Conveyancing Solicitors in London | Gardner Champion
Professional residential and commercial conveyancing services for property purchases, sales, and transfers throughout England and Wales. Expert conveyancing services in London, Greater London. London is the UK's legal capital, home to the world's leading law firms and courts. In London, our team provides expert legal services across all practice areas with deep local knowledge and international expertise.
Conveyancing in London
Local Expertise: London is the UK's legal capital, home to the world's leading law firms and courts. In London, our team provides expert legal services across all practice areas with deep local knowledge and international expertise.
Property transactions represent some of the largest financial commitments most people will ever make. Our experienced conveyancing team provides comprehensive legal services for residential and commercial property transactions, ensuring smooth completions while protecting your interests throughout the process.
Local Legal Expertise in London
London's legal landscape is unique, with the City of London hosting the world's largest concentration of international law firms. Our team understands the complex regulatory environment, from FCA compliance in Canary Wharf to planning permissions in Westminster.
Industry Focus
Our London practice specializes in serving the financial services sector, with particular expertise in FCA compliance, fintech regulations, and international commercial transactions. We also serve the growing tech sector in Shoreditch and King's Cross.
Local Networks
We maintain strong relationships with local chambers, the Law Society, and key business organizations including the City of London Corporation and Canary Wharf Group.
Recent Legal Changes in London
Recent changes to London's planning laws and the introduction of the new Building Safety Act have created new challenges for property developers and landlords, requiring specialist legal advice.
Common Legal Challenges in London
- Brexit regulatory changes affecting international businesses
- High property costs creating unique commercial lease challenges
- Competitive talent market requiring sophisticated employment contracts
- Complex planning regulations in conservation areas
London Conveyancing Information
Understanding local conditions and specific requirements for London helps ensure the best service.
Property Market Overview
New-Build Developments
Local Authority & Search Requirements
- Leasehold ground rent and service charge issues - particularly high in London
- Short lease lengths (under 80 years) significantly affect property values and mortgageability
- Conservation area and Listed Building restrictions across many areas
- Cladding and fire safety issues post-Grenfell - EWS1 certificates required for buildings over 18m
- Planning restrictions including Article 4 directions limiting permitted development
- Japanese knotweed and subsidence more common than reported
- HS2 construction impacts in North West London
What to Know About Conveyancing in London
- Leasehold properties dominate - lease length critical (under 80 years severely impacts value)
- Service charges £2,000-£10,000+ annually - scrutinize service charge accounts and reserve funds
- Post-Grenfell cladding checks essential - EWS1 certificates required for many buildings
- Borough searches vary: Westminster 2 weeks, Newham 4-6 weeks - factor into timeline
- Help to Buy London available on qualifying new-builds up to £600,000
- Stamp Duty significant: median £550k property = £17,500 SDLT (£0 for first-time buyers)
- Conservation areas and Listed Buildings common - restrictions on alterations
- Local authority licensing schemes for HMOs and selective licensing in many boroughs
Typical Fees for London Properties
London conveyancing fees reflect complex property market and high values
Disbursements: £500-£900 — Borough searches (£200-£350 varies by borough), Land Registry fees (£40-£1,475), bank transfer (£50), environmental, water and drainage searches (£100-£200), chancel check (£20)
Stamp Duty: First-time buyers pay 0% up to £425k (5% £425k-£625k). Other buyers pay 0% up to £250k, then 5% to £925k, then 10% to £1.5m. Additional property surcharge: +5% on entire purchase price. On London median property (£535k), first-time buyers pay £5,500 SDLT, other buyers pay £16,750
These fees are specific to London properties. Get a personalized quote for your exact circumstances.
Get Your Personalized QuoteOur Services
- Residential property purchases
- Property sale transactions
- Remortgage and transfer of equity
- Buy-to-let property services
- New build property purchases
- Help to Buy scheme support
- Auction property purchases
- Leasehold property transactions
- Commercial property conveyancing
- Plot sales and land transfers
Conveyancing Services in London
Residential Property Purchase
Comprehensive legal services for buying your home including freehold and leasehold purchases, new builds, and Help to Buy schemes.
Property Sales
Expert legal representation for selling your property including chain management, contract preparation, and completion coordination.
Remortgage & Transfer of Equity
Expert legal services for remortgaging your property and transfer of equity transactions including adding or removing names from title.
Buy-to-Let & Investment Property
Comprehensive conveyancing services for investment property purchases including buy-to-let mortgages and portfolio building.
Leasehold Property Services
Specialist conveyancing for leasehold properties including lease extensions, enfranchisement, and share of freehold purchases.
New Build Properties
Specialist new build conveyancing including Help to Buy, warranties, and developer contract negotiations.
Commercial Property Conveyancing
Expert commercial property legal services including office purchases, retail premises, industrial units, and investment property transactions.
Shared Ownership Schemes
Expert legal services for shared ownership purchases including staircasing, resales, and scheme compliance requirements.
Why Choose Gardner Champion?
- Experienced property lawyers
- Competitive fixed fees
- Regular progress updates
- Same day exchange capability
- Comprehensive searches and checks
- Panel membership with major lenders
Expert legal support for London clients
Our solicitors have extensive experience with London legal requirements and can provide expert guidance for your specific situation.
Get Instant QuoteNeed urgent legal assistance?
Our experienced solicitors can provide immediate consultation and priority handling for London clients.
Get immediate supportFrequently Asked Questions
London-Specific Conveyancing Questions
General Conveyancing Questions
Help Guides
First-Time Buyer's Complete Conveyancing Guide
A comprehensive step-by-step guide for first-time property buyers navigating the conveyancing process.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Get a mortgage agreement in principle before viewing properties seriously
- 2Instruct a solicitor as soon as your offer is accepted - don't delay
- 3Provide all required ID documents and proof of funds immediately
- 4Arrange a comprehensive property survey to identify any issues
- 5Review all legal documents provided by your solicitor carefully
- 6Respond promptly to any enquiries or requests for additional information
- 7Arrange buildings insurance to start from exchange date
- 8Complete final checks and walkthrough before completion day
Helpful Tips
- Budget for all costs including searches, surveys, and moving expenses
- Don't make major financial changes during the conveyancing process
- Stay in regular contact with your solicitor for updates and guidance
- Keep all property-related documents organized in one place
Important Warnings
- Don't exchange contracts until you're completely satisfied with everything
- Never skip the survey - it could reveal expensive hidden problems
- Don't book removal companies or give notice until after exchange
- Be prepared for the process to take longer than initially estimated
Selling Your Property: Essential Legal Steps
A complete guide to the legal requirements and process when selling your property.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Gather all property documents including title deeds and mortgage information
- 2Complete property information forms honestly and thoroughly
- 3Provide all warranties, guarantees, and building certificates you have
- 4Obtain an Energy Performance Certificate if you don't have a valid one
- 5Respond promptly to buyer enquiries raised by their solicitor
- 6Review and approve the sale contract before it's sent to the buyer
- 7Coordinate completion timing with your onward purchase if applicable
- 8Prepare for completion by arranging key handover and final meter readings
Helpful Tips
- Be completely honest about any known defects or issues with the property
- Keep copies of all correspondence and documents for your records
- Coordinate closely with your estate agent throughout the process
- Plan your move out timeline carefully to avoid last-minute stress
Important Warnings
- Never hide known defects - this could lead to costly legal action later
- Don't make any structural changes during the sale process without agreement
- Ensure you can prove ownership of items you're taking with you
- Don't assume completion will happen exactly when originally planned
Understanding Property Chains and Managing Delays
Expert guidance on navigating property chains and minimizing risks of transaction breakdown.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Find out early who else is in your property chain and their circumstances
- 2Ensure everyone in the chain has mortgage offers and legal representation
- 3Coordinate survey timing across the chain to avoid unnecessary delays
- 4Maintain regular communication with all parties through solicitors
- 5Be flexible with completion dates while protecting your interests
- 6Have backup plans ready in case any part of the chain fails
- 7Consider chain-free alternatives if you're in a problematic chain
- 8Exchange contracts simultaneously across the chain for security
Helpful Tips
- Longer chains are more likely to experience delays or break down
- First-time buyers and cash buyers often provide more chain stability
- Good communication between all parties' solicitors is essential
- Be patient but stay informed about progress and potential issues
Important Warnings
- Don't rely entirely on estate agents for chain coordination
- Be wary of very long chains with multiple interdependent transactions
- Don't book removal services or give notice until contracts are exchanged
- Consider the implications of your chain position - first, middle, or last
Remortgaging: Legal Process and Requirements
A straightforward guide to the legal aspects of remortgaging your property.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Shop around for the best mortgage deals and get offers from lenders
- 2Instruct a solicitor who specializes in remortgage transactions
- 3Provide proof of identity, address, and income as required
- 4Allow your solicitor to conduct title checks and resolve any issues
- 5Review and sign the new mortgage documents carefully
- 6Coordinate completion timing with your existing lender's redemption
- 7Ensure buildings insurance continues without interruption
- 8Complete the transaction and receive confirmation of new arrangements
Helpful Tips
- Remortgaging is usually faster than purchase conveyancing (4-8 weeks)
- Consider whether you want to borrow additional funds while remortgaging
- Check if your current lender will match or beat competitor offers
- Factor in legal fees and arrangement fees when calculating savings
Important Warnings
- Don't assume remortgaging will automatically reduce your payments
- Consider the total cost including fees, not just the interest rate
- Ensure you understand any early repayment charges on your current mortgage
- Don't make major financial commitments during the remortgage process
Conveyancing in Nearby Areas
We also serve neighbouring areas across Greater London.
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