Conveyancing Solicitors in East London

Moving home can be incredibly stressful but it does not have to be that way.

Our team of qualified Solicitors and Conveyancers will take you through the process of buying and selling your property easily, efficiently and cost effectively. Whether this is your first time or you have bought or sold before, we understand the importance of an easy, clear and hassle-free transaction.

From our no-obligation free quotation through to undertaking title investigations, contract preparation and registration, we offer a transparent and straightforward service. Furthermore, being a panel-approved firm for most mortgage lenders, we are able to conduct matters quickly and seamlessly.   

We are proud to be part of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) and our team includes both members of the approved Law Society Conveyancing Panel Solicitors as well as the Council of Licensed Conveyancers.

Speak to our conveyancing solicitors in London now by calling 0208 989 3000 or using our simple contact form to request a call back.

Why choose Huggins Lewis Foskett for your residential conveyancing?

As London conveyancing solicitors we are widely experienced in all types of property transaction, including flats, new build homes and shared ownership.

Your sale, purchase or remortgage will be dealt with quickly and efficiently by qualified conveyancing lawyers and we will make sure you’re kept informed of progress every step of the way. Our team will be available to answer any questions you have and will explain the process and legal documentation to you so that you have a clear picture of the transaction.

Our London conveyancing fees

Our aim at Huggins Lewis Foskett is to provide a competitively priced service of the best possible quality. London conveyancing solicitors’ fees can be higher than in other parts of the country, but we work hard to keep costs affordable. Client care is at the forefront of everything we do and we always strive to make sure your transaction goes smoothly.

Our pricing structure clearly sets out the cost of conveyancing along with the key milestones you can expect.

Please see our Residential Purchase Pricing information if you are buying a home, or our Residential Sale Pricing page for sales. Our conveyancing solicitors in London will be happy to talk through the likely process with you and answer any questions you may have.

Our London conveyancing team

Fee Earners

Secretaries

  • Jacqui Alston
  • Alison Curtis
  • Isobella Sinclair
  • Jane Cumberpatch
  • Kay Hussain
  • Dannii Gayle

Conveyancing FAQs​

How long does conveyancing take?

This can depend on the number of people in any chain, how quickly you receive your mortgage offer, whether any negotiations or building quotes are needed as a result of your survey and whether the property is a new build or leasehold, in which case we may need to raise further enquiries or deal with a lease extension on your behalf.

In our experience, the average length of time for a residential conveyancing transaction in London is around 10-14 weeks. If others in the chain move more slowly and we need to wait for them to arrange a mortgage offer or reply to our enquiries for example, it could take 2-6 weeks longer. You can always be assured that we will deal with everything in a timely manner and do everything we can to avoid any delay.

Should I use the solicitor recommended by my estate agent?

It is preferable to find your own conveyancing solicitor. If your estate agent is referring clients to their own chosen conveyancers, they may be receiving a fee for this. While they should legally tell you about this, it may not be revealed until partway through the transaction when it is too late for you to change your mind.

If your solicitor is receiving business from your estate agent, they may well feel obligated to tell them everything about the transaction. If you experience a delay, for example with your mortgage offer or if your sale falls through, you may not want this information revealed, at least for a while.

You have a right to choose your own lawyer, and by doing so you can be assured that they will be independent and will at all times act in your best interest. Buying a home is for many people the largest purchase they will ever make, so it is advisable to find a good quality conveyancing solicitor whom you trust to act on your behalf.

We also recommend that if you buy in the London area you choose conveyancing solicitors in London who are familiar with the fast-moving property market in the capital as well as the more complicated types of ownership such as leasehold or shared ownership that you may encounter. Here at Huggins Lewis Foskett we offer this expertise together with completely independent representation and excellent quality client care.

Do I need a building survey when buying a house?

Buying a house is a serious financial undertaking and a building survey is always recommended. By using a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) you can be sure that your surveyor is an expert and is covered by indemnity insurance.

The valuation report carried out on behalf of your mortgage company is not a survey, merely a cursory look at the property to ensure that it is worth enough for the lender to approve your loan. It should not therefore be relied upon as a thorough investigation of the property.

RICS surveyors offer three main types of survey:

Condition Report - This is a brief overview that uses a traffic light system to highlight any areas of possible concern that may require attention, but does not go into detail or give advice on any action required to address any potential issues identified.

Homebuyer Report - This looks at potential problems such as damp and subsidence and the condition of the roof and chimney. It will include advice about repairs and maintenance as well as a valuation and building cost, which is useful for insurance purposes. This is the most popular level of survey.

Building Survey – This is a comprehensive, in-depth look at the property to include structural defects with specific advice on remedying any issues and may cover the likely costs involved in doing so. This is suitable for older, unusual or run-down homes.

If your survey identifies problems with the property, then it is open to you to negotiate a reduction in price with the seller to take into account any work which will be needed.

How late can you pull out of a house purchase?

You can pull out of a conveyancing transaction at any time up until exchange of contracts, at which time you become legally bound to complete the sale or purchase. Depending on how far through the procedure you are, you may have incurred some expenses such as a survey fee, search fees, mortgage lender’s fee and some legal fees for work done up to the point that you pull out.

Do you need a solicitor to remortgage?

Unless you are simply moving to a new product with your existing lender, you will need a solicitor to deal with a remortgage.

This is because the lender needs to ensure that the property is good security for their loan by investigating the title, carrying out searches and raising enquiries. The solicitor will also need to repay any existing loan and register the new lender’s charge with HM Land Registry.

Speak to our London conveyancing solicitors today

Our expert conveyancing team are happy to discuss your needs and answer any questions you may have. Buying a home is the most important purchase most of us make, so we know how important it is that you understand the purchase process and the legal implications.

Speak to our conveyancing solicitors in London now by calling 0208 989 3000 or using our simple contact form to request a call back.