House Purchase Solicitors

What Our Conveyancing Solicitors Do For You

Once you instruct us, we take ownership of the legal process so you can focus on planning your move. Our conveyancers handle all of the following on your behalf.

• Reviewing the draft contract and all supporting documentation supplied by the seller’s solicitors
• Carrying out all required property searches: local authority, drainage and water, environmental, and any location-specific searches
• Investigating the title to ensure ownership is clear and there are no undisclosed restrictions or charges
• Raising and pursuing enquiries with the seller’s solicitors until all outstanding matters are resolved
• Liaising with your mortgage lender to ensure all legal requirements are met before exchange
• Advising on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and ensuring first-time buyer relief is applied where eligible
• Managing exchange of contracts and arranging the transfer of funds for completion
• Registering your ownership at HM Land Registry after completion

How the House Purchase Process Works

From instruction to completion, most purchases follow seven key stages. Our Client Service Charter sets out the service standards you can expect at every stage.

1. Instruction: You instruct Nelsons and provide identification documents. We issue a fixed-fee quote.
2. Searches and title checks: We carry out searches and examine the title deeds, typically taking 2–4 weeks depending on local authority turnaround times.
3. Enquiries: We raise questions with the seller’s solicitors about the property and chase responses proactively.
4. Mortgage offer and report: Once enquiries are resolved, we report to you on the title and contract terms and receive your formal mortgage offer.
5. Exchange of contracts: You pay your deposit (typically 10%) and both parties become legally committed. A completion date is set.
6. Completion: We transfer the balance of funds and the keys are released. You are the new owner.
7. Post-completion: We pay SDLT on your behalf and register your ownership at HM Land Registry, typically within 2–6 weeks of completion.

Why Choose Nelsons as Your Conveyancing Solicitors?

Nelsons is one of the largest residential property teams in the East Midlands. We hold the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accreditation, are proud members of the Conveyancing Association, and were named Conveyancing Firm of the Year – Midlands at the LEAP Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2024. Here is what that means for you in practice:

• Law Society CQS accredited: the recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing
• Conveyancing Firm of the Year: Midlands, LEAP Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2024
• Member of the Conveyancing Association: committed to industry best-practice standards
• A Named Conveyancer Throughout: You’re assigned a dedicated solicitor or licensed conveyancer for your transaction, so you always know who to call and aren’t passed between departments.
• Transparent pricing: Fixed fees for complete cost certainty from the outset
• Local Knowledge, Three Office Locations: With offices in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham, we understand the local property markets we work in and offer face-to-face appointments where you’d prefer them to a phone call.
• Innovative Processes: most of the process can now be undertaken electronically including the use of electronic signatures for the Contract and Transfer deed.

Speak to Our Conveyancing Solicitors

Ready to move forward, or want to discuss your situation before committing? Our residential property team in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham is here to help. Get house purchase advice today on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form. No-obligation quotes available.