Areas we serve

Conveyancing in Devon

Q: Do I need a local conveyancer to buy in Devon?

No. Conveyancing can be carried out entirely remotely and there is no requirement to use a conveyancer based in Devon. Fletcher Longstaff operates a fully digital process where all documentation, ID verification and communications are handled securely online via our client portal and app. We cover 100% of postcodes in England and Wales and have extensive experience with Devon property transactions, including knowledge of the relevant local authority search processes and area-specific issues such as flood risk near the Exe estuary and coastal erosion along parts of the South Devon coast.

Q: Is flood risk a concern when buying in Devon?

Flood risk is a genuine consideration in parts of Devon, particularly along the Exe estuary, the rivers Dart and Teign, and in low-lying coastal areas. The Exeter floods of 2012 and repeated flooding in Braunton highlight the importance of thorough due diligence. When you buy in a flood-risk area, we always recommend a specialist Environmental search and, where appropriate, a detailed Flood Risk Report. These give you and your mortgage lender a clearer picture of the risk level and any mitigation measures in place. We will flag if your property is in a higher-risk zone and advise on the implications for insurance and future saleability before you exchange.

Q: What about buying a listed property in Devon?

Devon has a high concentration of listed buildings, particularly in historic market towns like Totnes, Tiverton and Honiton, and across rural Dartmoor and Exmoor villages. Buying a listed property involves additional legal considerations. We will check for any restrictions on alterations, review planning history and identify any conditions attached to the listing. Conservation area rules may also apply. Our team will ensure you understand what you can and cannot do with the property before you commit. If the property requires works, we will advise on the consent process and any implications for your mortgage lender.

Q: How competitive is the property market in Devon?

Devon's property market is highly competitive, particularly in sought-after coastal areas like Salcombe, Dartmouth and the South Hams, where demand from second-home buyers and relocators pushes prices above the national average. Inland areas and the north coast tend to be more affordable. In competitive markets, speed of conveyancing can make the difference between securing and losing a property. We start work the moment you instruct us, prepare documentation early and chase other parties proactively to keep your transaction on track. Our online portal gives you real-time visibility so you are never left waiting for updates.

Q: Do you handle shared ownership in Devon?

Yes. We handle shared ownership purchases across Devon, including schemes run by housing associations such as LiveWest and Stonewater. Shared ownership involves buying a share of the property (typically 25% to 75%) and paying rent on the remainder. The legal work is more involved than a standard purchase because it includes a lease review, assessment of the housing association's terms, and confirmation that the arrangement meets your mortgage lender's requirements. We will explain the staircasing process, any restrictions on resale and your ongoing obligations clearly before you exchange.

Whether you’re buying your first home in Exeter, selling a family house in Plymouth or remortgaging a property in Torquay, Fletcher Longstaff provides fast, fixed-fee conveyancing across Devon. From thatched cottages on Dartmoor to seafront apartments along the English Riviera and new-build estates on the outskirts of Barnstaple, we handle every type of residential transaction. Our fully digital process means everything is managed remotely, with no office visits required. Every client is assigned a dedicated case handler, so you always know who to contact and where your case stands.

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Buying a property in Devon

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Devon's property market is one of the most varied in England, from coastal homes in Salcombe and Sidmouth to moorland properties on Dartmoor and Exmoor, rural farmhouses across Mid Devon and modern developments around Exeter and Plymouth. Our conveyancing team manages the legal process from offer to completion entirely online. We carry out all necessary searches through Devon County Council and the relevant district authorities, including East Devon, Exeter City, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Torridge and West Devon. We check the title, raise enquiries and ensure your mortgage lender's requirements are met. Flood risk is relevant in parts of the Exe valley and along the coast, and we will advise on any additional searches needed. Track every step through our online portal and app. If you are buying for the first time, we will guide you through the conveyancing process in plain English.

Selling a property in Devon

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When selling a property in Devon, speed and preparation make all the difference. Legal delays are one of the most common reasons sales fall through, which is why we prepare your contract pack and title documentation as soon as you instruct us. We are ready to exchange the moment a buyer is found. Our team deals with buyer enquiries promptly and works proactively with the buyer's conveyancer to maintain momentum. Whether you are selling a period cottage in Totnes, a detached house in Tiverton or a waterfront property in Dartmouth, we handle everything from instruction through to completion and ensure your funds are transferred on the day.

Leasehold conveyancing in Devon

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Leasehold properties in Devon are most commonly found in flats and apartments in Exeter, Plymouth and the coastal resort towns such as Torquay, Paignton and Exmouth. Outside the urban centres, leasehold tenure is relatively uncommon as much of Devon's housing stock is freehold. Where leasehold does apply, we carry out a full lease review, check service charge accounts, obtain a management pack from the freeholder or managing agent, and confirm that the remaining lease term meets your mortgage lender's requirements. Common issues we encounter include short leases in older converted buildings, ground rents that have escalated over time, and restrictive covenants that limit how the property can be used or altered. We will explain all material terms clearly before you commit.

New build conveyancing in Devon

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Devon has seen significant new-build activity, with major developments around Exeter's Newcourt and Monkerton areas, Cranbrook (one of England's newest towns), Plymouth's Derriford and Sherford, and growing sites near Barnstaple and Newton Abbot. New-build conveyancing involves tighter deadlines and more complex legal packs than standard resale purchases. Developers typically require exchange within 28 days of reservation, and contracts often include estate management arrangements, restrictive covenants and planning conditions that need careful review. We are on the approved panel for all major mortgage lenders, including Nationwide and Halifax, so there is no separate panel approval needed. See our full approved lender list.

How long does conveyancing take in Devon?

Most conveyancing transactions in Devon take between 8 and 14 weeks from instruction to completion, though this varies depending on the complexity of the transaction. The national average from offer acceptance to completion is 154 days (Rightmove House Price Index, May 2024). Local authority searches through Devon County Council and the district authorities, including East Devon, Exeter City, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Torridge and West Devon, typically return within 5 to 15 working days. Chains, mortgage offers and the responsiveness of other parties all affect the overall timeline. Our average completion time is faster than the national average because we start work immediately on instruction, chase proactively and use technology to remove unnecessary delays.

How much does conveyancing cost in Devon?

We charge fixed legal fees for all conveyancing work in Devon, with no hourly rates, no hidden charges and no surprises at completion. Our legal fee covers everything involved in your transaction: reviewing contracts, carrying out searches, dealing with your mortgage lender and handling the transfer of funds. On top of our legal fee, there are third-party disbursements that apply to every transaction, including local authority search fees, Land Registry fees and, if you are buying, Stamp Duty Land Tax. We provide a full, transparent breakdown at the quote stage so you can compare costs accurately. No completion, no legal fee. Get a quote today.

Why choose us for conveyancing in Devon?

Fletcher Longstaff is a specialist residential conveyancing firm. It is all we do. Unlike general practice firms, every member of our team is focused entirely on property transactions. You will be assigned a dedicated case handler who manages your file from start to finish, so you are always dealing with someone who knows your case. There are no call centres and no passing between departments. We have over 1,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot and are on the approved panel for all major UK mortgage lenders, meaning there is no need to instruct a separate firm. Our process is fully digital and remote. You never need to visit an office. Everything from ID verification to signing and exchanging contracts is handled online via our secure client portal and app. We cover 100% of postcodes in England and Wales, including all areas across Devon.

Fixed fees, no hidden costs

Dedicated case handler

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

On all major UK lender panels

Fixed fees, no hidden costs

Dedicated case handler

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

On all major UK lender panels

Fixed fees, no hidden costs

Dedicated case handler

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

On all major UK lender panels

Fixed fees, no hidden costs

Dedicated case handler

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

On all major UK lender panels

Fixed fees, no hidden costs

Dedicated case handler

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

On all major UK lender panels

Fixed fees, no hidden costs

Dedicated case handler

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

On all major UK lender panels

Nearby areas we cover

We cover all areas across Devon and the surrounding region.

Exeter

Plymouth

Torquay

Barnstaple

Newton Abbot

Tiverton

Exmouth

Sidmouth

Totnes

Okehampton

Crediton

Dartmouth

FAQs for transactions in Devon

Do I need a local conveyancer to buy in Devon?

Is flood risk a concern when buying in Devon?

What about buying a listed property in Devon?

How competitive is the property market in Devon?

Do you handle shared ownership in Devon?

Conveyancing that gets you moving faster

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