Conveyancing guides and insights

Plain-English articles, guides and updates from our conveyancing team. For advice on your own situation, visit our Conveyancing services or request a callback.

13 articles · View all News & Insights

Buying a house with no building regulations: what it means

Buying a house with an extension that was never signed off? What missing building regulations really mean, why indemnity insurance isn't the fix people think, and your options.

1 July 2026 · Andrew Humphreys Read →

Should you buy a flat with a short lease? The 80-year trap explained

A flat's lease length is one of the biggest things buyers overlook. Below 80 years it gets expensive to extend, and the reforms meant to fix this have stalled.

26 June 2026 · Robin Street Read →

Buying a home in Wales: how it's different from England

Buying a home in Wales is mostly the same as England, but a few real differences matter: Land Transaction Tax, coal mining searches, and Rent Smart Wales.

18 June 2026 · Kim Swallow Read →

Land Transaction Tax in Wales: what you'll actually pay

Buy a home in Wales and you pay Land Transaction Tax, not Stamp Duty - with different bands, no first-time buyer relief, and its own second-home rates.

20 April 2026 · Andrew Humphreys Read →

Property searches explained: what your solicitor checks before you buy

Property searches are the checks your solicitor runs before you buy, revealing problems a viewing never shows. Here's what each one finds, what they cost, and why they matter.

6 March 2026 · Rhianne Mace Read →

How long does conveyancing take?

Most moves take 10 to 16 weeks from offer to completion. Here's a realistic timeline, why delays happen, and how to tell if your solicitor is the problem.

20 January 2026 · Andrew Humphreys Read →

Gifted deposits: why your solicitor needs so much proof

A gifted deposit comes with a lot of paperwork. That's not your solicitor being difficult, but a legal anti-money-laundering duty. Here's exactly what you and the giver must provide.

15 January 2026 · Natalie Wride Read →

Owning Property with Family: Key Considerations and Potential Challenges

Our team discuss they key things you need to consider when owning a property with your family.

25 June 2024 · Helen Barry Read →

What Property Searches Are Done When Buying a House: A Simple Guide

When you are buying a house, your solicitor will have to do a number of searches. Here we provide an overview of what these are.

25 January 2023 · Helen Barry Read →

We Explore What Happens to Title Deeds After a Mortgage Is Paid Off?

When your mortgage is paid off, what happens to your title deeds. We explore the process.

10 April 2022 · Helen Barry Read →

Should You Instruct a Solicitor Before Making an Offer on a House?

You do not legally need a solicitor to make an offer on a house, but instructing one early is one of the best ways to avoid delays later. Until contracts are exchanged,…

10 March 2022 · Helen Barry Read →

Can You Buy a Second Home in Wales? Tax and What to Know

You can buy a second home in Wales, but expect higher Land Transaction Tax on the purchase and, in many areas, a council tax premium of up to 300%. Here is what…

17 January 2022 · Helen Barry Read →