Residential Conveyancing
Are you buying or selling your home? Our Stowmarket and Needham Market-based team of conveyancing experts are on-hand to support you throughout the process.
Moving house can be a stressful and exciting experience, in equal measure. At Gudgeons Prentice, we do everything within our power to minimise this stress and to ensure the transaction progresses as smoothly as possible.
Our Residential Conveyancing team combines a high level of experience and expertise when dealing with all aspects of property-related work, as well as providing a positive and pro-active service.
We can offer swift and accessible legal advice on a range of property related matters and would be happy to talk through any such matters with you either by phone, or if you’d prefer to meet in person then please give us a call and we can arrange a meeting.
The Residential Conveyancing team has a vast number of years’ combined experience in acting for both vendors and purchasers of freehold and leasehold properties and the more senior solicitors are also equipped to deal with complex property transactions and related matters, including:
The acquisition of development sites
Easements and right of way
Residential leases
The sale and purchase of agricultural property
Extending residential leases
Re-mortgages
Transfers from one generation to another
Transfers as a result of divorce or separation
Your conveyancing journey
Expert conveyancing support from start to finish.
Whether you are buying your first home, selling a property, remortgaging, transferring ownership, or dealing with a property following the administration of an estate, our experienced conveyancing team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Property transactions can feel complex, particularly when there are multiple parties involved. Our role is to make the process as straightforward as possible by providing clear advice, practical guidance, and proactive support from instruction through to completion.
What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process involved in transferring ownership of property or dealing with changes affecting a property's legal title.
Every transaction is different, but most follow a similar journey. Our team works closely with clients, estate agents, mortgage lenders, local authorities, management companies, and other solicitors to ensure matters progress efficiently and in accordance with legal requirements.
The conveyancing process
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Once you decide to instruct us, we will open your file and provide everything you need to begin the process.
We will:
Confirm the details of your transaction.
Explain costs and likely timescales.
Provide our client care documentation.
Outline the next steps.
Explain what information and documentation we require.
You will have a dedicated point of contact, supported by our wider conveyancing team to help ensure continuity throughout your matter.
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Before legal work can begin, we are required to verify your identity and carry out certain regulatory checks.
To make the process as convenient as possible, clients can complete onboarding tasks securely through our client app, including:
Identity verification.
Document uploads.
Secure messaging.
Source of funds checks.
Progress tracking.
For clients who prefer a traditional approach, we are equally happy to provide support by telephone, email, or in person.
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Once instructed, we begin the detailed legal work required to protect your interests.
This may include:
Reviewing title documents.
Examining contracts and deeds.
Ordering and reviewing searches.
Raising enquiries with the other party's solicitor.
Identifying legal issues that require investigation.
Reporting to mortgage lenders where necessary.
Our role is to identify potential risks, explain any issues clearly, and help you make informed decisions throughout the transaction.
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Conveyancing involves communication with a number of different organisations and individuals, including:
Estate agents.
Mortgage lenders.
Local authorities.
Management companies.
Surveyors.
Other solicitors.
We coordinate these relationships on your behalf and work to resolve issues as efficiently as possible.
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While many aspects of a transaction are within our control, some factors depend on third parties.
Common causes of delay include:
Mortgage lender requirements.
Search turnaround times.
Leasehold information requests.
Survey findings.
Delays elsewhere in a property chain.
Our focus is always on progressing your matter efficiently while keeping you informed of significant developments and key milestones.
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Once all legal work has been completed and all parties are ready to proceed, contracts can be exchanged (where applicable).
Following exchange:
The agreed completion date is set down.
Final searches are made.
Final figures are obtained and completion statements are prepared.
The file is set up in readiness for completion.
Following completion:
Funds are transferred.
Ownership changes take effect.
Keys are released to the buyer.
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Our work does not necessarily end on completion.
Where required, we will:
Submit applications to HM Land Registry.
Register ownership changes.
Register mortgages and other interests.
Deal with any post-completion formalities.
We will confirm once registration has been completed and provide any relevant documentation.
Technology that works around you
We combine modern technology with traditional client service, read more about our app below.
However, we recognise that technology is not everyone’s preference. If you would rather deal with us in person, by telephone, or via email, we are happy to accommodate your preferred way of working.
Making the process simpler with the Gudgeons Prentice Client App
Brand new to our practice, the Gudgeons Prentice app has been launched to give you greater control of your property transaction, improve communication flow and make the whole process seamless and stress-free from start to finish!
24/7 access to your case
Quicker transactions
Case progression and milestone timeline
Securely sign and send forms and documents electronically without having to print and post
Send secure, instant messages and documents to your lawyer
Push notifications to notify you of progressions in your case
Personalised ‘to do’ list
Certify your ID remotely
Why choose Gudgeons Prentice?
We understand that buying, selling, or refinancing property is often one of the most significant financial decisions you will make. Our team is committed to providing:
Clear and practical legal advice
Friendly and approachable service
Transparent communication
Efficient case progression
Experienced conveyancing support
A modern service backed by traditional client care
Whether you are taking your first step onto the property ladder or managing a more complex transaction, we are here to help make the process as smooth as possible.
The Residential Property Team
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Lisa Lawley, MCILEX
Legal Executive
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Debbie Sutton
Paralegal
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Claire Bartram
Conveyancing Executive
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Pat Smith, FCILEX
Chartered Legal Executive
Residential Conveyancing Fees
Click on Conveyancing Fees to see a guide to all the legal costs incurred when buying and/or selling a residential freehold or leasehold property. In addition to our fees for conveyancing, there will be additional fees to pay, including: Land Registry, Stamp Duty, Searches, Disbursements etc. A guide to all these costs can be found on our Conveyancing Fees page.
How can we help you?
At Gudgeons Prentice our friendly team of experts have the expertise to help you with any legal issues you may be facing. Get in touch today by phone, email or by completing our enquiry form and our team will be happy to help.