By Ergun Eren · 21 January 2026
London’s property market remains one of the most dynamic (and complex) in the world. Whether you are purchasing your first home or selling an investment property, the legal process can seem overwhelming at first. With rising prices, tight timelines, and numerous regulations, it’s crucial to have an experienced solicitor guiding you through every stage of your transaction. At Kreston Solicitors, our conveyancing team specialises in helping first-time buyers and sellers navigate the London property market with clarity, efficiency, and confidence.
The process begins with instruction, where you formally appoint your solicitor to act on your behalf. Once engaged, your solicitor will carry out essential identity and anti-money laundering checks in accordance with UK law. For buyers, this stage also involves reviewing mortgage agreements, confirming proof of funds, and initiating preliminary searches to ensure the property’s title is legitimate and free from legal issues.
A key part of the conveyancing process is the drafting and review of contracts. The seller’s solicitor prepares the draft contract pack, which includes property details, title deeds, and key forms such as the Fixtures and Fittings List and Property Information Form. Your solicitor then examines these documents carefully, raising enquiries where clarification or additional documentation is needed. This step is vital in uncovering potential issues such as restrictive covenants, rights of access, or previous planning disputes that could affect ownership.
For buyers, property searches form another critical part of due diligence. Common searches include local authority, environmental, and water and drainage checks, all of which reveal important information about planning permissions, flooding risks, or public rights of way. In London, where development and infrastructure projects are ongoing, these searches help you understand how nearby construction or zoning changes might impact your property in the future.
Once all enquiries have been resolved and both parties are satisfied with the contract terms, your solicitor will oversee the exchange of contracts. This marks the point at which the agreement becomes legally binding. A deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price) is paid by the buyer to the seller’s solicitor, and a completion date is set. From this moment onward, neither party can withdraw without facing financial penalties.
The next stage is completion, where the remaining balance is transferred, ownership is legally transferred, and the keys are released. Following completion, your solicitor will handle the post-completion formalities, including the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) and registration of the new ownership with HM Land Registry. These final steps confirm your legal title to the property and ensure all records are updated.
For sellers, the solicitor’s responsibilities include drafting the initial contract, responding to the buyer’s enquiries, and ensuring all financial obligations (such as mortgage redemption or service charges) are settled at completion. An experienced solicitor ensures that funds are released securely and that there are no delays in transferring ownership.
What often differentiates a smooth property transaction from a stressful one is the quality of communication and guidance. At Kreston Solicitors, clients receive proactive updates throughout every stage of the process, with clear explanations of what each legal step means. Whether you are buying, selling, or remortgaging, our conveyancing team handles all documentation with precision and transparency, ensuring compliance with the latest property laws and local authority requirements.
For first-time buyers, our solicitors also take extra care to explain the implications of leasehold versus freehold ownership, a common issue in London’s property market. We help clients understand ground rent clauses, service charges, and the legal protections available when buying into managed developments.
Buying or selling property in London doesn’t have to be daunting when you have the right legal support. With expert guidance, thorough due diligence, and clear communication, you can move through each stage of your transaction smoothly and securely.
To speak with a member of the property law team at Kreston Solicitors, visit our website and discover how we can help you complete your next move with confidence.
Ergun Eren
Director / Licensed Conveyancer