Buying a home in Kent
Conveyancing for Buying a House in Kent
Conveyancing for buying a house in Kent takes most people 8 to 14 weeks from offer to keys. A regulated local solicitor checks the title, orders the right Kent searches, reports on any risks and handles the money on completion, for a fixed fee you know in advance.
- SRA or CLC-regulated firms only
- Fixed fees, with no-sale-no-fee options
- Free to use, no obligation
Buying at a glance
What’s involved
What does conveyancing for buying a house involve?
When you buy a home, conveyancing protects you legally and financially. Your solicitor confirms:
- The seller has the legal right to sell
- There are no hidden restrictions, disputes or liabilities
- Local authority and environmental risks are found
- Your mortgage lender’s requirements are met
- Your ownership is registered correctly after completion
For Kent buyers it often also means council-specific searches and local checks for conservation areas, leasehold developments and coastal flood risk.
Step by step
The buying process, step by step
Every purchase is different, but most in Kent follow these seven stages.
- 1
Instruct your solicitor
As soon as your offer is accepted. They send terms of business, run ID checks and ask for search fees upfront.
- 2
Draft contract and property information
The seller’s solicitor sends the draft contract, the Land Registry title and the seller’s property forms.
- 3
Searches and enquiries
Local authority, drainage and environmental searches are ordered, and your solicitor raises questions with the seller’s side.
- 4
Report and mortgage review
Your solicitor explains the risks, restrictions and costs in plain English, and checks your lender’s conditions.
- 5
Sign contracts and pay the deposit
Usually 10% of the price, sent using secure payment instructions to guard against fraud.
- 6
Exchange of contracts
The purchase becomes legally binding and the completion date is fixed.
- 7
Completion day
The money is sent, you get the keys, and your solicitor registers you as owner with HM Land Registry.
Timeline
How long does buying take?
About 8 to 14 weeks from instruction to completion. Chains and search times cause most of the variation.
- Instruct
- Contract pack
- Searches
- Report
- Sign
- Exchange
- Complete
Costs
What buying conveyancing costs
You pay a fixed legal fee plus disbursements: third-party costs your solicitor pays on your behalf.
| Cost | Typical amount | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Legal fee (fixed, freehold) | £900–£1,500 + VAT | The solicitor’s own work |
| Local authority search | £120–£300 | Set by the district council |
| Drainage and water search | £50–£70 | Southern Water or South East Water |
| Environmental and flood search | £50–£70 | Important near the coast |
| Land Registry fee | Depends on price | HM Land Registry scale fee |
| ID and anti-money-laundering checks | £10–£25 | Per buyer |
| Bank transfer fee | £20–£50 | Sending funds on completion |
| Stamp Duty Land Tax | Depends on price | Paid to HMRC, not the solicitor |
Local knowledge
Buying in Kent: local things your solicitor checks
Kent has its own mix of coast, heritage and new-build estates. A local firm knows what to look for.
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 (passport or driving licence)
- Proof of address
- Proof of your deposit funds
- Mortgage offer or agreement in principle
- The estate agent’s details
- Any gifted deposit letters
- Your lender’s details
- The agreed price and target completion date
Related services
Related services
Buying in a Kent town
CanterburyHerne BayWhitstableMargateRamsgateAshfordFolkestoneDoverDealBroadstairsFavershamAll Kent towns →
FAQs
Conveyancing for buying a house: FAQs
Can’t see your question? Browse all FAQs or get in touch.
How long does conveyancing take when buying?
Most purchases in Kent take between 8 and 14 weeks. The length of the chain, council search times and how quickly enquiries are answered make the biggest difference.
Do I need a solicitor before making an offer?
You don’t need one to make an offer, but it helps to choose your solicitor early. Estate agents will ask for their details as soon as your offer is accepted, and instructing straight away saves time.
What fees do I pay when buying?
A fixed legal fee plus disbursements such as searches, the Land Registry fee, ID checks and a bank transfer fee. Stamp Duty Land Tax is paid to HMRC on top, depending on the price. Your quote lists every cost.
Can I speed up the process?
Yes. Instruct your solicitor the day your offer is accepted, pay for searches promptly, return forms and ID quickly and send your mortgage details as soon as you apply.
What is the difference between exchange and completion?
Exchange is when contracts are swapped and the purchase becomes legally binding. Completion is when the money moves, you get the keys and the home becomes yours, usually one to four weeks later.
Do I need a survey as well as conveyancing?
Conveyancing checks the legal side; a survey checks the physical condition of the home. They are separate, and most buyers benefit from a survey, especially for older Kent properties.
Official guidance on conveyancing for buying a house: 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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