Buying and selling in Kent
Sale and Purchase Conveyancing in Kent
Sale and purchase conveyancing means one regulated firm handles both sides of your move. It keeps your sale and purchase in step, so contracts exchange and complete on the same day, and it usually costs less than two separate firms.
- SRA or CLC-regulated firms only
- Fixed fees, with no-sale-no-fee options
- Free to use, no obligation
Buying and selling at a glance
What’s involved
Why use one firm for your sale and purchase?
Most Kent movers are selling one home to buy another. With one firm acting on both, your solicitor can:
- Keep both transactions moving at the same pace
- Line up exchange on your sale and purchase on the same day
- Use your sale money for your purchase on completion day
- Deal with the whole chain in one place
- Save you duplicate admin and, often, some of the fee
The work is the same as buying and selling separately, but co-ordinated. That co-ordination is what stops a chain from stalling.
Step by step
How a sale and purchase works
Your solicitor runs both files side by side.
- 1
Instruct one firm for both
Ideally when you list your home, so your sale paperwork is ready early.
- 2
Prepare your sale pack
Your forms, title and draft contract go to your buyer’s solicitor.
- 3
Check your purchase
Searches, enquiries and your mortgage offer on the home you are buying.
- 4
Report and plan the dates
Your solicitor reports on your purchase and agrees a date that works for the whole chain.
- 5
Sign both contracts
You sign your sale and purchase contracts and arrange your deposit.
- 6
Exchange on both
Both contracts exchange together, so neither side is left exposed.
- 7
Complete on moving day
Your sale money arrives, your mortgage is paid off, your purchase completes and you move.
Timeline
How long does a sale and purchase take?
Usually 10 to 16 weeks. You move at the pace of the slowest link in your chain.
- Instruct
- Sale pack
- Searches
- Enquiries
- Sign both
- Exchange
- Complete
Costs
What sale and purchase conveyancing costs
You pay the legal fees for both sides plus the disbursements for your purchase. Many firms discount the combined fee.
| Cost | Typical amount | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase legal fee | £900–£1,500 + VAT | Freehold purchase |
| Sale legal fee | £800–£1,300 + VAT | Freehold sale |
| Purchase searches | £220–£440 | Local authority, drainage, environmental |
| Land Registry fee | Depends on price | On your purchase |
| ID checks and transfer fees | £30–£75 | For both transactions |
| Stamp Duty Land Tax | Depends on price | Paid to HMRC on your purchase |
Local knowledge
Moving within Kent: what helps
A local firm knows the other solicitors and agents in your chain.
Coastal flood risk
From Whitstable to Deal, homes near the coast or on low ground should have a flood search, and insurers will ask.
Conservation areas and listed homes
Canterbury, Faversham and Sandwich have strict rules on alterations. Your solicitor checks consents were given.
Leasehold flats
Common in Margate, Folkestone and town centres. Management packs and lease length need early attention.
New-build estates
Ashford, Ebbsfleet and Sittingbourne have large developments with tight developer deadlines.
Former coalfield
Around Dover, Deal and Aylesham a coal mining search may be recommended.
Council search times
Search returns vary across Kent’s 12 district councils, so ordering early matters.
Avoiding delays
Common delays and how to avoid them
Most hold-ups are avoidable with a little preparation.
Be prepared
Documents you’ll need
Have these ready when you instruct your solicitor.
- Photo ID and proof of address
- Your current mortgage details
- Mortgage offer for your new home
- Planning and building regulations paperwork
- Guarantees and certificates
- Your EPC
- Proof of deposit funds
- Both estate agents’ details
Related services
Related services
Moving in a Kent town
CanterburyHerne BayWhitstableMargateRamsgateAshfordFolkestoneDoverDealBroadstairsFavershamAll Kent towns →
Should I use the same solicitor for my sale and purchase?
Usually, yes. One firm keeps both sides in step, lines up exchange and completion on the same day and avoids duplicated admin.
Is it cheaper to use one firm for both?
Often. Many firms discount the combined fee, and you avoid paying for two sets of admin. Your quote shows both fees and every disbursement.
Can I exchange on my sale and purchase on the same day?
Yes, and it is the normal approach. It means you are never committed to buying without a sale, or selling without a home to go to.
What happens if my purchase falls through?
Your solicitor will advise on the options, from finding another home to delaying your sale. With a no-sale-no-fee option, you won’t pay the legal fee on the failed side.
How long does a sale and purchase take?
Usually 10 to 16 weeks. The whole chain moves at the pace of its slowest link.
Official guidance on sale and purchase conveyancing: Stamp Duty Land Tax (GOV.UK) · Buying or selling your home (GOV.UK) · HM Land Registry · SRA register of solicitors
Fees and timescales checked for Kent · Last updated September 2026
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