Buying your first home in Kent
First-Time Buyer Conveyancing in Kent
First-time buyer conveyancing is the legal work to buy your first home, explained in plain English. It usually takes 8 to 12 weeks, and with no property to sell you are often the easiest buyer in the chain. Your solicitor also checks any stamp duty relief you can claim.
- SRA or CLC-regulated firms only
- Fixed fees, with no-sale-no-fee options
- Free to use, no obligation
First-time buyers at a glance
What’s involved
What does conveyancing involve for a first-time buyer?
Conveyancing is the legal side of buying. Your solicitor makes sure the home is safe to buy and that you legally own it at the end. They will:
- Check the seller owns the home and can sell it
- Order searches and explain what they found
- Check your mortgage offer and any Lifetime ISA or gifted deposit
- Work out any stamp duty and first-time buyer relief
- Register you as the owner after completion
You’ll hear words like exchange, completion and disbursements. Our conveyancing FAQs explain them, and your solicitor will too.
Step by step
Buying your first home, step by step
What happens after your offer is accepted.
- 1
Choose your solicitor
Tell the estate agent who they are when your offer is accepted.
- 2
ID and funds checks
Your solicitor confirms who you are and where your deposit comes from, including any gifts or a Lifetime ISA.
- 3
Contract and searches
The seller’s solicitor sends the contract; your solicitor orders searches and raises questions.
- 4
Your report
Your solicitor explains what they found, in plain English, and checks your mortgage conditions.
- 5
Sign and pay your deposit
You sign the contract and transfer your deposit securely.
- 6
Exchange
The purchase becomes legally binding and the moving date is fixed.
- 7
Completion
The money is sent, you collect the keys, and your solicitor pays any stamp duty and registers you as owner.
Timeline
How long does it take to buy your first home?
About 8 to 12 weeks. With no sale of your own, you’re often the quickest link in the chain.
- Instruct
- ID checks
- Searches
- Report
- Sign
- Exchange
- Complete
Costs
What first-time buyer conveyancing costs
The same costs as any purchase. Budget for them alongside your deposit.
| 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 your first home in Kent
Popular first-time buyer homes in Kent come with a few things to check.
Leasehold flats
Many first homes in Margate, Folkestone and Maidstone are leasehold. Your solicitor checks lease length, ground rent and service charges.
New-build and shared ownership
Help from developers and shared ownership schemes is common around Ashford and Sittingbourne, with tight deadlines.
Coastal flood risk
Near the coast, a flood search and insurance quote before exchange are sensible.
Lifetime ISA
If you use one, your solicitor must follow the provider’s withdrawal process, which takes time.
Gifted deposits
Family gifts need a signed gift letter and ID from the person giving the money.
Stamp duty relief
First-time buyers may pay less. Check current thresholds on GOV.UK before you budget.
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
- Bank statements showing your deposit
- Gift letters and the giver’s ID
- Lifetime ISA details, if used
- Mortgage offer
- The estate agent’s details
- The agreed price
Related services
Related services
First homes in a Kent town
CanterburyHerne BayWhitstableMargateRamsgateAshfordFolkestoneDoverDealBroadstairsFavershamAll Kent towns →
Do first-time buyers pay stamp duty?
First-time buyers may pay less or none, depending on the price. The thresholds change, so check the current rates on GOV.UK or ask your solicitor.
How long does conveyancing take for a first-time buyer?
Usually 8 to 12 weeks. With no home to sell you’re often the quickest part of the chain.
Can I use a Lifetime ISA for my deposit?
Yes, if the home meets the scheme rules. Your solicitor handles the withdrawal, which takes time, so tell them at the start.
Can family help with my deposit?
Yes. The person giving the money signs a gift letter and provides ID, and your lender must agree.
Can I do my own conveyancing?
In theory, but it’s rarely practical. Mortgage lenders require a regulated solicitor or licensed conveyancer to act for them, and a professional spots risks you might miss.
Do I need a survey?
It’s not compulsory, but it’s wise. Conveyancing checks the legal side; a survey checks the building.
What does no sale, no fee mean?
You don’t pay the firm’s legal fee if your purchase falls through. Costs already paid, such as searches, may still be due.
Official guidance on first-time buyer conveyancing: Stamp Duty Land Tax (GOV.UK) · Buying or selling your home (GOV.UK) · MoneyHelper home buying guides · SRA register of solicitors
Fees and timescales checked for Kent · Last updated September 2026
Ready when you are
Moving home in Kent? Get your quote today.
Free, fixed fees and no obligation.