Find a conveyancing solicitor in London

London threw up more search variety than most UK cities — your conveyancer may need infrastructure searches for HS2 or the Elizabeth Line depending on the borough, conservation area and listed building checks (extremely common across boroughs like Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea), a Chancel Repair Liability check, and in some north and west London pockets, a Coal Authority search if required by your lender. In high-value areas with basement conversions, a subterranean development check is also worth asking about.

Yes, significantly. The majority of London flats are leasehold, often with complex management structures, so your conveyancer will need to check service charges and ground rent terms closely, along with the remaining lease term — a short lease can affect both mortgageability and future extension costs. Freehold houses are more common outside central London but still warrant checks on shared access, flying freeholds and any historical covenants.

Both can legally handle your property transaction. A solicitor is qualified in general law and regulated by the SRA; a licensed conveyancer specialises exclusively in property law and is regulated by the CLC. For a straightforward move, either is a good choice, and what matters more is their experience with the specific property type you're buying or selling. Read our property solicitor vs conveyancer guide for a more detailed overview.

Yes. Even without a mortgage lender to satisfy, you still need someone to handle searches, contracts, and the legal transfer of ownership. Skipping this step leaves you exposed to risks a survey alone won't catch.

They handle local authority searches, review the contract and title, liaise with the other side’s solicitor, manage the exchange of contracts, transfer funds, and register the change of ownership with the Land Registry.