Real Estate Lawyers in London

A property lawyer in London spends much of the day on conveyancing: buying and selling flats and houses, remortgages and transfers of equity. Leasehold is a big part of the market, so lease extensions, service charge disputes and collective enfranchisement come up often. Commercial clients need office and retail leases, development deals and landlord and tenant advice.

Title is registered with HM Land Registry, and your lawyer will run searches, check the lease and raise enquiries before exchange of contracts. Buyers pay Stamp Duty Land Tax, and non resident buyers pay a surcharge, so foreign purchasers should get tax advice early. Disputes over leases and service charges often go to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), while possession claims are heard in the County Court. Property solicitors in London are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and licensed conveyancers by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers. Both can be checked on their public registers.

Residential conveyancing is usually charged as a fixed fee plus disbursements such as searches and Land Registry fees. Commercial and contentious work is more often billed by the hour. Before instructing a property lawyer in London, ask whether the quote includes VAT and leasehold supplements, who will handle your file and how they protect against payment fraud. Many buyers in London use a lawyer recommended by their lender's panel. A property lawyer in London who knows the local leasehold market can save weeks. Compare the firms below and contact them directly.