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Residential Conveyancing

At Dean Wilson, we recognise that buying or selling a property, remortgaging your home, or transferring ownership is an exciting but often complex process. Our expert residential conveyancing solicitors provide personalised legal support to clients throughout Brighton, Hove and across Sussex. Whatever your property needs, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Who do we work with?

Our conveyancing team help a wealth of clients – from first-time buyers looking to get on the property ladder, families looking to buy their forever home, those looking to buy second properties right through to clients wanting to downsize their property. Our offices are based in Brighton, and our conveyancers in Brighton all live in Sussex and have worked in the area for many years. Many of the properties in Brighton and Hove are listed, or are in conservation areas, and we know the issues that would be of concern to any purchaser. We also have a high level of expertise when it comes to leasehold properties, and the technicalities involved with this type of property, including in relation to the Building Safety Act 2022. As you’d expect, we also have an excellent working relationship with local estate agents and managing agents.

Beyond this, we also undertake residential conveyancing work in London and other areas in the South East and have developed an extensive overview of regional issues. Our flexible and cost-effective service, together with pricing options, means we are very well placed to help clients across a range of locations.

How much do we charge for residential conveyancing?

Dean Wilson offers a personalised approach to conveyancing costs, ensuring that each client receives an accurate and tailored fee estimate based on their specific transaction. Unlike generic online calculators, Dean Wilson’s team takes the time to assess the details of your sale, purchase, or remortgage before providing a bespoke quote. Clients can choose between a fixed-fee structure for cost certainty or an hourly rate option. The firm is transparent about additional costs, such as leasehold fees or lender requirements, ensuring there are no hidden surprises. You can see a full breakdown of pricing on our conveyancing fees page.

To receive a detailed and personalised quote, contact Dean Wilson at 01273 032 404 or by emailing conveyancing@deanwilson.co.uk.

conveyancing

Your trusted residential conveyancing solicitors in Brighton, Hove and Sussex

Our Service to You

We are very proud of the service that we are able to offer our clients. You will be given the name, direct telephone number and direct email address for the conveyancer who will act for you so that you can always speak or correspond with the same person who is completely familiar with your transaction.

If you have any specific deadlines for completion, please advise us of this at your earliest opportunity. We shall make every effort to meet these deadlines, but please note that the average freehold transaction takes around 6-8 weeks to complete and the average leasehold transaction around 8-12 weeks.

Contact us by emailing conveyancing@deanwilson.co.uk , calling 01273 032 404 or using the contact form below.

Buying a Home

When purchasing a property, it’s crucial to have experienced legal support. Our conveyancing team will handle the legal process, ensuring that everything—from property searches to contract exchange—is completed smoothly and efficiently.

Our services include:

  • Property Searches: We’ll carry out comprehensive checks to ensure there are no hidden issues with the property.
  • Contract Review: We explain the terms and ensure that the contract protects your interests.
  • Financial Arrangements: We’ll coordinate the transfer of funds and ensure everything is in order for completion.
  • Completion: From signing contracts to getting the keys, we’ll handle the final steps to make your property purchase a success.

We take pride in delivering a personalised conveyancing service. You will have direct contact with your dedicated conveyancer, ensuring clear and consistent communication throughout your transaction. If you have specific completion deadlines, let us know as early as possible, and we will do our best to meet them. On average, freehold transactions take 6-8 weeks, while leasehold transactions typically take 8-12 weeks.

Selling a Property

When selling a property, it’s essential to have an experienced solicitor to handle the legalities. Our team can assist with drafting the sale contract, negotiating terms, and dealing with any legal complexities that may arise. We ensure a smooth and efficient transaction.

Our services for sellers include:

  • Drafting Sale Contracts: We prepare the necessary legal documents to ensure the sale goes through without a hitch.
  • Liaising with Buyers' Solicitors: We’ll manage communications with the buyer’s solicitor to keep the process moving.
  • Completion and Transfer of Ownership: We oversee the final legal steps to transfer ownership successfully.

Remortgaging

If you’re looking to remortgage your property, we’ll guide you through the process, from reviewing your current mortgage terms to registering your new mortgage. Our team provides expert advice to ensure your remortgage deal is right for you, whether you're looking to release equity or secure a better interest rate. We are on the panel for all major lenders and if we are not on the panel for your lender, we will make an application to be placed on their panel so that we can accept your instruction.

Right to Buy

If you're a council tenant eligible for the Right to Buy scheme, our experienced conveyancing team is here to guide you through the process. Under this scheme, you can purchase your home at a discounted price based on your tenancy length. Once you instruct us, we will obtain and review the necessary paperwork from the council, ensuring the title is guaranteed. As a result, fewer enquiries are typically required, making the process quicker and more straightforward. Our solicitors will handle your application, review the offer, and manage the entire legal transaction—ensuring a smooth, efficient, and cost-effective transition to homeownership.

Transfer of Ownership

Whether you’re gifting a property, changing joint ownership, or transferring assets, our team is here to help. We handle the legal paperwork, explain tax implications, and ensure the transfer is processed without complications. Our property solicitors  deal with the preparation of the transfer deed, notifying any parties with an interest in the property such as mortgage lenders (who must give formal consent to the transfer), assess whether stamp duty is payable and deal with the registration of the transfer at the Land Registry.

Equity Release

If you are looking to release equity from your home to give to your children or just to go on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, we are able to help guide you through the legal side.  We are a member of the Equity Release Council and have been through their interview and vetting processes and have been accepted as a high-quality firm to provide the legal advice and expertise required to bring the release of funds to a speedy conclusion.

Why Choose Dean Wilson?

As leading conveyancing solicitors in Brighton, we offer more than just standard legal services. Our focus is on delivering a personal, tailored service that fits the needs of each individual client. Whether you’re based in Brighton, Hove or any of the surrounding towns across Sussex, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Here’s why you should choose us:

We are proud members of the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), a recognised accreditation that sets the benchmark for excellence in residential conveyancing. This membership reflects our commitment to high standards, ensuring that our clients receive a professional, transparent, and efficient service. The CQS accreditation demonstrates the integrity of our conveyancing team, our adherence to best practice management standards, and our dedication to following prudent and efficient conveyancing procedures. It also provides reassurance to regulators, lenders, insurers, and clients that their transactions are being handled by a trusted and accredited firm. 

  • Expert Local Knowledge: We have extensive experience with property transactions and home buying and selling in Brighton and Hove, East and West Sussex and London.
  • Competitive and Transparent Fees: We offer clear conveyancing fees with no hidden charges.
  • Personalised Service: We take the time to understand your needs and provide legal solutions that suit your specific situation.
  • Experienced Property Lawyers: With years of experience in the local property market, we’re well-equipped to handle even the most complex transactions.

FAQs about Conveyancing

Once your offer is accepted, the next step is to appoint a solicitor who will handle the legal side of the transaction, including conducting property searches and reviewing the contract. 

On average, buying a home can take around 8-12 weeks, but the process may take longer depending on factors like the property chains and surveys.

Conveyancing fees can vary depending on the complexity of your transaction. We provide transparent, competitive fees to ensure you understand exactly what you're paying for. Find out more here.

Yes, you’ll need a solicitor to draft the sale contract, liaise with the buyer’s solicitor, and handle the transfer of ownership. 

Typically, selling a property takes 8-10 weeks, though this timeline may vary depending on factors like buyer readiness and negotiations. 

Absolutely! Our team can guide you through every step of the Right to Buy process, from eligibility to final completion. If you're considering a Right to Buy scheme, get in touch with us today.

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a tax you pay when buying a property or land over a certain price. The amount depends on the property value and the type of buyer. For detailed information on SDLT rates and exemptions, visit the Government’s SDLT page. Our expert conveyancers can help you understand how SDLT impacts your transaction.

It’s best to appoint a solicitor as soon as you decide to sell your property, even before you find a buyer. This allows them to prepare key documents, including the contract pack, and address any legal issues early, helping to speed up the transaction once an offer is accepted.

  • Freehold: You own the property and the land it sits on outright, with no time limit on ownership.
  • Leasehold: You own the property for a fixed term (e.g., 99 or 125 years) but not the land. You may need to pay ground rent and service charges, and lease extensions or enfranchisement might be required in the future.

Conveyancing searches check for any legal or environmental issues affecting the property. Common searches include:

  • Local Authority Search (planning restrictions, road schemes)
  • Environmental Search (flood risk, contaminated land)
  • Water & Drainage Search (drainage access, sewer connections)

Speak to Us – We’re Here to Help

At Dean Wilson LLP, our reputation is built on our ability to exceed client expectations. With over 100 years of experience, we combine legal expertise with a client-first approach. Contact us today for expert advice on buying, selling, or remortgaging your property. We’re here to ensure that every step of your property journey is handled with professionalism and care.

Your Conveyancing experts

Get to know those who are here to help you

We are members of the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS). This scheme provides a recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing practices. This gives us a level of credibility with regulators, lenders, insurers and consumers based on:

  • the integrity of our conveyancing staff
  • the firm’s adherence to good practice management standards
  • prudent and efficient conveyancing procedures through the scheme protocol
siobhan cox dean wilson

Siobhan Cox

Partner & Head of Department, Property Department 

siobhan cox dean wilson

Siobhan Cox

Partner & Head of Department, Property Department 

Areas of Specialism

Siobhan is the Head of the Residential Property Department. 

Siobhan has worked for Dean Wilson LLP for over 20 years and specialises in both Residential and Commercial property transactions. 

Siobhan has a vast amount of clients worldwide and has an excellent reputation with estate agents, mortgage brokers, surveyors and the like.

Recent Client Matters

  • Sale of London Residence worth in excess of £5m, 
  • Refinance of commercial and residential portfolio worth in excess of £20m
  • Purchase of block of residential units worth in excess of £50m

Qualifications, Membership 

  • Solicitor 
  • LLB Hons

Siobhan can be contacted by email: sac@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249205. 

Siobhan is assisted by Fatima Hussain, Paralegal within the Property Department. Fatima’s contact details are: Email: fyh@deanwilson.co.uk Direct Dial: 01273 249209. 

Karl Post Dean Wilson

Karl Willmott-Post

Partner & Head of Department, Residential Property Department 

Karl Post Dean Wilson

Karl Willmott-Post

Partner & Head of Department, Residential Property Department 

Areas of Specialism

Karl is the Head of Department of the Residential Property Department and manages the fee earners within the team as well as the paralegals/support staff. 

Karl has worked for Dean Wilson LLP for over 13 years and specialises in all aspects of Residential property transactions. 

Karl has an excellent reputation with estate agents, mortgage brokers, surveyors and the like and is sought after by property developers and local estate agents.  

Karl’s specialist areas are newbuild sales and purchases with or without help to buy involvement, although Karl does deal with residential and buy to let sales, purchases and re-mortgages on a day to day basis and has a wealth of knowledge in this respect. 

Qualifications, Membership 

  • LLB Hons

Karl can be contacted by email: ksp@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249248. 

james fletcher dean wilson

James Fletcher

Associate Solicitor, Residential Property Department 

james fletcher dean wilson

James Fletcher

Associate Solicitor, Residential Property Department 

Areas of Specialism

James joined Dean Wilson LLP in February 2022, having worked in the Eastbourne area for approximately 10 years prior. James specialises in all aspects of Residential property transactions. 

James’ specialist areas are newbuild sales and purchases with or without help to buy involvement, as well as residential and buy to let sales, purchases, re-mortgages and transfers of equity’s. 

James also provides Independent Legal Advice on Guarantees and Indemnities, where required. 

Qualifications, Membership 

  • Solicitor
  • LLB Hons

James can be contacted by email: jf@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 032341

James is assisted by Charlotte Hazeldine, Paralegal within the Property Department. Charlotte’s contact details are: Email: cbh@deanwilson.co.uk Direct Dial: 01273 032330. 

Leon Mumford Dean Wilson

Leon Mumford

Associate Solicitor, Residential Property Department

Leon Mumford Dean Wilson

Leon Mumford

Associate Solicitor, Residential Property Department

Areas of Specialism

Leon joined Dean Wilson LLP in January 2022, having worked in Uckfield for approximately 7 years prior. Leon specialises in all aspects of Residential property transactions. 

Leon’s specialist areas are residential and buy to let sales, purchases, re-mortgages and transfers of equity’s. Leon does also have experience in dealing with commercial property transactions to include the sale and purchase of businesses, although has predominantly practiced within residential conveyancing areas of law. 

Leon also provides Independent Legal Advice on Guarantees and Indemnities, where required. 

Qualifications, Membership 

  • Solicitor
  • LLB Hons

Leon can be contacted by email: lpm@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 032338.

mulberry dimery dean wilson

Mulberry Dimery

Conveyancing Executive, Residential Property Department 

mulberry dimery dean wilson

Mulberry Dimery

Conveyancing Executive, Residential Property Department 

Areas of Specialism

Mulberry joined Dean Wilson LLP in January 2022, having worked in Uckfield with Leon Mumford for approximately 5 years prior. Mulberry specialises in all aspects of Residential property transactions. 

Mulberry’s specialist areas are residential sales, purchases and re-mortgages as well as transfers of equity’s. 

Qualifications, Membership 

  • Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX) 

Mulberry can be contacted by email: md@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032339. 

lucy connolly dean wilson

Lucy Connolly

Conveyancing Executive, Residential Property Department 

lucy connolly dean wilson

Lucy Connolly

Conveyancing Executive, Residential Property Department 

Areas of Specialism

Lucy has worked for Dean Wilson LLP for over 7years and specialises in all aspects of Residential property transactions. 

Lucy’s specialist areas are residential sales, purchases and re-mortgages as well as transfers of equity’s. 

Lucy can be contacted by email: lac@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249272.

 

lauren gilman

Lauren Gillman

Paralegal, Employment Law

lauren gilman

Lauren Gillman

Paralegal, Employment Law

Areas of Specialism

Lauren has recently moved over to our Employment law department, assisting Clare Waller on all employment law matters. 

Lauren is an experienced Paralegal previously working for Partner, Karl Willmott-Post in the Property Department. She assistsed on all aspects of conveyancing transactions, specialising in; sales, purchases, remortgages and transfers of equity. Before changing careers, Lauren was a Project Manager in the Financial Investment industry, which gave her transferable skills to bring to her role at Dean Wilson.

Lauren is currently close to completing her legal studies with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives to progress in her career to become a Chartered Legal Executive.

Qualifications

  • CILEX Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice
  • CILEX Level 6 Student
  • Mental Health First Aider

Lauren can be contacted by email: lg@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032321. 

Fatima Y Hussain Dean Wilson

Fatima Y Hussain

Solicitor Apprentice, Dispute Resolution 

Fatima Y Hussain Dean Wilson

Fatima Y Hussain

Solicitor Apprentice, Dispute Resolution 

Fatima is a Solicitor Apprentice in the Dispute Resolution department, undergoing her SQE to qualify as a Solicitor. 

Fatima was previously a paralegal within the Residential Conveyancing Department assisting Siobhan Cox on Residential Conveyancing and Commercial Property matters.

Before joining Dean Wilson Fatima worked for HMCTS. Her primary role was as Clerk to the Circuit and District Judges. 

Fatima has a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Sussex and hopes to be completing a Master’s degree in the near future. Away from work and studies, Fatima enjoys traveling and badminton.

Qualifications

  • LLB Hons – University of Sussex

Fatima can be contacted by email: FYH@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249209

Over the years I have been involved in the conveyancing of a number of properties and sad to say I have, more often than not, been profoundly disappointed with the speed, quality and efficiency of the solicitors I have employed. What a joy it was therefore when I chose Annie Fitzpatrick to help in the purchase of a property in Hove – a purchase that had to be completed in a short time frame and one with some unexpected complications – Annie has been superb, super fast, very efficient and thorough and a great pleasure to interact with – she is a great asset to your practice.

"I have just purchased a property through Annie Fitzpatrick. If you are buying or selling a property Annie is the person to deal with, first class service, super communication, and so efficient, you will not find better, If Annie is not available Chloe is always there to keep you updated. I have used a few times now and will highly recommend. Thank you again"

Kim Coghlan
Google Review

Annie Fitzpatrick was the best decision in our life. She supported us during the whole process. Her professional approach was a great assistance to us to manage a property selling process. She is fast, precise, and dealing with all issue immediately. She is brilliant! And we highly recommend her service to everyone who is buying or selling a property because her professionalism is absolulerly amazing! With her quick support we always finishing process on time. We wish more Annie on the other side of the process! Thank you so much for all your help, we highly appreciate everything!
Szilvia & Steve

Szilvia Varju
Google Review

"Leon Mumford was fantastic, we had a nightmare buyer and Leon gave us calm constructive advice along with his expertise in legal procedure. He was approachable and easy to talk to. We will always be grateful that Leon was our legal representative and the sale was completed. Thank you Leon."

Joseph Edwards
Google Review

Our property transaction factsheets offer essential insights to guide buyers and sellers through complex legal aspects. They cover topics such as estate rent charges, highlighting their impact on ownership, and installation certificates that ensure safety and compliance. The guides explain flying freeholds and the associated legal complexities, while also addressing considerations for tenanted properties and solar panel leases. Additionally, information on mines and minerals ownership and private drainage systems ensures buyers are fully informed before completing a sale. You can explore all of our factsheets below.

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