First Time Buyer Solicitors

What Does a First Time Buyer Solicitor Do?

Your solicitor manages all the legal work required to buy your home so you can focus on the practical aspects of moving. We take care of the following on your behalf.

• Reviewing the draft contract and all supporting documents from the seller’s solicitors
• Carrying out property searches: local authority, drainage and water, and environmental
• Investigating the title to confirm the seller has the right to sell and there are no issues that could affect your ownership
• Liaising with your mortgage lender to ensure all their requirements are met before exchange
• Advising on Stamp Duty Land Tax and ensuring any first-time buyer relief is applied
• Explaining the contract terms to you clearly before you sign anything
• Managing exchange of contracts and completion
• Registering you as the new owner at HM Land Registry

First Time Buyer Stamp Duty Land Tax Relief

First-time buyers in England benefit from Stamp Duty Land Tax relief. Currently, first-time buyers pay no SDLT on the first £300,000 of a property’s value on properties priced up to £500,000. Properties above £500,000 do not qualify for first-time buyer relief. Use the HMRC SDLT calculator for an estimate. Your solicitor will confirm the current rates at the time of instruction as thresholds are subject to change.

First Time Buyer Schemes

There are several government-backed schemes available to first-time buyers. Our solicitors are experienced in handling conveyancing for all of the following.

Shared Ownership

Shared ownership allows you to buy a share of a property (typically 10%–75%) and pay rent on the remaining share. You can increase your share over time (staircasing) until you own the property outright. See GOV.UK’s shared ownership guidance for eligibility details. Our solicitors have experience with joint ownership of property, as well as reviewing the lease and advising on your obligations.

First Homes Scheme

The First Homes scheme offers new-build properties to eligible first-time buyers at a minimum 30% discount to the open market value. The discount remains attached to the property on future sales. We advise on the legal documentation required.

Your First Time Buyer Journey – Step by Step

Here is a simplified overview of the key steps from finding your home to collecting the keys. Our Client Service Charter sets out the full standards you can expect when you instruct us.

1. Get a mortgage agreement in principle: before making offers, so you know your budget.
2. Make an offer: your estate agent will confirm acceptance in writing.
3. Instruct a solicitor: contact Nelsons as soon as your offer is accepted.
4. Searches and survey: your solicitor carries out searches; arrange an independent RICS survey.
5. Mortgage offer: your lender issues the formal offer once their valuation is complete.
6. Exchange: you pay your deposit and contracts are legally exchanged.
7. Completion: the balance is transferred, ownership is registered at HM Land Registry, and you collect the keys.

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 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 first time buyer advice advice today on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form. No-obligation quotes available.