Find a Lender-Approved Local Conveyancer in Downe

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Cheap conveyancing in Downe does not necessarily mean low quality - but the odds are stacked against you

Reasons to use our Downe conveyancing solicitors

  • 1 Downe conveyancers will have connections at the local Land Registry Office, Local Authority and property agents
  • 2 The practices shown on our web pages have a variation of conveyancing lawyers, legal executives and support staff handling thousands of conveyancing matters annually.
  • 3 Solicitor conveyancing solicitors have excellent personal connections with Downe estate agents and work very closely with them and local surveyors so as to ensure transactions proceed expeditiously.
  • 4 Our site offers most comprehensive residential conveyancing directory service identifying mortgage company approved law firms conducting conveyancing in Downe registered with the SRA or CLC.
  • 5 The hallmark of our conveyancing solicitors in Downe is quality not quantity. The level of service offered by conveyancing "factories" (sometimes 'recommended' by large estate agency chains) often falls short of the level of professionalism you will expect.

Examples of recent conveyancing in Downe since May 2025*

Recently asked questions about conveyancing in Downe

Due to move into my new home in Downe next Monday. My property lawyer now wants me to supply her with evidence of content and building insurance for the property as he says that he has to check this in his capacity as lawyer for the bank. What does the insurance need to cover?

All property lawyers on acting for lenders would need to check that the following risks are covered fire; lightning; aircraft; explosion; earthquake; storm; flood; escape of water or oil; riot; malicious damage; theft or attempted theft; falling trees and branches and aerials; subsidence; heave;landslip;collision;accidental damage to underground services;professional fees, demolition and site clearance costs; and public liability to anyone else. There are some other issues such as the level of excess that are set out in a lender’s UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook conditions. These obligations are not limited to conveyancing in Downe.

I own a freehold premises in Downe yet charged rent, why is this and what is this?

It’s unusual for properties in Downe and has limited impact for conveyancing in Downe but some freehold properties in England (particularly common in North West England) pay an annual sum known as a Chief Rent or a Rentcharge to a third party who has no other legal interest in the land.

Rentcharge payments are usually between £2.00 and £5.00 per year. Rentcharges have existed for many centuries, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the creation of fresh rentcharges from 1977 onwards.

Previous rentcharges can now be extinguished by making a one off payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence post 2037 is to be dispensed with completely.

Due to the input of my in-laws I had a survey completed on a house in Downe before appointing solicitors. I have been advised that there is a flying freehold overhang to the house. The surveyor advised that some lenders will refuse to issue a loan on such a home.

It varies from the lender to lender. Lloyds has different instructions for example to Birmingham Midshires. Should you wish to call us we can check with the relevant mortgage company. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can help as they are accustomed to dealing with flying freeholds in Downe. Conveyancing will be smoother if you use a solicitor in Downe especially if they regularly deal with such properties in Downe.

Am I right to be concerned that third parties that I am dealing with are suggesting an internet conveyancing firm rather than a local Downe conveyancing firm?

As is the case with many service providers, often suggestions from connections can be worth their weight in gold. Nevertheless there are numerous parties with a vested interest in a conveyancing deal; estate agents, financial adviser and banks may recommend conveyancers to appoint. On occasion these conveyancers might be known to one of the organisations as experts in their field, but sometimes there might be a commercial relationship behind the recommendation. You are at liberty to select your own lawyer. You need to be aware that many mortgage providers specify a panel list of lawyers you have to use for the lender related work in your transaction.

What are your top tips when it comes to choosing a Downe conveyancing firm to carry out our lease extension conveyancing?

If you are instructing a conveyancer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Downe conveyancing firm) it is most important that they be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We advise that you make enquires with several firms including non Downe conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then so much the better. The following questions could be helpful:

    Can they put you in touch with clients in Downe who can give a testimonial?

I have attempted and failed to negotiate with my landlord to extend my lease without any joy. Can the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal decide on such matters? Can you recommend a Downe conveyancing firm to help?

Where there is a missing freeholder or if there is dispute about what the lease extension should cost, under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 it is possible to make an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to decide the price.

An example of a Lease Extension case for a Downe flat is 1 Southlands Court Southlands Road in September 2013. The Leasehold Valuation Tribunal determined that the premium to be paid by the tenant on the grant of a new lease, in accordance with section 56 and Schedule 13 of the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 was £30,541 This case was in relation to 1 flat. The unexpired term was 50.57 years.

I am looking to buy a repossessed house in Downe and the vendor demand completion inside 28 days. Do solicitors meet that timeframe? Am I best advised to instruct a high street Downe firm or an online firm that advertises to offer speedy conveyancing?

Attend your Downe shopping parade. Pop in to two or three solicitor’s offices and ask to see a conveyancing solicitor for a quote. Set out your requirements and get a commitment on speed. Select the one that seems most efficient. Make sure to choose a property lawyer on the list of conveyancers acceptable to your lender.

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Sample of conveyancing solicitors in Downe regulated by the SRA

It is important to note that the listed firms do not limit their work for conveyancing in Downe but also conveyancing throughout England and Wales.

  • Roger Dean & Co, 134a Main Road, Biggin Hill, Westerham, Kent, TN16 3BA
  • Beynons, 113 Glentrammon Road, Orpington, Kent, BR6 6DQ
  • Clarkson Wright & Jakes Ltd, Valiant House, 12 Knoll Rise, Orpington, Kent, BR6 0PG
  • Thomas Dunton Solicitors, 217-219 High Street, Orpington, Kent, BR6 0NZ
  • Pumfrey & Lythaby, 155-159 High Street, Orpington, Kent, BR6 0LN

Residential Landlord and Tenant Conveyancing solicitors in Downe

The list below is a non-comprehensive list of solicitors in Downe specialising in landlord and tenant law and on the regulations governing different types of tenancies. This will likely include advice on Terms and conditions of tenancy agreements

  • Clarkson Wright & Jakes Ltd, Valiant House, 12 Knoll Rise, Orpington, Kent, BR6 0PG
  • Thomas Dunton Solicitors, 217-219 High Street, Orpington, Kent, BR6 0NZ
  • Pumfrey & Lythaby, 155-159 High Street, Orpington, Kent, BR6 0LN
  • Allen Barfields, Gainsford House, 115 Station Road, West Wickham, Kent, BR4 0PX
  • Edridges & Drummonds, Crossways Parade, Selsdon Park Road, South Croydon, Surrey, CR2 8JJ

Planning law solicitors in Downe regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

The firms listed below are a non-comprehensive list of solicitors in Downe with expertise in planning law. This could include advice on special planning controls
  • Sharratts (london) Llp, 1 The Old Yard, Rectory Lane, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1JP
  • Batchelors, Charles House, 35 Widmore Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1RW
  • Wellers Law Group Llp, Tenison House, Tweedy Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 3NF
  • A E Short, 144 Bromley Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 6PG

Neighboring Locations

Keston
Green Street Green
Downe
Aperfield
Biggin Hill
Cudham

*Source acknowledgement: House price data produced by Land Registry as well data supplied by Lexsure Ltd.

© Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of Land Registry under delegated authority from the Controller of HMSO.