Residential Property
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- Residential Conveyancing Experts
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Property Solicitors – Experts in Residential Property
Our Residential Property Solicitors provide expert legal advice to support every stage of your property transaction. From house purchases and sales to leasehold advice and remortgages, we ensure each matter is handled with care, efficiency and legal precision.
With over 30 years of experience in Residential Property Law, Clifford Johnston & Co. is a trusted name in conveyancing across Stockport, Manchester and the wider North West. Clients return to us time and again for our straightforward approach, market knowledge and commitment to outstanding service.
Property transactions can move quickly and any delay or oversight can put your investment at risk. That’s why our Residential Property Lawyers focus on more than just the legal paperwork. We take a proactive approach, anticipating issues before they arise, managing all parties involved, and keeping you informed with clear, no-nonsense updates at every stage.
As accredited conveyancing solicitors under the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), we deliver a service that is recognised for its quality and client care. Every transaction is handled with transparency and diligence, ensuring you receive regular updates, honest legal advice and complete confidence that your property matter is in safe and experienced hands.
If you need reliable and responsive Residential Property Solicitors in Manchester or Stockport, contact us today for a service that puts your interests first.
How can our Residential Property Solicitors Help?
Buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction. It is a major life event that involves legal, financial and practical challenges. That is why expert support from a trusted legal team is essential. Our Residential Property Solicitors are here to manage the process on your behalf with skill, care and attention to detail.
At Clifford Johnston & Co. we provide reliable residential conveyancing services tailored to your circumstances. With over 30 years of experience in Residential Property Law, we ensure that your matter is handled efficiently and in full compliance with all legal requirements. From first enquiry to final completion, we will keep you informed, supported and legally protected.
Here is how our Residential Property Lawyers can assist:
- Provide expert legal support for all types of residential property transactions
- Communicate directly with estate agents, mortgage lenders and HM Land Registry to keep your transaction moving
- Carry out property searches and investigate title issues early
- Review and prepare contracts for sale or purchase
- Oversee exchange of contracts and ensure timely completion
- Register your new ownership promptly with HM Land Registry
- Advise on lease terms, ground rent liabilities and service charges
- Support with remortgages, transfer of equity and shared ownership matters
Our team understands that timing is critical, communication is essential, and your peace of mind matters. When you instruct Clifford Johnston & Co. you will receive personal service from a qualified solicitor who puts your priorities first.
Contact our Residential Property Solicitors today and take the next step with complete confidence.
Our Residential Property Services
At Clifford Johnston & Co, our Residential Property Solicitors advise individuals, families, landlords and property investors on all aspects of Residential Property Law. We support clients across Manchester, Stockport and throughout England and Wales with a wide range of legal issues involving homes, land and residential ownership rights.
Clients rely on us to handle a broad spectrum of matters from freehold purchases and lease extensions to shared ownership arrangements and equity release schemes. Every case is approached with care, clarity and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.
We regularly advise on:
Buying Freehold
Purchasing the freehold of your property gives you greater control, removes the need to pay ground rent, and often increases the value of your home. Whether you’re a leaseholder buying the freehold of a house or a group of flat owners collectively purchasing through enfranchisement, our solicitors provide clear legal advice and manage the process efficiently to ensure your rights are protected and the transaction is completed without delay.
Deeds of Variation
A Deed of Variation is often required to amend the terms of an existing lease – whether to extend the term, change service charge arrangements, or correct errors. These changes must be handled with precision to avoid unintended legal or financial consequences. Our solicitors liaise with landlords, lenders, and management companies to ensure the process is completed properly, including obtaining lender consent where applicable.
Transfer of Equity
A Transfer of Equity involves changing the legal ownership of a property, for example after a divorce, as part of estate planning, or when adding or removing someone from the title. These transactions must be correctly documented and registered with HM Land Registry. We handle all the legal paperwork, advise on tax implications, and ensure the transfer is legally binding.
Equity Release
Equity release allows homeowners over 55 to access the value of their property without needing to sell or move. Whether you’re considering a lifetime mortgage or a home reversion plan, our solicitors provide clear, impartial advice to help you understand the risks and obligations. We liaise with your lender, ensure the scheme is suitable for your needs, and work in line with guidance from the FCA and the Equity Release Council to protect your interests.
Change of Ownership
There are many reasons for changing ownership of a residential property, including marriage, separation, family restructuring, or tax planning. We guide you through the legal process, explain the implications, and ensure that your interests are protected throughout. This includes advising on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) liability, which we calculate using HMRC’s official tools and legal guidance based on your specific circumstances.
First Registrations
If your property is not yet registered with HM Land Registry (common with older properties) a first registration ensures your legal ownership is formally recognised and safeguarded. We manage all the necessary searches, applications, and documentation to complete the process efficiently. Once registered, your title becomes easier to manage, transfer or sell.
Remortgages
Whether you’re switching lenders for a better rate or releasing equity from your home, our remortgage solicitors ensure that the process is fast, smooth, and fully compliant with your lender’s requirements. We deal with all searches, coordinate with the outgoing and incoming mortgage providers, and register the new mortgage with the Land Registry.
Our team works closely with clients to identify and resolve potential risks early, ensuring that transactions complete smoothly and on time. We also collaborate with our colleagues in Wills & Probate, Family Law, and Landlord & Tenant departments where needed to provide joined-up advice on wider issues such as inheritance planning, matrimonial interests, and tenancy matters.
Every matter is handled by a dedicated solicitor, giving you a consistent point of contact throughout. We combine traditional client care with modern technology, offering in-person and remote appointments, secure electronic document signing, and regular case updates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Property Law
How Long Does the Residential Conveyancing Process Take?
Most residential property transactions take between 8 to 12 weeks from instruction to completion. However, timescales can vary depending on factors such as the size of the property chain, mortgage approvals, and delays with searches or enquiries.
Our Residential Property Solicitors work proactively to keep your transaction moving and will keep you updated at every stage. We aim to minimise delays, resolve issues quickly, and complete your matter as efficiently as possible.
Do I Need a Solicitor when Buying a New Build Property?
Yes, legal advice is essential when purchasing a new build property. These transactions often involve tight deadlines, complex contracts and additional legal checks such as planning permissions, building regulations, and developer warranties.
Our Residential Property Lawyers are experienced in new build purchases and will ensure your contract is properly reviewed, any risks are identified early, and your legal position is fully protected from reservation to completion.
What Searches are Carried Out During a Residential Property Transaction?
When buying a property, several legal searches are carried out to identify any issues that could affect your ownership or future use of the property. The main searches include:
- A Local Authority Search checks for planning permissions, enforcement notices, or building regulation issues.
- A Water and Drainage Search confirms whether the property is connected to public sewers and mains water.
- An Environmental Search assesses risks such as flooding, ground contamination or subsidence.
- A Chancel Repair Search investigates any potential liability to contribute to the cost of repairs to a local church.
Our Residential Property Solicitors will advise you on which searches are needed and ensure they are completed without delay.
Can I Instruct Clifford Johnston if I’m not Based in Manchester?
Yes, while our Residential Property Solicitors are based in Manchester, we act for clients across England and Wales. Using secure digital tools for ID verification, document reviews and signing, we provide the same high standard of legal service no matter where you are located. You will have a dedicated solicitor handling your case, with regular updates and direct contact throughout.
What is the Difference Between Exchange and Completion?
Exchange of contracts is the stage when the buyer and seller commit to the transaction, and the agreement becomes legally binding. At this point, a completion date is fixed and neither party can withdraw without penalties.
Completion is when the remaining funds are transferred, legal ownership passes to the buyer, and the keys are released. This is the final step in the process.
Our Residential Property Solicitors will manage the entire timeline, keep you informed, and ensure both stages are handled smoothly and securely.
Can I Pull Out of a Property Purchase Before Exchange?
Yes. Until contracts are exchanged, both the buyer and seller can withdraw from the transaction without legal or financial penalty. After exchange, the agreement becomes legally binding and pulling out may result in the loss of your deposit or other costs.
Our Residential Property Solicitors will guide you throughout the process, so you can make informed decisions and understand your legal position at every stage.
What Happens After Completion?
Once your property transaction completes, our team will take care of all the post-completion formalities. This includes paying any Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), registering your ownership with HM Land Registry, and notifying any relevant parties.
We will confirm once registration is complete and provide you with copies of all key legal documents for your records.
Contact Our Residential Property Solicitors
At Clifford Johnston & Co., we understand that buying or selling a property can be both exciting and overwhelming. That’s why our experienced Residential Property Solicitors are committed to providing clear advice, personal support, and prompt service from start to finish.
With offices in Manchester and Stockport, we are ideally placed to support clients across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and throughout the North West. Whether you’re purchasing your first home in Didsbury, remortgaging in Wilmslow, or transferring equity on a property in Altrincham, our local knowledge and legal expertise will help you achieve your goals with confidence.
We offer fixed-fee conveyancing wherever possible and will always be upfront about costs, disbursements, and timescales.
Call us today to speak directly with a member of our Residential Property Team or complete our online enquiry form to request a free, no-obligation quote.
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