The Truth About Buy To Let Conveyancing!

Who should you use for “buy-to-let conveyancing”?

If you need assistance with conveyancing (I’m saying if, because there’s nothing stopping you from giving it a punt, though it’s not recommended), whether you’re buying or selling a property, I suggest using any reputable conveyancing firm that is SRA or CLC regulated.

To reiterate, you don’t need a so-called “specialist buy-to-let conveyancer” if you’re buying or selling a rental property. Any reputable conveyancing firm will be able to manage the transfer.

I actually wouldn’t be surprised if there are unscrupulous conveyancing firms that take advantage of ignorance, charging a premium for “buy-to-let conveyancing” services, even though the process is exactly the same as for a residential property.

If you’re looking for quotes, naturally, I’m going to point you toward my affiliate partner, ReallyMoving.com – they’re the best, and I’ve personally used them.

Warning: avoid cheap!

One word of warning, and this comes from personal experience and countless second-hand horror stories: don’t skimp on conveyancing.

Cheap conveyancing services are often a false economy, so don’t choose based on price alone. This is likely one of the biggest financial purchases of your life, and the consequences of incompetence can be serious.

Efficient and organised conveyancers are worth their weight in gold – they’ll save you both your sanity and your money.

Should I go with the estate agent’s recommendation?

Let me guess, they have a buy to let specialist conveyancer they can recommend? :)

As a rule of thumb, I avoid services recommended by estate agent, including conveyancing and mortgage services, because they rarely offer the best value. Most estate agents add a markup, meaning you pay over the odds for what is often sub-par service.

I’m not saying that’s true for all estate agents, but personally, I’d rather source my own conveyancing service (get 4 instant quotes from ReallyMoving.com). Make of that what you will.

If you’re considering your estate agent’s recommendation, here’s what I’d do first:

• Ask if they will add a markup. If so, how much?
• Check if their recommendation is regulated.
• Do some independent research – if they’re lousy, chances are someone’s shared their experience online.

What your conveyancer should check if you plan to rent out the property

If there’s one difference between conveyancing a residential and buy-to-let property, it’s this, and it doesn’t require a specialist buy-to-let conveyancer or fundamentally change the conveyancing process.

You should notify your conveyancer that the property is intended for buy to let, so they can check for any restrictions on renting it out.

For example, many leasehold properties prohibit subletting. If that’s the case, renting out the property could violate the lease terms, as you might technically be subletting by renting it out while leasing the property yourself. However, the reality is that this doesn’t stop many landlords from proceeding with the purchase (by transferring ownership), intending to break those terms. Just saying.

How much you should expect to pay for conveyancing fees

It depends.

Fees are typically around the £2,000 mark but can be higher for leasehold properties due to additional admin requirements (expect to pay around £300 more in fees), as well as for more complex transactions. Location also impacts the price, as local search costs can vary.

The conveyancing process

The conveyancing process typically goes like this:

1. Offer accepted – You instruct a conveyancing solicitor.
2. Solicitor Contact – Your solicitor contacts the seller’s solicitor.
3. Checks & searches – They review contracts, raise enquiries, and conduct local searches.
4. Rental restrictions – They confirm there are no restrictions on renting and advise on tax, planning, and legal matters.
5. Mortgage check – If using a mortgage, they ensure you have a buy-to-let mortgage, not a residential one.
6. Contracts & documents – Your solicitor drafts the contract and any necessary legal documents, such as a deed of trust.
7. Exchange of contracts – A completion date is set, and both parties legally commit to the purchase.
8. Pre-completion steps – The solicitor prepares the transfer deed, finalizes statements, and requests mortgage funds if applicable.
9. Completion day – Funds are transferred to the seller’s solicitor once the property is vacated.
10. Stamp duty – Your solicitor pays any stamp duty owed to HMRC, including additional buy-to-let rates.
11. Registration – The property is registered in your name with the Land Registry.

Buy To Let Conveyancing? Pft. Conveyancing is conveyancing.

Landlord out xo