Buying a Property in Kent – Conveyancing Explained
Buying a property in Kent is an exciting milestone, but the legal process behind it — known as conveyancing — can feel complex without clear guidance.
Conveyancing is the legal work required to transfer ownership of a property from the seller to you as the buyer. It ensures the property is legally sound, any risks are identified, and your purchase completes safely and correctly.
This guide explains how buying a property in Kent works, what happens at each stage of the conveyancing process, and why using an experienced Kent-based conveyancing solicitor can help avoid delays and unexpected issues.
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What Does Conveyancing Involve When Buying a Property?
When you buy a property, conveyancing protects you legally and financially by confirming:
- The seller has the legal right to sell
- There are no hidden restrictions, disputes, or liabilities
- Local authority and environmental risks are identified
- Mortgage lender requirements are satisfied
- Ownership is registered correctly after completion
For buyers in Kent, conveyancing often involves local authority searches, council-specific procedures, and regional considerations such as conservation areas, leasehold developments, and coastal flood risk — making local knowledge particularly important.
Buying a Property in Kent: Step-by-Step Conveyancing Process
Although every transaction is different, most property purchases in Kent follow the same key stages.
1. Instructing Your Conveyancing Solicitor
Once your offer has been accepted, you should instruct your conveyancing solicitor as early as possible.
Your solicitor will send initial paperwork, including their terms of business, requests for proof of identity, and questions about your purchase. You’ll usually be asked to provide funds upfront to cover search fees.
At this stage, your solicitor will need details such as:
- The estate agent’s information
- The agreed purchase price
- Whether you are using a mortgage
- Your preferred timescale for completion
Early instruction helps prevent unnecessary delays later in the process.
2. Draft Contract and Property Information
The seller’s solicitor prepares a draft contract pack and sends it to your conveyancer. This typically includes:
- The draft sale contract
- Official Land Registry title documents
- Property information forms completed by the seller
- Supporting documents such as planning permissions or guarantees
Your solicitor reviews these documents carefully to ensure the property is being sold correctly and that there are no obvious legal concerns.
3. Searches and Legal Enquiries
Your solicitor will then carry out searches and raise enquiries.
Standard searches usually include:
- Local authority search
- Drainage and water search
- Environmental and flood risk search
For properties in Kent, local authority search times can vary depending on the district council, and additional searches may be recommended depending on the property’s location.
Any issues identified are raised with the seller’s solicitor and reported back to you clearly.
4. Buyer’s Report and Mortgage Review
Once searches and enquiries are complete — and your mortgage offer has been received (if applicable) — your solicitor prepares a detailed buyer’s report.
This report explains:
- Important legal points affecting the property
- Any risks or restrictions you should be aware of
- A full financial breakdown of costs
- Mortgage conditions that must be satisfied
You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions before moving forward.
5. Signing Contracts and Paying the Deposit
When you are ready to proceed, you will be asked to sign the contract and any mortgage documents.
A completion date is agreed with all parties in the chain, and you transfer your deposit to your solicitor. Traditionally this is 10% of the purchase price, although this can vary.
Due to increasing levels of property fraud, your solicitor will provide secure payment instructions and guidance to help keep your funds safe.
6. Exchange of Contracts
Exchange of contracts is the point at which the transaction becomes legally binding.
Once contracts are exchanged:
- The completion date is fixed
- The seller cannot withdraw without penalty
- Your deposit is sent to the seller’s solicitor
- Mortgage funds are formally requested
From this point onward, both parties are committed to completing the transaction.
7. Completion Day
Completion is the day you legally become the owner of the property.
On completion day:
- Your solicitor sends the remaining purchase funds
- The seller releases the keys
- You can move into your new home
Your solicitor then registers your ownership with HM Land Registry and completes any post-completion formalities.
Common Issues When Buying Property in Kent
Property purchases in Kent can involve challenges that are best handled by an experienced local solicitor, including:
- Delays with local authority searches
- Leasehold flats requiring management packs
- Properties in conservation areas
- Flood risk in coastal or low-lying locations
- New-build purchases with additional legal documentation
A Kent-based conveyancing solicitor will anticipate these issues and deal with them efficiently.
Why Use a Kent-Based Conveyancing Solicitor?
sing a solicitor who regularly handles property purchases in Kent offers clear advantages:
- Familiarity with local councils and search processes
- Knowledge of regional property risks
- Established relationships with Kent estate agents
- Clear communication and accountability
Rather than dealing with national call-centre conveyancers, local solicitors provide practical insight that helps transactions move forward smoothly.
Buying a Property in Kent FAQs
How long does conveyancing take when buying?
Most purchases take between 8 and 14 weeks, although this depends on the length of the chain, search times, and how quickly enquiries are resolved.
Do I need a solicitor before making an offer?
You don’t need to instruct a solicitor before offering, but doing so as soon as your offer is accepted helps avoid delays.
What fees do I pay when buying?
Costs typically include legal fees, search fees, Land Registry fees, and Stamp Duty Land Tax (if applicable).
Can I speed up the process?
Responding promptly to requests, returning paperwork quickly, and instructing a proactive solicitor early can help keep things moving.
Find the Right Conveyancing Solicitor for Your Purchase
Buying a property is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. Having the right conveyancing solicitor in place can help ensure your purchase progresses smoothly, securely, and without unnecessary delays. If you are buying as part of a move, you may also require conveyancing for selling a property in Kent, particularly where your sale and purchase are linked in a chain.
You can compare trusted Kent-based conveyancing solicitors and find the right legal support for your property purchase, sale, or both through our service. Simply click the button below to receive instant, fixed-fee conveyancing quotes.