Property Sale Solicitor in London

What Does a Property Sale Solicitor Do?

A property sale solicitor (also known as a conveyancing solicitor) handles all the legal work required to transfer ownership of your property to the buyer. Their role includes:

• Obtaining and verifying your title deeds and Land Registry documents
• Preparing the draft contract and sales memorandum
• Completing and submitting the TA6 Property Information Form and TA10 Fittings and Contents Form
• Answering the buyer’s solicitor’s enquiries
• Managing mortgage redemption with your existing lender
• Handling exchange of contracts and the final transfer on completion day
• Registering the change of ownership with HM Land Registry

At Adam Bernard Solicitors, our property lawyers manage every stage proactively — keeping your transaction moving and keeping you informed throughout.

The Property Sale Process in the UK: Step by Step

Understanding each stage of selling a property helps you plan effectively and avoid unnecessary delays.

1. Instruct a Conveyancing Solicitor Early

The earlier you instruct a solicitor, the better. We recommend instructing as soon as you decide to sell — before an offer is even accepted. This allows us to obtain your title documents and prepare your contract pack in advance, significantly reducing delays once a buyer is found.

2. Accept an Offer and Instruct Your Solicitor Formally

Once an offer is accepted through your estate agent, your solicitor formally begins the legal process. We will send a client care letter, carry out anti-money-laundering (AML) identity checks, and begin drafting the contract.

3. Complete Property Information Forms

You will be required to complete standardised Law Society forms:

• TA6 — Property Information Form (disputes, boundaries, services, planning permissions)
• TA10 — Fittings and Contents Form (what is included in the sale)
• TA7 — Leasehold Information Form (if selling a leasehold property)

Full and accurate disclosure is a legal requirement. Failing to disclose known defects or disputes can give rise to a misrepresentation claim after completion.

4. Exchange of Contracts

Once the buyer’s solicitor has raised and received answers to all enquiries, and both parties are satisfied with the terms, contracts are exchanged. At this point:

• The buyer pays a deposit — typically 10% of the purchase price
• A legally binding completion date is fixed
• Neither party can withdraw without significant financial penalty

5. Completion

On the agreed completion date, the buyer’s solicitor transfers the remaining balance of the purchase price to your solicitor. Your mortgage (if any) is redeemed from these funds. You hand over the keys and legal ownership transfers to the buyer.

6. Post-Completion

After completion, your solicitor will:

• Discharge your mortgage and obtain confirmation from your lender
• Notify HM Land Registry of the change of ownership
• Account to you for the net sale proceeds after deducting solicitor’s fees, estate agent’s commission, and any outstanding mortgage balance

Legal Considerations When Selling a Property in England

Disclosure Obligations

Under English property law, sellers must provide accurate and complete information about the property. Known defects, boundary disputes, planning enforcement notices, or disputes with neighbours must be disclosed. Non-disclosure can result in the buyer pursuing a claim for misrepresentation even after completion.

Title and Boundaries

Your solicitor will verify that you hold good and marketable title to the property and that there are no unresolved title defects, restrictions, or third-party rights that could delay the sale.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

If you are selling a property that is not your primary residence — such as a buy-to-let, second home, or inherited property — Capital Gains Tax may apply to the profit made on the sale. As of the 2025/26 tax year, CGT rates for residential property are 18% (basic rate taxpayers) and 24% (higher rate taxpayers). CGT on UK residential property must be reported and paid to HMRC within 60 days of completion. We strongly recommend taking specialist tax advice before completing your sale.

For further guidance, visit: HMRC Capital Gains Tax on property

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

You are legally required to have a valid EPC (minimum rating of E) before marketing your property for sale. Failing to obtain an EPC before listing can result in a fine of up to £5,000.

Mortgage Redemption

If you have an outstanding mortgage, your solicitor will obtain a redemption statement from your lender and ensure it is settled from the sale proceeds at completion. Early repayment charges may apply — check your mortgage terms before accepting an offer.

Leasehold Property Sales in London

London has a high proportion of leasehold flats and apartments. Selling a leasehold property involves additional legal steps compared to freehold, including:

• Obtaining a leasehold management pack from the freeholder or managing agent (this can take 4–8 weeks and incur a fee of £200–£600+)
• Providing ground rent, service charge, and buildings insurance details to the buyer’s solicitor
• Checking the remaining lease length — a lease below 80 years can make the property unmortgageable and significantly affect saleability

If your lease is short, Adam Bernard Solicitors can also advise on lease extension before you market the property.

How Long Does Selling a House Take in the UK?

The average time from accepting an offer to completion in England and Wales is 12–16 weeks. However, this varies significantly depending on:

• Whether the property is leasehold or freehold (leasehold typically takes longer)
• The length of the property chain
• How quickly the buyer’s mortgage is approved
• The speed of the local authority search returns
• Whether any title or planning issues arise

Instructing an experienced solicitor early, and responding promptly to information requests, are the two most effective ways to keep your sale on track.

Why Choose Adam Bernard Solicitors to Handle Your Property Sale?

• London specialists: Offices in High Holborn and Upton Park — we understand the London property market, including leasehold complexities specific to the capital.
• Regulated and accredited: Our solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and listed on the Law Society’s Find a Solicitor directory.
• Transparent fees: We provide a clear written quote before you instruct us. No hidden charges.
• 24/7 availability: You can reach us by phone, WhatsApp, Zoom, or Teams — we work around your schedule.
• Dedicated solicitor: Your matter will be handled by a named solicitor, not passed between departments.
• Bilingual support: We assist clients in multiple languages— particularly valuable for clients in  London communities.

Frequently Asked Questions