First meeting terms are not published. The firm asks clients to get in touch for details of its residential conveyancing fees.
Office
240 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8NW
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Boodle Hatfield is a private client firm that says it has acted for clients since 1722, with offices at Bankside and in Mayfair. Its residential property team works mainly on prime London and country homes, including heritage, off plan and new build purchases, financing, and lease extensions and collective enfranchisement for tenants. The firm says Chambers named it Residential Property Team of the Year in 2025. It suits wealthy buyers, trustees and international clients with complex or high value moves. The site gives no first meeting terms and asks people to make contact for fee details.
Founded in 1722
Also worth knowing
The team acts on lease extensions, freehold purchases and collective enfranchisement claims as well as prime sales and purchases.
Lawyers
Saskia Arthur, Partner, Residential Property
Shaima Jillood, Partner, Residential Property
Reem Al-Jumaily, Partner, Residential Property
Areas of property law handled
Buying and selling prime London homes
Country houses and estates
Heritage, off plan and new build purchases
Lease extensions and freehold purchases
Collective enfranchisement for tenants
Financing and refinancing
Tenancies
Residential portfolio management
Renovation and listed building advice
Property tax advice
Office
240 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8NW
Other details
Other offices
Mayfair (6 Grosvenor Street, London W1K 4PZ) and Oxford
First meeting terms are not published. Enquiries go through the main switchboard or an online form.
Office
22 Baker Street, London W1U 3BW
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Forsters is a Marylebone firm that describes itself as known for private client and real estate work. Its residential property team, led by partner Lucy Barber, acts on sales and purchases of prime homes, off plan and new build deals, refinancing, licences for alterations and mixed use buildings. A separate enfranchisement team acts for both leaseholders and landlords on lease extensions and freehold purchases, and the firm points to its work on the Sportelli and Aggio cases. It suits buyers of valuable London homes and freeholders or leaseholders in larger blocks. First meeting terms are not published.
Also worth knowing
The firm says it achieved strong results in Chambers UK 2027.
Lawyers
Lucy Barber, Partner, Head of Residential Property
Matters can be discussed without obligation before instructing. Personal conveyancing fee estimates on request. A sum on account for searches is paid on instruction, with the balance due shortly before completion.
Office
8 Bedford Row, London WC1R 4BX
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Russell-Cooke is a large independent firm with London offices in Holborn, Putney and Kingston. Its residential property team has seven partners and handles sales and purchases from family homes to prime London and overseas buyer deals, buy to let, lease extensions, enfranchisement and freehold sales. The firm also runs a property litigation team that takes on residential disputes. It says it holds Lexcel and is ranked in Chambers High Net Worth. It suits London buyers, sellers and landlords who want a big team. You can discuss a matter without obligation and ask for a personal fee estimate.
Also worth knowing
It has full offices in Holborn, Putney and Kingston upon Thames.
Lawyers
Shabnam Ali-Khan, Partner
Beatrice Dixon, Partner
Morris John, Partner
Donall Murphy, Partner
Lara Murrell, Partner
Rachel Stewart, Partner
Sarah Reynolds, Partner
Rachel Ip Fung Chun, Senior Associate
Laurent Vaughan, Senior Associate
Bryony Shawe, Senior Associate
Joseph Beams, Associate
Tom Briscoe, Associate
Charlie Gavriel, Associate
Areas of property law handled
Buying and selling homes
Prime London property
Purchases by overseas buyers
Buy to let conveyancing
Lease extensions
Leasehold enfranchisement
Freehold purchases and sales
High value residential construction projects
Residential property disputes
Office
8 Bedford Row, London WC1R 4BX
Other details
Other offices
Putney (2 Putney Hill, London SW15 6AB) and Kingston upon Thames (Hampton Wick), with meeting rooms in Canary Wharf, the City and Richmond
Call the residential team for initial advice, a quote or a meeting. The firm says it aims to respond within 24 hours. Fees and pricing are on a separate page.
Office
59-60 Russell Square, London WC1B 4HP
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Bishop & Sewell is a Russell Square firm with two separate property teams. Its leasehold team, led by senior partner Mark Chick, acts on lease extensions, collective enfranchisement, Right to Manage, service charge disputes and First-tier Tribunal cases. A separate residential team handles sales and purchases, remortgages, transfers of equity, auctions and odd titles such as basements and vaults. The site shows CQS, Lexcel and ALEP marks. It suits London flat owners with lease problems and buyers of leasehold flats. Call the residential team for initial advice or a quote; the firm aims to reply within 24 hours.
Also worth knowing
The firm says it is recognised by the Legal 500.
Lawyers
Mark Chick, Senior Partner, Leasehold
Chris Macartney, Partner, Leasehold
Clare Groom, Partner, Leasehold
David Smith, Partner, Leasehold
Karina Kapur, Associate Solicitor, Leasehold
Stephen Bishop, Founder Partner and Consultant, Residential Property
Free fee estimate through the online conveyancing form. Fees are estimated at the outset and further fees agreed in advance. Legal aid may be available for some housing cases, such as possession defence and serious disrepair, subject to a means test.
Office
The Cottons Centre, Hay's Lane, London Bridge City, London SE1 2QG
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Anthony Gold is a South London firm with offices at London Bridge and Streatham, and says it has helped clients for over 60 years. Its conveyancing team, headed by Andrew Weir, handles home sales and purchases, buy to let, remortgages and transfers of equity, plus Court of Protection and probate sales and source of funds checks for overseas buyers. A separate housing and property disputes team acts for tenants, landlords and homeowners, with legal aid for some housing cases. It suits South London buyers who may also need dispute help. Fee estimates are free.
Also worth knowing
It handles Court of Protection and probate conveyancing as well as ordinary moves.
Lawyers
Andrew Weir, Head of Department, Conveyancing
Philip Cartin, Partner, Conveyancing
Stephen Whitaker, Partner, Conveyancing
Andrew Brookes, Head of Department, Housing and Property Disputes
Eleanor Solomon, Partner, Housing and Property Disputes
Robin Stewart, Partner, Housing and Property Disputes
Sarah Cummins, Partner, Housing and Property Disputes
Areas of property law handled
Buying and selling homes
Buy to let purchases
Remortgages
Transfers of equity
Court of Protection conveyancing
Probate conveyancing
Source of funds checks for overseas buyers
Property ownership disputes
Service charge disputes
Possession and repossession cases
Housing disrepair
Office
The Cottons Centre, Hay's Lane, London Bridge City, London SE1 2QG
First meeting terms are not published. The firm says it gives clear information on timescales and costs at the outset.
Office
Burwood House, 14-16 Caxton Street, London SW1H 0QY
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
William Sturges is a partner led Westminster firm near St James's Park. It says it was founded in 1880 and traces its roots to 1780, calling itself London's second oldest law firm. Its residential team, headed by partner Jonathan Picken, covers sales and purchases including new builds and houseboats, buy to let, auctions, lease extensions, enfranchisement and Right to Manage, plus landlord and tenant and boundary disputes. The site shows Conveyancing Quality and ALEP marks. It suits central London flat owners and landlords. The firm says it is on most major lenders' panels; first meeting terms are not published.
Founded in 1880
Also worth knowing
The firm says it is on the panels of most major lenders.
Lawyers
Jonathan Picken, Partner and Head of Residential Property
David Cross, Partner
Sally Hussain, Partner
Sophie Jones, Partner
Uzma Hassan, Senior Solicitor
Marc Dewing, Solicitor
Areas of property law handled
Buying and selling houses and flats
New builds and retirement property
Buy to let
Auction sales and purchases
Remortgages
Lease extensions
Freehold and collective enfranchisement
Right to Manage
Tenancy agreements
Licences for alterations, assignment and subletting
Party wall matters
Landlord and tenant and boundary disputes
Office
Burwood House, 14-16 Caxton Street, London SW1H 0QY
First meeting terms are not published. The firm says all instructions are partner led.
Office
100 Baker Street, London W1U 6WG
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Muscatt Black Graf is a partner led boutique on Baker Street that calls itself high end and says its history spans 75 years. Property is one of its three core areas. The residential team works on sales and purchases of freehold and leasehold homes including heritage, listed and new build property, plus lease extensions, collective enfranchisement, Right to Manage claims and residential landlord and tenant work. It suits West End and Marylebone owners and investors who want a partner on the file. Its website shows a CQS logo. First meeting terms are not published.
Also worth knowing
The firm says its history spans 75 years.
Lawyers
Alex Finney, Partner, Residential Property and Enfranchisement
Fixed, upfront fees, the firm says. First contact by phone or online enquiry form, with initial consultations available.
Office
Barley Mow Centre, 10 Barley Mow Passage, Chiswick, London W4 4PH
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Owen White Catlin is a west London and Surrey firm that says it has been practising for over 100 years and has ten partners. Its Chiswick office serves Hammersmith and Chiswick clients. The residential team of two partners and several associates handles sales and purchases, remortgages, equity release, transfers of equity, shared ownership, buy to let, auctions, lease extensions and enfranchisement. The firm holds Lexcel and CQS, according to its site. It suits west London and outer borough buyers who want a local high street firm. It says it offers fixed upfront fees, and you can call or use the enquiry form.
Also worth knowing
The firm says it offers fixed, upfront fees with no hidden extras.
Lawyers
The residential team works across the firm's offices, so ask which lawyer will handle your matter.
Free initial consultation. Fixed fee conveyancing available. Buyers may be asked for money on account for searches.
Office
Kings House, 36-37 King Street, London EC2V 8BB
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
JMW is a large national firm with a City of London office on King Street. Its residential real estate team, headed by Sophie Maryan, is mostly based in Manchester. Its named London partner is Jackie Nash, who joined in 2022, and the firm says she has over 20 years of experience with high value homes in London and the Home Counties. The team covers purchases and sales, new builds, Help to Buy, shared ownership staircasing, right to buy, auctions, HMOs and title splits. It suits buyers happy to work with a national team. The firm offers a free initial consultation and fixed fee conveyancing.
Also worth knowing
The firm offers a free initial consultation and fixed fee conveyancing.
Lawyers
Most of the residential team is based in Manchester, so ask whether a London lawyer will handle your matter.
Sophie Maryan, Head of Residential Real Estate
Jackie Nash, Partner, Residential Real Estate (London)
Online conveyancing fee calculator and a written itemised quote. Fixed legal fees, the firm says. A named lawyer is assigned from the start.
Office
Thanet House, 231-232 Strand, London WC2R 1DA
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Saracens Solicitors is a full service firm with its head office on the Strand and a second London office in Edgware. Its residential property team is led by Salima Manji, Head of Real Estate. Alongside ordinary sales, purchases and remortgages, it handles lease extensions, freehold purchases, shared ownership staircasing, auctions, new builds, company purchases and probate sales, and it markets Islamic mortgage conveyancing and purchases funded by cryptocurrency. The firm says it holds Lexcel. It suits buyers with Islamic finance or unusual funding. An online calculator and written quote start the process, with a named lawyer from day one.
Also worth knowing
Clients get a named lawyer and an itemised written quote at the outset, the firm says.
Lawyers
Salima Manji, Head of Real Estate
Aruni Ahangama, Conveyancer
Areas of property law handled
Buying a house or flat
Selling property
Remortgaging
Lease extensions and freehold purchase
Transfer of equity
Shared ownership and staircasing
Auction property
New build purchases
Islamic mortgage conveyancing
Cryptocurrency funded purchases
Buy to let and company purchases
Probate sales
Office
Thanet House, 231-232 Strand, London WC2R 1DA
Other details
Other offices
Edgware (Multicom House, 2 Spring Villa Road, HA8 7EB), plus Dubai
Firm details come from each firm's own website. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
How we compiled this list
We include firms with an office in London that do residential property work as a main part of their work. For each one we read the firm's own website in October 2026, checked it says it is regulated by the SRA, and wrote the description ourselves. Accreditations and first consultation terms are as the firm describes them, so confirm them when you call. Google ratings are shown with the date we checked them, where we have them.
No firm pays for its place on this list, and the order is our own.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. The law described is for England and Wales, and the stamp duty rates are for England, as published on legislation.gov.uk, GOV.UK and by the SRA on 25 October 2026.
How buying a home works, step by step
Your solicitor or conveyancer does the legal checks on the property and the legal work of moving ownership from the seller to you. The order below is typical, though some steps run at the same time.
Step
What happens
Instruction
You choose a solicitor or conveyancer to act for you, usually once your offer is accepted
Searches
Your conveyancer orders local authority searches and advises on others, such as flood risk or a mining report. Searches are usually paid for up front and only stay valid for a few months, so order them early
Enquiries
Your conveyancer raises questions about the property, which the seller normally needs to answer
Mortgage offer
Your lender must confirm the mortgage before exchange. A mortgage valuation is not a survey and doesn't protect you if something is wrong with the property
Exchange of contracts
You and the seller swap signed contracts and you pay the deposit. From this point the deal is legally binding
Completion
Your conveyancer sends the rest of the money to the seller's conveyancer and you get the keys, often around lunchtime
Stamp duty return
Due to HMRC within 14 days of completion. Most firms file and pay on completion day
Registration
Your conveyancer registers you as the new owner with HM Land Registry
What exchange means. Before exchange, either side can walk away. After it, a buyer who pulls out may lose the deposit and have to compensate the seller, and a seller who pulls out may have to pay the buyer's costs and compensation. You're legally responsible for the property from exchange, so buildings insurance should start then, not on completion.
Registration. In law, a transfer of a registered property doesn't take full effect until it's registered. If the land has never been registered, the sale triggers first registration and the application must be made within 2 months. HM Land Registry charges a fee based on the price. Through its online portal, a transfer of a whole title costs £150 for £200,001 to £500,000, £295 for £500,001 to £1 million and £500 above £1 million. Postal applications, and transfers of part of a title (common on new builds), cost more. These fees have applied since 9 December 2024.
Stamp duty in England, as at 25 October 2026
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) applies when you buy a freehold or leasehold home in England, including through a shared ownership scheme. The rates below are as at 25 October 2026. The Budget on 28 October 2026 could change them, and we'll update this page if it does.
Part of the price
Standard rate
Up to £125,000
0%
£125,001 to £250,000
2%
£250,001 to £925,000
5%
£925,001 to £1.5 million
10%
Above £1.5 million
12%
Each rate applies only to the part of the price inside that band. On a £600,000 home you'd pay nothing on the first £125,000, £2,500 on the next £125,000 and £17,500 on the remaining £350,000, so £20,000 in all. The temporary higher thresholds, including a larger first time buyer relief, ended on 31 March 2025.
First time buyers: no SDLT up to £300,000, and 5% on the part from £300,001 to £500,000. On a £450,000 flat that's £7,500. If the price is over £500,000 you can't claim the relief at all, and the standard rates apply
Additional homes: if you'll own more than one residential property, you usually pay 5% on top of each standard rate. If you're replacing your main home, you don't pay the extra 5% if the old home is sold before you complete. If it isn't sold by then, you pay the higher rates but can claim a refund if you sell it within 36 months of completing the new purchase
Non-resident buyers: if you weren't in the UK for at least 183 days in the 12 months before the purchase, you usually pay a 2% surcharge on a home in England
Deadline: the SDLT return must reach HMRC, and the tax must be paid, within 14 days of completion. Late filing or payment can bring penalties and interest
Wales has its own Land Transaction Tax and Scotland has Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, so these figures only apply to homes in England.
Rates as at 25 October 2026, from GOV.UK and the Finance Act 2003.
Leasehold in London
Many London homes, especially flats, are leasehold. You own a lease for a set number of years, and a freeholder owns the building. As the lease gets shorter, it can be harder to sell or mortgage, which is why lease extensions are common work for London firms.
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 became law on 24 May 2024, but most of it only takes effect when the government makes commencement regulations. As at 25 October 2026, legislation.gov.uk shows this position:
In force
Not yet in force
No two year wait. Since 31 January 2025, you don't need to have owned for two years before claiming a lease extension or the freehold
990 year lease extensions
Changes to the right to manage, since 3 March 2025
A new way of valuing claims that removes marriage value
Changes to remediation orders and remediation contribution orders for building safety defects, which come from the Building Safety Act 2022, since 31 October 2024
A right to buy out ground rent and replace it with a peppercorn
A ban on selling new houses on a lease, and service charge and sale information reforms
So for now, a flat owner who qualifies can claim a new lease under the 1993 Act at a peppercorn rent, for a term ending 90 years after the current lease would have ended. Leaseholders in a block can also join together to buy the freehold, known as collective enfranchisement. Price disputes are still valued under the old rules, including marriage value where it applies.
Ground rent on new leases. Since 30 June 2022 (1 April 2023 for retirement homes), most new long leases of a single home granted for a premium can't charge more than a peppercorn ground rent. This doesn't reduce ground rent on existing leases.
Building safety costs. Under the Building Safety Act 2022, a leaseholder with a qualifying lease in a building at least 11 metres high or 5 storeys, with at least two homes, can't be charged through the service charge for cladding remediation. In Greater London, other safety defect costs that can be passed on are capped at £15,000, or more for a lease worth over £1 million, and no more than a tenth of the cap can be charged in a year. Nothing can be charged if the lease was worth under £325,000, if the landlord was responsible for the defect, or if the landlord group passes a net worth test. These protections don't apply in buildings the leaseholders own, for example after collective enfranchisement. The lease value tests use the lease's value at a fixed date set by the Act, not what it's worth today.
What conveyancing firms must tell you
Under the SRA Transparency Rules, any SRA regulated firm that advertises residential conveyancing must publish on its website:
The total cost, or an average or range where that's not practical, and the basis of its charges, such as fixed fees or hourly rates
The likely disbursements, such as search fees and the Land Registry fee, and their cost
Whether VAT applies, and how much
What the price includes, the key stages and the likely timescales
The experience and qualifications of the people doing and supervising the work
This information must be clear and in a prominent place on the site. Firms also have to publish their complaints procedure, including how and when you can go to the Legal Ombudsman. A published price is a guide, so ask for a written estimate for your property.
The Conveyancing Quality Scheme. CQS is the Law Society's quality standard for SRA regulated firms doing residential conveyancing, covering competence, risk management and client service. Accredited firms must follow the Law Society's Conveyancing Protocol, a set of steps for home sales and purchases, with limited exceptions. On this list, Bishop & Sewell, Anthony Gold, William Sturges, Muscatt Black Graf and Owen White Catlin show CQS on their websites, and JMW's profile for its London partner mentions CQS. Bishop & Sewell and William Sturges also show marks from ALEP, the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners, on their sites.
Before you instruct a firm, check it on the SRA Solicitors Register.
Protecting your deposit, and making a complaint
Bank details fraud. Criminals send emails that look like they come from your conveyancer, saying the firm's bank details have changed. It's extremely rare for a firm to change its bank account. If you get a message like this, don't send any money. Call the firm on a number you already have, not one in the email, and confirm the account details by phone before you transfer your deposit or the balance. If you think you've been targeted, tell your bank straight away and report it to Action Fraud.
Complaints. Complain to the firm first. It has up to eight weeks to put things right. If it doesn't, or you're unhappy with its final response, you can go to the Legal Ombudsman on 0300 555 0333.
Your complaint must normally reach the Ombudsman within one year of the problem, or within one year of when you should reasonably have known about it
It must also arrive within six months of the firm's final written response, if that response told you about the six month limit and gave the Ombudsman's details
An ombudsman can extend the limits where it's fair, for example after serious illness
Property tribunal, courts and free help in London
Disputes about leases go to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Its London office covers every London borough. Claims to take back a home from a tenant, and other housing claims, go to the county court.
Tribunal or court
Address
What it hears
First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), Residential Property, London region
10 Alfred Place, London, WC1E 7LR
Leasehold disputes and leasehold enfranchisement
County Court at Central London
Thomas More Building, Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, London, WC2A 2LL
Housing and money claims. The counter is open by appointment only
A note for landlords. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 abolished assured shorthold tenancies and section 21 "no fault" evictions for private tenancies from 1 May 2026, subject to transitional rules. Landlords who want a property back now need a ground for possession, and the Act changed those grounds too. Social housing tenancies weren't part of that change. Several firms on this list advise landlords on tenancies and possession.
Citizens Advice: London has a separate Citizens Advice for each borough. In central London, Citizens Advice Westminster is at The Stowe Centre, 258 Harrow Road, London, W2 5ES
Civil Legal Advice: 0345 345 4345, if you qualify for legal aid, for housing problems if you're homeless or at risk of eviction, and debt if your home is at risk. Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 12:30pm
Law centres: RCJ Advice gives free civil, family and housing advice, and many London boroughs have a law centre
London property law: common questions
How much stamp duty will I pay on a London home?
As at 25 October 2026, nothing on the first £125,000, 2% on the part up to £250,000, 5% up to £925,000, 10% up to £1.5 million and 12% above that. On a £600,000 home that's £20,000. First time buyers pay nothing up to £300,000 and 5% on the part up to £500,000. The Budget on 28 October 2026 could change these rates, and we'll update this page if it does.
When do I have to pay stamp duty?
The SDLT return must be sent and the tax paid within 14 days of completion. Your solicitor or conveyancer usually files and pays on completion day and adds it to their bill. Late filing or payment can lead to penalties and interest.
What does exchange of contracts mean?
It's the point when you and the seller swap signed contracts and the sale becomes legally binding. You pay the deposit at exchange. If you pull out afterwards you may lose it and have to compensate the seller. You're also responsible for the property from exchange, so arrange buildings insurance by then.
Do I have to own my flat for two years before extending the lease?
Not any more. The two year rule was removed on 31 January 2025, so you can make a claim for a lease extension or the freehold soon after buying, as long as you otherwise qualify.
Has marriage value been abolished?
Not yet. The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 includes a new valuation method that removes marriage value, but as at 25 October 2026 that part isn't in force. Neither are 990 year lease extensions. A lease extension under the current rules adds 90 years to the existing term at a peppercorn rent.
How can I compare conveyancing quotes?
SRA regulated firms that advertise conveyancing must publish their total cost or a range, how they charge, likely disbursements, VAT, what's included and who does the work. Check what each quote leaves out, such as leasehold fees or extra searches, and ask for it in writing.
My conveyancer emailed new bank details. What should I do?
Don't send any money. Firms very rarely change bank accounts, and this is a common fraud. Call the firm on a number you already have, not one in the email, and check the details before paying. If you think you've been targeted, contact your bank at once and report it to Action Fraud.
