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 Solicitors in London | Gardner Champion

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. Expert property law 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.

Property Law 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.

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.

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 Property Law Information

Understanding local conditions and specific requirements for London helps ensure the best service.

Property Market Overview

Terraced

£625,000

Semi-detached

£750,000

Detached

£1,450,000

Flat

£495,000

Median price

£535,000

+2.8% last year

Typical timeline

12-16 weeks

New-Build Developments

Nine Elms

Major regeneration with residential towers

Developer: Multiple developers

Postcodes: SW8, SW11

Royal Wharf

Riverside development in East London

Developer: Ballymore Group & Oxley Holdings

Postcodes: E16

Greenwich Peninsula

Large-scale riverside development

Developer: Knight Dragon

Postcodes: SE10

Local Authority & Search Requirements

Local Authority

Various London Boroughs (33 total)

Search turnaround

2-6 weeks (varies by borough)

Land Registry

Various London Land Registry offices

Important local considerations:

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 Property Law 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

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Typical Fees for London Properties

London conveyancing fees reflect complex property market and high values

Purchase

Up to £500,000

£1,794

Lower-value London properties

£500,001 - £1,000,000

£2,394

Typical London property values

£1,000,001 - £2,000,000

£3,594

Premium London properties

£2,000,001+

£4,794

High-value London market - bespoke quote available

Sale

Any value

£1,554

Fixed fee regardless of property value

Remortgage

Standard remortgage

£834

No move, no searches required

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.

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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

Property Law Services in London

Residential Conveyancing

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

Available in London

Commercial Property

Comprehensive commercial property services for businesses and investors.

Available in London

Property Disputes

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

Available in London

Lease Extensions

Specialist lease extension and enfranchisement services for leaseholders.

Available in London

Property Development

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

Available in London

Commercial Leases

Expert commercial lease negotiation and management for landlords and tenants.

Available in London

Property Investment

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

Available in London

Environmental Law

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

Available in London

View all 30 services

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

Expert legal support for London clients

Our solicitors have extensive experience with London legal requirements and can provide expert guidance for your specific situation.

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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 urgent legal assistance?

Our experienced solicitors can provide immediate consultation and priority handling for London clients.

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Frequently Asked Questions

London-Specific Property Law Questions

Have specific questions about your London property?

Our local experts are here to help

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General Property Law Questions

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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

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.