Best Conveyancing Solicitors in Ashford (Kent)

How do I choose a good conveyancing solicitor in Ashford, Kent?

When you compare conveyancing quotes in Ashford, Kent, look for a property solicitor with strong credentials, positive client feedback, and experience within the local property market. Ashford has a varied property landscape, from new developments near Finberry and Chilmington Green, to character homes in the town centre and countryside villages like Wye and Great Chart. A solicitor familiar with the local area can offer valuable insights specific to the market trends and typical issues in the region.

Transparency is key, so ensure the solicitors you are considering provide clear and upfront details about their conveyancing fees and what services are included.

Make sure the conveyancers you are considering are fully accredited, either by the CLC or SRA.

You can contact them through their website, phone, or visit their office. Many will offer an initial consultation to discuss your conveyancing needs.

It’s also helpful to select a conveyancing solicitor who is already on the panel of approved firms set by your chosen mortgage lender, as this will help things go quicker. You can check your lender’s website or ask them directly to find out if your conveyancer is on their panel.

While it’s not essential to use a solicitor based in Ashford, as many aspects of conveyancing can be handled remotely, a local solicitor may have existing relationships with Ashford Borough Council, local estate agents, or developers, and are likely to be familiar with common issues like planning permissions in rural areas, drainage concerns in new builds, or local search results delays.

You should engage a conveyancer as you start looking for a property or before you list one for sale, to ensure all legal aspects are promptly addressed.

How do property solicitors workin Ashford, Kent?

It is a conveyancer’s job to act on your behalf, managing the legal aspects of property transactions and administrative work associated with transferring the ownership of a property from one person to another. Their tasks will vary depending on whether you are buying, selling or both.

Your conveyancing solicitor will conduct conveyancing searches (e.g. local authority, drainage, and environmental) specific to Ashford, which can reveal important issues such as proximity to HS1 rail lines, flood risks in areas like Willesborough, or planning permissions near new developments. They will also handle contracts, and advise on Ashford Borough Council's planning regulations and property laws, especially relevant for developments in local conservation areas or greenbelt zones.

According to reallymoving data, the average cost of conveyancing fees is around £2,368, including fees and disbursements. For a First Time Buyer, the average cost is £1,478. Prices in Ashford can vary slightly depending on the type and location of the property (e.g. town centre flats vs rural cottages).

Your money is protected when you use a conveyancer. Conveyancing solicitors must hold client funds in separate accounts, ensuring security and compliance with regulatory standards.

It is possible to do your own conveyancing, if you are a cash buyer, however it is advisable to always use a conveyancing solicitor as they will have the knowledge and expertise necessary to complete a property transaction, particularly in areas like Ashford where complexities can arise from leaseholds, shared ownership schemes, or restrictive covenants common in new build estates. Hiring a conveyancer minimises the risk that something will go wrong, and your purchase will not go through.

What questions should I ask my conveyancer?

Start by enquiring about their experience in the Ashford property market. Even if the conveyancer isn’t physically based in Ashford, they should demonstrate familiarity with the local property landscape. Ashford has a mix of urban developments, such as around Repton Park and Victoria Point, and more rural or conservation areas like Wye and Challock. Experience with Ashford Borough Council's planning systems, common local issues (e.g. flood zones or HS1 proximity), and regional market nuances can be invaluable.

Ask them about how much their fees will be and what they include, such as disbursements, expenses and Stamp Duty. Clarify whether the quote covers Ashford-specific searches, which may vary in cost and scope depending on property location.

Ask about the timeline for how long the conveyancing process will take, and how they plan to communicate updates to you. Typically, conveyancing takes 8-12 weeks, and your conveyancer will need your input to fill out forms and provide documents throughout the process. They should be available to contact whenever you need to ask questions or request updates. Ask how your solicitor handles Ashford-specific delays, such as local authority search turnaround times.

You may want to see if they offer no sale, no fee agreements. This means you will not have to pay the conveyancing fees if the purchase falls through, but you may still have to cover the cost of disbursements.

Make sure they are part of a regulated professional body and are approved on your chosen mortgage lender’s conveyancing panel. All conveyancers/ conveyancing solicitors on reallymoving are regulated by the SRA or CLC.

Is it better to use a solicitor or conveyancer in Ashford, Kent?

When navigating a property transaction in Ashford, Kent, you can use both conveyancing solicitors and conveyancers. There are differences between the two, but both will handle your property sale or purchase in the same way, so the decision of who you decide to use is up to you.

Conveyancing solicitors will have been trained in a variety of legal fields, ranging from family law through to litigation or criminal law. They have then chosen to specialise in property law. This might be useful if you anticipate needing additional legal services, such as updating your will or resolving a dispute, alongside your property transaction in Ashford.

Licensed Conveyancers are specialists who have specifically been trained in property law and this is their sole focus. Their focused expertise can be beneficial in a dynamic property area like Ashford with its mix of new developments and conservation zones.

Conveyancing solicitors practising in the Ashford market must be registered with the Law Society and are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), whereas Licensed Conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC).

Both regulatory bodies will have a public register where you can search for an individual or a firm to check if they are regulated. All property solicitors and conveyancers quoted by reallymoving are regulated by one of these bodies. 

Your decision about whether to use a solicitor or conveyancer may come down to whether you prefer to have someone with expertise in other legal fields you may need help with, or someone trained specifically in property law.

Ashford is a growing commuter town with a wide range of property types, from high-speed rail-linked flats near the International station to village homes in surrounding parishes like Kingsnorth or Mersham. Choosing someone familiar with local planning quirks, infrastructure projects, or regional search issues may help your move go more smoothly, whether they’re a solicitor or a conveyancer.