Conveyancing in Bedford
The conveyancing process ensures the legal transfer of property from the seller to the buyer. If you're looking for a conveyancing solicitor in Bedford, you're in the right place. Get a fast & proactive solicitor from a nationwide panel of conveyancing experts.
We have helped Bedford and Befordshire clients with buying, selling, buy-to-let, Help to Buy, Right to Buy, shared ownership, new build, leasehold, lease extensions, remortgage and transfer of equity.
Other areas covered: Biggleswade, Luton, Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell and Northampton
Buying property in Bedford
Bedford, the county town of Bedfordshire, was founded in Saxon times at a ford on the River Great Ouse. Historically at the centre of England's lace industry, the town was transformed into a major engineering hub in the 1800s.
Over the last century, Bedford became a magnet for people from all over the world and is now one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse towns in the UK. This has led to the development of the town's rich, cosmopolitan culture.
Express rail services to London St Pancras mean the capital can be reached in less than an hour.
Council Tax in Bedford (2023/24)
Band | Amount |
---|---|
A | £1,421.59 |
B | £1,658.52 |
C | £1,895.46 |
D | £2,132.39 |
E | £2,606.25 |
F | £3,080.12 |
G | £3,553.98 |
H | £4,264.78 |
What do Bedford conveyancing solicitors do?
During the home purchase, a solicitor will handle all the legal elements of transferring ownership from the seller to the buyer. They will order searches, raise enquires of the seller, review contracts and take care of tasks after the sale, like HMLR registration and paying Stamp Duty.
Bedford conveyancing solicitors may also carry out searches for radon gas, planned rail lines and historic mining activity.
Purchasing a property with a mortgage?
Whether you are buying a commercial property or buying an auction property, your solicitor must also complete legal work for the bank.
If your property lawyer isn't accepted on your chosen lender's panel, it may take weeks longer to purchase your property.
Over 100 banks and building societies have approved our chosen panel solicitors, so we can help you complete your Bedford transaction without delay.
Read more:
Conveyancing for buying a property
Find out if our panel solicitors can act for your mortgage lender
We can also help Bedford buyers with conveyancing for:
There are more than half a million listed properties across the country, 1,406 of which are in Bedford Borough Council. Bedford listed buildings and properties include: Buying a listed building is not a decision to be taken lightly. Our experienced panel of solicitors will discuss with you the obligations imposed by listed property ownership. Examples include required consent for any alterations, and an obligation to protect significant internal features like fireplaces. Read more:Buying a listed building
New Build Conveyancing
The legal work for purchasing a new build home in Bedford is often more complex than other types of conveyancing.
Your solicitor in Bedford will need to be qualified to handle things like investigating developer incentives, verifying rights of access and any other mortgage issues.
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Selling property in Bedford
When you begin the process to sell a property in Bedford, your conveyancing solicitor will first prepare vital paperwork, including title deeds and ID forms, and will help you answer these forms.
Responsibilities include responding to the buyer's solicitor's questions, resolving issues like absence of easement and taking charge of the mortgage redemption.
Your solicitor will work with both sides, including estate agents and banks or building societies, to confirm that the transfer of ownership is completed successfully.Is there anything to be aware of if selling a leasehold property in Bedford?
The conveyancing process for a leasehold flat (leasehold houses are uncommon) is much more complex than for a more straightforward freehold house.
The complex nature of leasehold property means that conveyancing solicitors in Bedford will need to conduct additional work, such as obtaining all relevant freeholder information, through to finding out if there are any payment arrears.
To reduce leasehold-related delays, It is strongly advised that the seller instruct a property lawyer as soon as is practicable.
Conveyancing for selling a property
Remortgage conveyancing
The current Bank of England base rate is 4.5% (24 May, 2025)
Before you instruct, check your bank or building society's legal panel includes your conveyancer.
Our remortgage panel solicitors are on the panels of all major lenders. Whether you are changing to a standard variable rate mortgage with Lloyds Bank or moving to a capped mortgage with Harpenden Building Society, we can help you.
Read more:
Find out if our panel solicitors can act for your lender
Get a remortgage conveyancing quote
Transferring Equity
Whether you are dealing with inheritance tax planning, giving a property to a family member or buying out a joint owner, you'll need to carry out a transfer of equity.
Your property lawyer will handle the legal side for a guaranteed fixed fee.
Read more:
Transfer of equity Stamp Duty calculator
Get a transfer of equity conveyancing quote
How much are conveyancing fees in Bedford?
When you are comparing quotes, it isn't always easy to be certain you are comparing like to like.
Conveyancing solicitors fees
Your conveyancing solicitor's quote will detail the fees for the legal work, including VAT, to be paid when the conveyancing transaction completes. These fees are paid to your solicitor for the legal work that they complete during your property transaction.
Disbursements (costs payable to third parties)
Disbursements are the payments incurred by your solicitor during the conveyancing process. Examples of disbursements include Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), HM Land Registry fees and property searches.
Check for hidden costs
If you are comparing quotes, beware of extra fees. Some solicitors' quotes may set out extra costs in the small print, resulting in an inflated final bill.