Areas we serve

Conveyancing in Kent

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

No. Conveyancing can be carried out entirely remotely and there is no requirement to use a conveyancer based in Kent. 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 Kent property transactions, including knowledge of the relevant local authority search processes and area-specific issues such as coastal erosion along parts of the North Kent coast and proximity to major transport links like the Channel Tunnel and M25.

Q: Is mining search required in Kent?

Mining searches may be required in certain parts of Kent, particularly in areas with a history of chalk and clay extraction. The Coal Authority search is generally not needed as Kent has no coal mining history, but specialist mining reports may be relevant for properties near former chalk pits or clay workings, particularly around the Medway towns and parts of the North Downs. We assess each property individually and will recommend appropriate searches based on the location and any indications in the standard local authority search results. Most mortgage lenders will specify their requirements, and we ensure all necessary searches are completed.

Q: What about buying near the coast in Kent?

Coastal properties in Kent, particularly along the North Kent coast from Whitstable to Margate and the South East coast around Deal and Dover, require additional due diligence. We always recommend environmental searches to assess flood risk and coastal erosion potential. Some areas have sea defences and managed retreat policies that could affect long-term property values. Properties close to cliffs or sea walls may have specific insurance requirements. We will identify any relevant issues from the search results and advise you on the implications for your purchase and future saleability before you commit to the transaction.

Q: How does proximity to transport links affect conveyancing in Kent?

Kent's excellent transport connections, including High Speed 1 to London, the M25, M2 and M20, and proximity to Gatwick, Dover and Ashford International, make it highly attractive to commuters and investors. However, properties very close to major roads or railway lines may require noise assessments and could have restrictions on extensions or alterations. Properties near airports may be affected by flight paths and future development plans. We will identify any relevant planning constraints or environmental factors from the search results and explain how these might affect your use and enjoyment of the property.

Q: Are there special considerations for historic properties in Kent?

Kent has a rich architectural heritage with numerous listed buildings, conservation areas and ancient monuments. Many properties in Canterbury, Rochester, Sandwich and other historic towns have listing restrictions that limit alterations and extensions. We will check for any heritage designations, review planning history and identify any conditions attached to listed building consent. Conservation area rules may also apply to unlisted properties. Tree preservation orders are common in Kent's historic market towns. Our team will ensure you understand what you can and cannot do with the property and any implications for planning permissions before you exchange contracts.

Whether you’re buying your first home in Canterbury, selling a family house in Maidstone or remortgaging a property in Folkestone, Fletcher Longstaff provides fast, fixed-fee conveyancing across Kent. From Victorian terraces in Royal Tunbridge Wells to coastal properties in Whitstable and new-build developments around Ashford, 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 Kent

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Kent's property market offers everything from historic homes in Canterbury and Rochester to modern developments near the Channel ports and rural properties across the North Downs. Our conveyancing team manages the legal process from offer to completion entirely online. We carry out all necessary searches through Kent County Council and the relevant district authorities, including Ashford, Canterbury City, Dartford, Dover, Folkestone & Hythe, Gravesham, Maidstone, Medway, Sevenoaks, Swale, Thanet, Tonbridge and Malling, and Tunbridge Wells. We check the title, raise enquiries and ensure your mortgage lender's requirements are met. Coastal erosion may be relevant along the North Kent 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 Kent

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When selling a property in Kent, 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 Westerham, a Georgian house in Royal Tunbridge Wells or a coastal property in Margate, we handle everything from instruction through to completion and ensure your funds are transferred on the day.

Leasehold conveyancing in Kent

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Leasehold properties in Kent are most commonly found in flats and apartments in Canterbury, Maidstone, Folkestone and the coastal resort towns such as Margate, Broadstairs and Deal. In central Canterbury and Tunbridge Wells, many converted Georgian and Victorian buildings operate under leasehold arrangements. Where leasehold applies, 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 properties, escalating ground rents in former council blocks, and restrictive covenants that limit alterations. We will explain all material terms clearly before you commit.

New build conveyancing in Kent

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Kent has seen substantial new-build activity, with major developments around Ashford International, including Chilmington Green and Finberry, Ebbsfleet Garden City, new communities at Kings Hill near West Malling, and expanding sites around Dartford and Gravesend. 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 Halifax and Nationwide, so there is no separate panel approval needed. See our full approved lender list.

How long does conveyancing take in Kent?

Most conveyancing transactions in Kent 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 Kent County Council and the district authorities, including Ashford, Canterbury City, Dartford, Dover, Folkestone & Hythe, Gravesham, Maidstone, Medway, Sevenoaks, Swale, Thanet, Tonbridge and Malling, and Tunbridge Wells, typically return within 5 to 10 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 Kent?

We charge fixed legal fees for all conveyancing work in Kent, 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 Kent?

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 Kent.

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 Kent and the surrounding region.

Canterbury

Maidstone

Folkestone

Ashford

Dover

Margate

Royal Tunbridge Wells

Dartford

Gravesend

Sevenoaks

Whitstable

Rochester

FAQs for transactions in Kent

Do I need a local conveyancer to buy in Kent?

Is mining search required in Kent?

What about buying near the coast in Kent?

How does proximity to transport links affect conveyancing in Kent?

Are there special considerations for historic properties in Kent?

Conveyancing that gets you moving faster

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