Guides & Resources
Plain-English guides to buying, selling and remortgaging in England and Wales — what it costs, what searches are, how stamp duty works, and what happens between offer and keys. General information only. Panel solicitors regulated by the SRA and/or CLC do the legal work.
Ethical Conveyancing (TG Legal Services) is an introducer, not a regulated law firm. Fixed legal fees from £400 on a sale or purchase, from £230 on a remortgage; the figure for your file comes from the quote.
How Much Does Conveyancing Cost in 2026?
Legal fees, disbursements, VAT and extras — and how to compare a fixed-fee quote with a headline price. Market figures labelled as third-party; your number comes from the quote.
The Conveyancing Process, Demystified
What happens from instruction to keys, in order, without the jargon — and where searches, exchange and completion sit.
How Long Does Conveyancing Take in 2026
8–12 weeks is possible on some chain-free freeholds. Rightmove’s July 2026 GB average is 154 days from sale agreed to completion — third-party, not a promise.
Stamp Duty Rates 2026 (SDLT)
Residential bands from 1 April 2025, first-time buyer relief, the extra 5% on additional dwellings, and how Wales and Scotland differ.
First-Time Buyer’s Complete Checklist
From AIP to keys, with 2026 SDLT figures, a conveyancing budget line, gifted deposits and surveys vs valuations.
Property Searches — What You Need to Know
A guide to the core pack, typical search costs, cash buyers, and what you still pay if a purchase falls through.
Freehold vs Leasehold: What’s the Difference
Ownership, ongoing costs, short leases, estate charges on some new-build freeholds, and what leasehold reform has actually commenced.
Leasehold Conveyancing Costs and Extra Charges
Management packs, notices, deeds of covenant and other extras that sit on top of a standard conveyancing quote.
What ‘Exchange’ and ‘Completion’ Mean
When a sale becomes binding, the typical deposit and insurance point, the gap before keys, and how Scotland differs.
Remortgage Conveyancing: Costs, Timelines and When You Need Your Own Solicitor
Product transfer vs a new lender, what “free legal work” usually includes, legal fees from £230, Ethical’s ~3 week average this year (not a promise), and leasehold extras.
Solicitor vs Conveyancer: Does It Make a Difference?
A neutral SRA vs CLC comparison — then how Ethical’s solicitor panel and itemised fixed fees work.
Transfer of Equity Explained
Adding or removing a name on the title. Assuming a mortgage can be SDLT consideration — the £125k nil-rate applies from 1 April 2025.
Buying a New Build in 2026
Off-plan vs a completed plot, searches, warranties and estate charges. Lenders usually still want a search pack.
Buying a Property at Auction
On a traditional auction the hammer is typically exchange, with completion often around 28 days. Review the legal pack before you bid.
What Is a Mines and Minerals Search?
What the search is, when solicitors often order it, typical market cost, and how results are reported. Related to the searches guide, not a duplicate.
Need help with your move?
Fixed legal fees from £400 on a sale or purchase, from £230 on a remortgage. The quote engine is the figure for your file.