,897 (inc VAT)

Property sale £225,000

Straightforward freehold house sale

£695-£745 (inc VAT)

Get Expert Legal Advice

Contact our property law specialists for a consultation.

+44 333 034 4629

hello@gardnerchampion.co.uk

Get Instant Quote

Property Law

Property Law

Our Services

Specialised Services

Why Choose Gardner Champion?

Ready to get started?

Detailed Information

Comprehensive Property Law Services

Residential Property Services

Commercial Property Expertise

Property Development and Planning

Specialized Property Law Areas

Leasehold Law and Extensions

Property Disputes and Litigation

Planning and Environmental Law

Why Choose Our Property Law Team

Expert Knowledge and Experience

Technology and Efficiency

Comprehensive Due Diligence

Residential Property Services

Commercial Property Expertise

Property Development and Planning

Need this handled quickly?

Frequently Asked Questions

Help Guides

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Property

Step-by-Step Process

Helpful Tips

Important Warnings

Selling Your Property Successfully

Step-by-Step Process

Helpful Tips

Important Warnings

Step-by-Step Process

Helpful Tips

Important Warnings

Ready to get started?

Additional Information

Our Process

Timeline

Costs & Fees

What You'll Need

Pricing & Service Information

Our Legal Fees

Additional Costs (Disbursements)

What's Included

What's Not Included

Typical Timescales

Key Stages of Your Matter

Instruction & ID Checks

Searches & Enquiries

Contract Review & Mortgage

Exchange of Contracts

Completion

Post-Completion

Example Pricing Scenarios

Freehold house purchase £200,000

Leasehold flat purchase £350,000

Property sale £225,000

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