Conveyancing in Exeter
Conveyancing is the legal process of buying and selling a property, involving the work a solicitor does to investigate the property, handle mortgage requirements and register the new owner. If you need a solicitor for conveyancing in Exeter, we can help you with fast & proactive conveyancing from a national panel of conveyancing specialists.
We have helped clients in Exeter and throughout Devon 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: Crediton, Dawlish, Exmouth, Newton Abbot and Teignmouth
Buying a home in Exeter
A city in Devon, Exeter is known for its cathedral, the historic Quayside, and the nearby Dartmoor National Park. Popular residential areas include St Leonard's and Heavitree. Exeter has a mainline railway station, providing links to Bristol and Plymouth. Exeter has a population of approximately 129,000.
The area attracts a cross-section of buyers looking to enjoy both a good lifestyle and economic opportunities.
The most sought-after addresses at the top end of the market are in St Leonards, Topsham and Pennsylvania. Park and ride schemes and effective cycle routes make the centre easily accessible from more affordable districts on the outskirts.
Popular areas to live in Exeter include: St Leonard's, Topsham, Pennsylvania and St Davids, known for their grand Victorian houses, good schools and proximity to the city centre; St Thomas, a sought-after residential area known for its characterful period properties, green spaces and good access to amenities; and Heavitree and Wonford, that are popular with families and young professionals looking for easy access to amenities and green spaces.
Other popular areas include: Exwick, which is known for its leafy streets, spacious houses and proximity to the University of Exeter. With a high student population, there are many properties for student rentals around the Streatham Campus. Pinhoe, which is a village located just on the outskirts of the city, it offers a more rural lifestyle, great access to the countryside, and plenty of family-friendly amenities.
The city is home to the University of Exeter and the University of Plymouth, which contribute to a large student population in the area, leading to a high demand for student accommodation.
Council Tax in Exeter (2023/24)
| Band | Amount |
|---|---|
| A | £1,445.07 |
| B | £1,685.92 |
| C | £1,926.76 |
| D | £2,167.61 |
| E | £2,649.30 |
| F | £3,130.99 |
| G | £3,612.68 |
| H | £4,335.22 |
What does a conveyancing solicitor do?
Your property lawyer plays an essential role during a property purchase. This means performing due diligence on the property, such as raising questions for the seller's solicitor, obtaining searches from relevant authorities, such as Exeter Council and handling the transfer of funds.
Exeter conveyancing solicitors may carry out checks for issues related to mundic, flood risk, radon and tin mining searches.
Will you be taking out a mortgage?
When buying with a mortgage, it is standard for your solicitor to also act for your mortgage bank.
Acceptance on a lender's panel means your solicitor can act on behalf of your bank or building society.
Our chosen partner solicitors have established relationships with the majority of banks and building societies, facilitating a quicker completion of your transaction.
Read more:
Conveyancing for buying a property
Find out if our panel solicitors can act for your mortgage lender
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We can also assist home buyers in Exeter with the legal work for:
There are over 500,000 listed buildings across the country, and around 1,010 of which are in Exeter City Council. Exeter listed buildings and properties include: Listed buildings come with complex rules that the owner must adhere to. Our expert conveyancing solicitor panel will discuss with you the obligations imposed by listed property ownership. Examples include a duty to maintain the exterior appearance, and required consent for landscaping. Read more:Buying a listed building
Shared ownership involves purchasing a share (usually 25% to 75%) of a property from a registered provider of social housing. While it is a great way to get on the property ladder, buying and owning a shared ownership property is more involved, because contracts are more complex and may contain restrictive covenants. With extensive specialist experience, our panel of solicitors will assist you with every step of the process.Shared Ownership
I am buying a new build property in Exeter - what do I need to know?
The legal work for buying a new build in Exeter can be complicated compared to other types of conveyancing.
A solicitor in Exeter must be able to deal with things like squaring developer incentives with lenders, ensuring compliance with planning regulations and registering ownership with warranty providers such as NHBC, Advantage and ACHI/Vantage.
Read more:
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Selling a property in Exeter
When you begin the process to sell an Exeter house or flat, your lawyer will first assemble all essential documents, including title deeds and ID forms.
The role of a conveyancer acting for the seller includes responding to the buyer's solicitor's enquiries, resolving issues like restrictive covenants and taking charge of the mortgage redemption.
Your solicitor will also coordinate with all parties, including estate agents and banks or building societies, to help ensure the home move is completed without incident.
I am selling a leasehold property in Exeter - what do I need to know?
Conveyancing for a leasehold flat (houses are rarely leasehold) is a great deal more complex than for a freehold property.
Leasehold complexity involves additional legal work on the part of conveyancing solicitors in Exeter, including sourcing an up-to-date service charge statement, through to looking into potential forfeiture proceedings.
In order to resolve any leasehold problems faster, It is recommended that the vendor contact a property lawyer as early as possible.
Conveyancing for selling a property
Remortgage conveyancing
The Bank of England's current base rate is 5.25% (7 December, 2024)
You should verify your preferred solicitor is approved by your lender before you instruct.
We work with remortgage solicitors who are on the panels of all major mortgage lenders, so whether you are switching to an offset mortgage from Virgin Money or taking out a buy to let mortgage from Birmingham Midshires, our experienced conveyancing team can guide you through the remortgage process.
Read more:
Find out if our panel solicitors can act for your mortgage lender
Get a remortgage conveyancing quote
Transferring Equity in Exeter
If you want to change the ownership structure of your home, whether you are buying out another part-owner, giving a property to a family member or tax planning for the future, a transfer of equity is required.
Your lawyer will handle all the required documentation and register the new interest at HM Land Registry for a guaranteed fixed fee.
Read more:
Transfer of equity Stamp Duty calculator
Get a transfer of equity conveyancing quote
How much are solicitors' conveyancing fees in Exeter?
When you are comparing quotes, it isn't always easy to be certain you are comparing like to like.
Conveyancing fees
Your solicitor's quote will set out the legal fees (inc. VAT) that you'll pay when your transaction completes. These fees are what your conveyancing solicitor charges you for the work they carry out.
Conveyancing disbursements
Your conveyancing quote should also itemise required third-party costs, or disbursements, including Stamp Duty and Land Registry fees.
Are the conveyancing fees fixed?
Some firms may include additional charges in the small print. This can mean a total cost that's much higher than the initial quote. If you are comparing conveyancing quotes, watch out for additional charges.
