At Walker Foster, we are proud to be trusted by generations to provide clear, reliable and professional legal advice. Our dedicated residential conveyancing team understands that every transaction is unique and deserves careful attention.

We are here to guide you through every step of the process, managing the details on your behalf and working proactively to make your transaction as smooth, efficient and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re buying, selling, or remortgaging, our solicitors are committed to protecting your interests and achieving the best possible outcome for you.

At Walker Foster, we believe in building lifelong relationships with our clients, offering a personal, approachable, and dependable service that stands the test of time. Our expert residential conveyancing team combines deep local knowledge with a commitment to excellence, supporting you through every aspect of your sale or purchase with care and professionalism.

Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can assist you with your residential conveyancing matters.

Residential conveyancing is the legal term used to describe the process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another. Whether you are buying your first home or selling property as part of your next move, this process covers all the legal and administrative work required to make the transaction valid and legally binding. It allows the buyer to receive a clear, undisputed title to their new home and confirms that the seller’s legal responsibilities have been properly completed.

This process involves several stages, including drafting and reviewing contracts, carrying out property searches, managing the exchange of funds, and registering the official transfer of ownership with the Land Registry. Each step requires care and accuracy to protect both parties and avoid potential complications later on.

At Walker Foster, our experienced residential conveyancing team handles every aspect of your property transaction with professionalism and attention to detail. Whether you are buying or selling property, we take the time to explain each stage clearly, keeping you informed and supported throughout. Our goal is to make what can be a complex legal process as straightforward, transparent, and stress-free as possible, giving you confidence that your move is in trusted hands.

• Instruction and property forms: once you instruct our experienced residential conveyancing team to act on your behalf, we will begin by opening your file and guiding you through the initial paperwork. You will be asked to complete detailed property information and fittings and contents forms, providing key details about the property, boundaries, fixtures, and any recent works carried out. These forms form part of the contract documentation that will be shared with the buyer’s legal representatives. We will also ask you to supply any necessary documents, such as planning permissions, building regulation certificates, guarantees, and title deeds, to help avoid delays later in the process.
• Preparing the contract pack: once we have received your completed forms and documents, our conveyancing lawyers will prepare the draft contract and assemble the contract pack. This comprehensive set of documents, which includes the contract, title information, and property details, is then sent to the buyer’s legal team. We take great care to make sure the pack is accurate and complete, helping to keep the process moving smoothly.
• Answering Enquiries: After reviewing the contract pack, the buyer’s conveyancing lawyers may raise a series of enquiries about the property. These can relate to anything from boundaries and planning permissions to utility connections or shared access rights. We will work closely with you to provide clear, accurate, and timely responses to these questions. Our team takes a proactive approach, anticipating potential concerns and addressing them efficiently to prevent unnecessary delays.
• Exchange of Contracts: Once the buyer’s team is satisfied with all enquiries and searches, and both parties are ready to proceed, we move to the exchange of contracts. This is the point at which the sale becomes legally binding. You and the buyer each sign identical copies of the contract, and we exchange them on your behalf. At this stage, the buyer pays their deposit - usually 10% of the sale price - and a fixed completion date is confirmed. From this point, both parties are committed to completing the transaction.
• Completion Day: On the agreed completion date, the buyer’s legal team transfers the full purchase funds to us. We will use these funds to redeem your existing mortgage, if applicable, and to settle any estate agency fees. Once these have been paid, we promptly transfer the remaining balance to your nominated bank account. You will then vacate the property and hand the keys to your estate agent, ready for collection by the buyer. At this stage, legal ownership of the property is formally transferred, marking the successful completion of your sale.

At Walker Foster, we believe that clarity and transparency are essential when it comes to legal costs. We are committed to providing our clients with honest, straightforward information from the very beginning, so you know exactly what to expect and can budget with confidence. Buying or selling a property is a major financial decision, and understanding the costs involved is an important part of that process.

When you request a conveyancing quote from our residential conveyancing team, we will provide a comprehensive and transparent breakdown of all anticipated fees and disbursements. This breakdown is designed to give you complete visibility, ensuring there are no hidden costs or unexpected surprises later in the transaction.

Your quote will be separated into two main parts:

• Our legal fees: this represents the cost of our professional services - covering the time, expertise, and care our team invests in managing your transaction. Our legal fees reflect the high standard of service we deliver, from initial instruction to completion. This includes handling all legal documentation, liaising with other parties, providing detailed advice, and ensuring every stage of your transaction is handled accurately and efficiently.
• Disbursements: third-party costs that we pay on your behalf as part of the conveyancing process. These are not fees charged by Walker Foster but are essential to the completion of your property transaction. Common disbursements include:
• Search fees: these cover local authority, drainage and water, environmental, and other property-specific searches. They are crucial for identifying any issues or restrictions affecting the property before contracts are exchanged.
• Land Registry fees: paid to HM Land Registry for official copies of the title deeds and for registering you as the new legal owner after completion.
• SDLT: a government tax payable on property purchases above a certain value. Our team will calculate this for you accurately and submit the payment on your behalf, complying with all legal requirements.

We know that every property transaction is unique, and costs can vary depending on factors such as the type of property, its value and whether it is freehold or leasehold. Our team will take the time to explain how these factors may affect your overall costs.

At Walker Foster, our focus is on providing not only competitive and transparent pricing but also genuine value through our trusted expertise and personal service. We take pride in offering clear communication at every stage - because when it comes to your home, you deserve complete peace of mind.

Choosing the right solicitor can significantly influence the outcome and experience of your property transactions. Walker Foster distinguishes itself with a blend of local presence and decades of trusted service in residential conveyancing.

Our firm has deep roots, dating back to 1919, and maintains strong connections with the communities we serve through our local offices in Skipton, Barnoldswick, Silsden, Settle, Ilkley, Northallerton and Harrogate. This local expertise allows us not just to offer legal advice, but also to provide insights into the specific nuances of each area’s property market.

Walker Foster has built a reputation for excellence and reliability over the years, reflected in our longstanding history and commitment to the communities we work within. This heritage underscores our dedication to delivering outstanding legal services and developing enduring relationships with our clients.

Our expertise in residential property law is backed by extensive experience and a comprehensive understanding of the conveyancing process. We are proud to be an accredited member of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS). This prestigious accreditation is a testament to our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in residential conveyancing. Being part of this scheme assures our clients that:

• We adhere to best practice management standards: our processes and client handling are designed to meet the highest industry standards, providing reassurance that your property matters are in capable hands.
• Our conveyancing procedures are recognised as efficient and professional: we streamline the conveyancing process to ensure that all transactions are conducted smoothly and without unnecessary delays.
• The integrity of our conveyancing team is recognised by the Law Society: our team is skilled and trustworthy, upholding the integrity required to properly advise clients and manage their most significant transactions.

Let us take the stress out of your property transactions by ensuring they are managed efficiently, professionally, and with a personal touch that only a local firm like Walker Foster can provide.

If you are ready to discuss your residential property needs, contact Walker Foster to benefit from our expert guidance and comprehensive support. Whether you are buying or selling property, our friendly and professional team is here to help every step of the way.

Contact us today to speak to our residential property lawyers and start your journey with a trusted partner by your side.