Your move, handled start to finish by Lauren Basger: a named conveyancing solicitor.

Most residential conveyancing tends to take somewhere between eight and twelve weeks from instruction to completion, though the exact timing depends on factors like search turnaround, mortgage offers and the length of the chain. At Blackstone Solicitors, Lauren Basger will handle your matter from start to finish and keep you updated on realistic timescales as things progress, so you always know where you stand.

Conveyancing fees depend on the property price, whether it's freehold or leasehold, and whether there's a mortgage involved, so we'll always give you a clear, written quote upfront with the legal fees and expected disbursements (like searches and Land Registry fees) itemised, no hidden extras. If you'd like a straightforward figure for your situation, Lauren Basger can talk it through with you directly on 0330 808 0849.

Conveyancing generally follows a set path: instruction and ID checks, reviewing the draft contract and title, raising enquiries and ordering searches, agreeing the contract and mortgage offer, exchanging contracts with a deposit, and finally completion when funds transfer and keys are released. At Blackstone Solicitors, Lauren Basger guides you through each stage personally, so you always know where you are and what happens next.

Exchange of contracts is the point at which your purchase or sale becomes legally binding, deposit funds are transferred, the completion date is fixed, and neither side can pull out without serious financial consequences. Before we reach that stage, Lauren Basger will walk you through the contract, searches and mortgage offer so you know exactly what you're committing to, and only exchange once you're comfortable to proceed.

Gazumping is when a seller accepts your offer on a property, then later accepts a higher offer from another buyer before contracts are exchanged, leaving you out of pocket for searches, surveys and legal fees. The most effective protection is to move promptly and predictably through the legal process so you can reach exchange sooner, which is where having a named solicitor like Lauren Basger handling your matter start to finish makes a real difference. She can also talk you through options such as lock-out agreements or buyer's insurance during your initial call on 0330 808 0849.

Whether leasehold or freehold is right for you depends on the property type and your long-term plans, freehold gives you full ownership of the property and land, while leasehold means you own the property for a set term and may face ground rent, service charges and lease extension costs down the line. It's worth weighing these ongoing obligations carefully, especially with flats (usually leasehold) versus houses (usually freehold). Lauren Basger can talk you through the specific lease terms and what they'd mean for you before you commit, call 0330 808 0849 for a no-obligation initial discussion.