Welcome to Our Residential Conveyancing Services
At Clowes & Co we specialise in providing expert residential conveyancing services tailored to meet the needs of our clients across the UK. With our wealth of experience and dedication to excellence, we ensure that your property transactions proceed smoothly and efficiently from start to finish.
Our team of residential property experts boasts decades of collective experience and specialised expertise. Unlike conveyancing factories with impersonal call centres, we prioritise personalised service. When you entrust us with your transaction, you’ll work directly with a dedicated property professional, backed by an experienced assistant. We value each client as an individual, not just a reference number, providing direct access to your conveyancer throughout the process. Our dynamic approach is centered on helping you achieve your desired outcome, ensuring confidence in your choice and a stress-free experience.
If you would like to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to speak to one of our friendly team members on our contact details.
We’ll ensure you’re informed every step of the way, providing clarity on what to expect and coordinating with other professionals assisting you, such as your estate agent or mortgage broker. You can trust us to avoid unpleasant surprises and overwhelming you with unnecessary paperwork, offering only top-notch legal guidance in straightforward language. Our down-to-earth and approach makes us easy to work with.
While there may be occasional challenges throughout the process, rest assured we’re here to support you. Our goal is to ensure a smooth and efficient journey, addressing any issues that arise along the way. What may seem daunting to you is likely routine for our experienced team. With years of expertise, there’s little we haven’t encountered before. Trust that our knowledge is working in your favour.
The Residential Team at Clowes & Co is equipped to assist you with the following:
- Freehold and Leasehold sales and purchases
- Shared Ownership Purchase and Sales
- New build Purchases and Sales
- Auction Sales and Purchases modern and traditional
- Remortgages
- Transfer of Equity and Equity Releases
- Declarations of Trust
- First Registrations and Adverse Possession Claims
- Independent Legal Advice
- Buy to Let Sales and Purchasers for residential and limited companies
If you don’t see what you need listed here, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are likely to be able to offer guidance or assistance.
“Excellence is never random; it arises from deliberate intention, genuine dedication, astute guidance, and proficient execution. It embodies the wise selection among numerous possibilities.”
Make a prudent choice and get in touch with us – we’re keen to help! Then use our contact details.
Sales
Selling your property can be a complex process, but with our help, you can rest assured that everything will be taken care of. We handle all aspects of the sale, from preparing legal documents to liaising with the buyer’s solicitors and ensuring a smooth transfer of ownership.
Effective preparation is the cornerstone of a successful property sale. It goes beyond just organising the physical aspects like the building itself and packing belongings; it also involves ensuring all necessary paperwork is in order.
If you’ve undertaken any renovations or improvements on your property—such as installing new windows, building an extension, or adding a conservatory—you’ll need to gather the associated documents. This includes planning permissions, building regulation approvals, and certificates for electrical or gas installations. Starting this process early allows your solicitor to compile a comprehensive pack for the buyer’s solicitor upfront, preventing delays later.
Consider what items you’ll be leaving behind, such as carpets and curtains, as well as what you’ll be taking with you.
As part of our process, we’ll ask you to complete a property information form. It’s crucial to provide accurate answers—guesswork is not acceptable—as your buyer will rely on this information.
If you have a mortgage, we’ll require your account number. Additionally, if you’ve changed your name since purchasing the property, such as through marriage, we’ll need evidence of this change, such as your marriage certificate.
At Clowes & Co, we can recommend estate agents we regularly collaborate with in the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent areas if you’re unsure where to begin the selling process. We don’t have any financial referral agreements; our aim is simply to partner with estate agents who share our goal of facilitating a smooth moving experience for you.
Being well-prepared can greatly speed up the sale process. If you have any queries or doubts about what’s required, don’t hesitate to contact us for a chat on our contact details
Purchases
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, our team of experienced solicitors will guide you through the entire purchase process. From conducting property searches to negotiating contracts and completing the transaction, we’re here to make buying your dream home a stress-free experience.
Purchasing a property involves several essential elements: searches (more details to follow), financial arrangements (often involving a mortgage), and the contract pack containing crucial property information.
Rest assured, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Our aim is not only to handle the legal aspects meticulously but also to ensure a swift and seamless transaction while addressing any issues that may arise during the process. Your investment’s security is our top priority.
Pre-Contract Searches
You might wonder why searches are necessary and what they entail. If you’re securing a mortgage, searches are vital to protect the lender’s interests alongside your own. Even if you’re a cash buyer, we strongly recommend investing in searches. The potential risks of not conducting searches far outweigh the cost. Would you want to purchase a property unaware of a mineshaft under the driveway or a future HS2 line running through the garden?
We advise against substituting searches with insurance policies, as some conveyancers propose. Imagine buying a property only to discover later that it’s subject to a compulsory purchase order, jeopardizing your ownership and resulting in the hassle of an insurance claim.
Searches rely on data records from relevant authorities like the Coal Authority, Severn Trent Water, and local councils, rather than physical inspections. While some searches are standard nationwide, others are area specific. For instance, Stoke-on-Trent typically requires a coal mining search, whereas the South-West might necessitate a metalliferous search due to historical mining activities involving tin, lead, and copper. Additional concerns may include fracking, wind farms, flooding, and proposed developments.
We’ll assess if any extra searches are needed and provide comprehensive reports on their findings. For queries or detailed discussions, feel free to contact our Residential Property team at the numbers mentioned above.
Buying & Selling Simultaneously
Patience is key when buying and selling concurrently. Every party in the chain undergoes similar processes, and delays or breakdowns can occur. Rest assured, we’ll navigate the process adeptly, applying pressure when necessary and advising you on the best course of action.
For tailored guidance, contact our Residential Property team today on our contact details.
Leaseholds
Leasehold properties are quite distinct from freehold properties. In essence:
Freehold properties mean you own the entire property outright, including the land it’s built on. You’re responsible for insuring it and making decisions about its use.
Leasehold properties, on the other hand, involve a landlord who owns the property and grants you a lease for a specific period. The landlord handles insurance, maintenance, and enforces lease terms, while you pay service charges.
Most houses are freehold, while many flats are leasehold.
When buying or selling a leasehold property, the process differs. While we still conduct searches and ensure your financing is secured, there are additional steps. This includes reviewing the lease and obtaining a management pre-assignment pack.
In leasehold conveyancing, we thoroughly examine the lease agreement to ensure you understand all obligations and restrictions. We also scrutinize the management pre-assignment pack, which provides vital information about the building’s management company, service charges, and any ongoing maintenance or repair issues.
Furthermore, we liaise with the landlord or management company to verify compliance with lease terms and negotiate any necessary amendments or repairs before completion.
Rest assured, our team will guide you through each step, providing comprehensive reports on lease terms and building management details beyond just your flat.
For further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our Residential Property team at For further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our Residential Property team.
New Builds
Purchasing a new build property involves similar processes to pre-owned properties but often requires more detailed scrutiny due to the unique considerations of new developments.
In addition to the standard conveyancing elements, such as searches and financial arrangements, new build contracts typically include a broader range of documents. These may cover essential infrastructure aspects like roads, drainage, and power supplies, which are often still under construction in new estates. Our team meticulously reviews these documents to ensure all necessary agreements are in place and that the property complies with relevant regulations.
Developers commonly offer incentives to buyers, but they also enforce strict timescales for completion. We understand that each development presents unique challenges, and we’re adept at managing the pressure of tight deadlines.
If you’re considering purchasing a new build property, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We may already be familiar with the site and can provide valuable insights and assistance tailored to your needs.
For further inquiries or to discuss our services in detail, please contact our Residential Property team at our details.
Transfer of Equity
Property transfers encompass a diverse range of scenarios, each with its unique set of considerations and challenges.
One common scenario involves transferring property ownership from joint owners to a sole owner following a divorce or separation. These situations can be emotionally taxing and require careful navigation of mortgage lender requirements. Our team specialises in handling such transfers with sensitivity and efficiency, leveraging our extensive experience to minimise stress during what can be a challenging time.
Another frequently encountered transfer involves deeds of gift, where older individuals seek to gift their properties to their children. While this may seem straightforward, it carries inherent risks and complexities. We provide expert guidance to navigate potential pitfalls and explore available options to ensure a smooth and secure transfer process.
Whether you’re facing a property transfer due to divorce, separation, or a deed of gift, our Residential Property Team is here to assist you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at our contact details.
Auctions
Auction sale and purchase transactions present unique challenges and considerations that require specialised legal expertise.
In an auction sale transaction, properties are typically sold to the highest bidder within a set timeframe. These transactions often involve tight deadlines and require swift action to complete the purchase. Our team is well-versed in handling auction sales, ensuring that clients understand the process and meet all necessary requirements within the specified timeline.
On the other hand, auction purchase transactions involve buying properties at auction. These transactions require thorough due diligence to assess the property’s condition, legal status, and any potential risks associated with the purchase. Our team provides comprehensive support to buyers, guiding them through the auction process and conducting the necessary legal checks to ensure a smooth transaction.
Whether you’re selling or buying a property at auction, our Residential Property Team is here to assist you every step of the way. We offer expert advice and support to help you navigate the complexities of auction transactions and achieve your objectives.
Feel free to contact us at our contact details.
First Registration and Adverse Possession Transactions
First registration and adverse possession transactions encompass a range of legal intricacies and considerations that require specialised expertise.
In the case of first registration, this process involves registering a property for the first time with the Land Registry. It typically occurs when a property has never been registered before, often due to historical reasons or changes in ownership. First registration requires careful attention to detail and adherence to specific legal requirements.
Adverse possession, on the other hand, involves claiming ownership of land based on continuous and undisputed use over a certain period, typically 10 or 12 years. This process can be complex and involves proving the elements of adverse possession according to legal criteria.
Our team specialises in navigating both first registration and adverse possession transactions with precision and expertise. We provide tailored guidance to ensure that clients understand the process and requirements involved in each scenario.
Whether you’re seeking to register your property for the first time or exploring adverse possession claims, our Residential Property Team is here to assist you. Feel free to contact us at our contact details.
Remortgages
Remortgage transactions are a common aspect of property ownership, often undertaken for various reasons such as securing a better interest rate, releasing equity, or changing the terms of the mortgage.
Our team specialises in handling remortgage transactions with efficiency and expertise. Whether you’re seeking to refinance your existing mortgage or switch to a new lender, we provide personalised guidance tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
From conducting thorough assessments of your financial situation to liaising with lenders and overseeing the legal aspects of the remortgage process, we ensure a smooth and seamless experience from start to finish. Our goal is to minimize stress and streamline the remortgage process, allowing you to make informed decisions and achieve your financial goals.
If you’re considering a remortgage or have questions about the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Residential Property Team on our contact details
Equity Release
Equity release transactions encompass various scenarios and considerations that require specialised attention and expertise.
One common scenario involves homeowners seeking to release equity from their property to supplement their retirement income or meet other financial needs. These transactions involve complex legal and financial considerations, including understanding the implications for inheritance and long-term financial security.
Our team specialises in guiding clients through the equity release process with sensitivity and expertise. We provide personalised advice tailored to your specific circumstances, ensuring you understand the risks and benefits involved.
Whether you’re considering equity release for retirement planning or other financial objectives, our Residential Property Team is here to assist you every step of the way. Feel free to contact us on our contact details.
Buy to Lets
For buy-to-let purchase and sale transactions, our Residential Property Team offers specialised expertise to landlords and property investors. Whether you’re acquiring new rental properties or selling existing ones, we provide comprehensive legal support tailored to meet your specific needs and objectives.
When purchasing a buy-to-let property, our team ensures that all legal aspects of the transaction are handled efficiently and effectively. We conduct thorough due diligence, including property searches, to identify any potential issues or liabilities that may affect your investment. We also review and negotiate the terms of the purchase contract to protect your interests and minimise risks.
In the sale of buy-to-let properties, we work diligently to facilitate a smooth and timely transaction. Our team prepares all necessary legal documentation, including the sale contract and transfer deeds, to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and safeguard your investment. We also liaise with relevant parties, such as tenants and managing agents, to coordinate the sale process and minimise disruptions.
Whether you’re expanding your property portfolio or divesting assets, our team is committed to helping you achieve your investment goals. We provide practical legal advice and strategic guidance every step of the way, ensuring that your buy-to-let transactions are executed seamlessly and in accordance with your objectives.
If you’re considering buy-to-let property transactions or have questions about the legal aspects of landlord ship, please contact us at our contact details. Let us help you navigate the complexities of buy-to-let investments and maximise the returns on your property portfolio.
Shared Ownership
Shared ownership transactions involve purchasing a share of a property, typically with a housing association owning the remaining share. These transactions offer an affordable route to home ownership, particularly for first-time buyers or those with limited financial resources.
Our Residential Property Team specialises in shared ownership transactions and understands the unique aspects involved. We assist clients in navigating the shared ownership process, from initial inquiries to completing the purchase. We provide expert guidance on the shared ownership scheme’s terms and conditions, ensuring clients fully understand their rights and responsibilities as shared owners.
Whether you’re considering purchasing a shared ownership property or looking to sell your share, our team is here to help. We offer tailored advice and support to ensure a seamless transaction and help you achieve your homeownership goals.
For personalised assistance with your shared ownership transaction, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at our contact details.
Declaration of Trust
Declaration of Trusts involves formalising the ownership structure of a property when multiple parties are involved, such as friends, family members, or business partners. This legal document outlines each party’s rights and obligations concerning the property, including ownership shares, financial contributions, and decision-making authority.
Our Residential Property Team specialises in Declaration of Trusts and understands the importance of clarity and transparency in property ownership arrangements. We assist clients in drafting comprehensive Declaration of Trust documents tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.
Whether you’re purchasing a property jointly with others or looking to clarify ownership rights in an existing property, our team provides expert guidance and support throughout the process. We ensure that all parties involved fully understand their rights and obligations under the Declaration of Trust, helping to avoid potential disputes or misunderstandings in the future.
If you’re considering a Declaration of Trust for your property or need assistance with an existing arrangement, our team is here to help. Contact us at our contact details.
Cohabitation Agreements
A Cohabitation Agreement is a legal document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of unmarried couples who live together. It covers various aspects of cohabitation, including property ownership, financial contributions, and arrangements for children if applicable.
Our Residential Property Team specialises in drafting comprehensive Cohabitation Agreements tailored to the unique circumstances of each couple. We understand the importance of clarity and fairness in these agreements, ensuring that both parties’ interests are protected.
Whether you’re moving in together for the first time or seeking to formalise your existing living arrangements, our team provides expert guidance and support throughout the process. We help couples navigate complex legal issues and ensure that their rights are clearly defined under the Cohabitation Agreement.
By addressing key aspects of cohabitation upfront, such as property ownership and financial responsibilities, a Cohabitation Agreement can help prevent disputes and provide peace of mind for both parties. Our team is committed to helping couples establish a solid foundation for their relationship and future together.
If you’re considering a Cohabitation Agreement or have questions about how it can benefit you, don’t hesitate to contact us at our contact details.
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20-22 Leek Road, Stockton Brook, Stoke on Trent. ST9 9NN
Mon – Fri: 9.00 am – 5:00 pm
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