Trusted Residential Property Services
At Burt Brill & Cardens, your peace of mind is our top priority when it comes to moving home. Our team uses extensive legal expertise and professional experience to ensure no complications arise during the process or in the future.
Whether you are buying your first home, selling a long-held family property, investing in buy-to-let, remortgaging, or want to buy a property with someone. We handle every stage of the process with clear communication and attention to detail. Our team works proactively to prevent delays, identifies potential risks early, and protects your interests at every turn.
Property transactions are some of the most important financial decisions you will make in your lifetime, and having the right legal professionals beside you is essential. With Burt Brill & Cardens, you benefit not only from our technical expertise but also from our commitment to making your experience smooth, stress-free, and fully supported from start to finish. When it comes to something as significant as your home or investment, you deserve trusted experts who genuinely put your needs first.
The residential property team is led by Madeleine Harvey, an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (ACILEx), alongside Conveyancing Executive Victoria Fletcher, both of whom are committed to providing exceptional service. They are ready to guide you with your residential property needs and address any questions or concerns. Need advice on residential property and conveyancing? Speak to our expert team on 01273 604 123 or make an enquiry.
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Residential Property Conveyancing: Frequently Asked Questions
Typically 8–12 weeks, though the timeframe can stretch to 14–18 weeks or longer, depending on factors such as property type and chain length. Our residential conveyancing services in Brighton make the process seamless, so you don’t have to stress.
Legally, you can do your own conveyancing, but it’s rarely recommended. Property law is complex, and mistakes can be extremely costly, such as missing title restrictions, boundary issues or unpaid charges. Most mortgage lenders also require you to use a solicitor. Professional conveyancers protect your interests, ensure compliance, and prevent avoidable delays.
Disbursements are third-party costs your solicitor pays on your behalf during the transaction. They include local authority searches, ID checks, Land Registry fees, bank transfer fees, and Stamp Duty (if applicable). These are separate from your solicitor’s legal fees.
Delays often stem from local authority searches, title problems, or survey findings. In leasehold deals, managing agent and freeholder documentation can be slower than anticipated.
Yes: choose a responsive solicitor, get your documents ready early (ID, proof of funds), and respond quickly to enquiries.
Yes. A mortgage valuation only confirms the property’s value for the lender — it doesn’t check the condition. A survey (HomeBuyer Report or full Building Survey) identifies structural issues, damp, subsidence, roof problems and more. Skipping a survey can lead to expensive surprises later.
Depending on the issue, you may renegotiate the price, ask the seller to fix it, or — in serious cases — withdraw.
If the purchase price exceeds certain thresholds, you will likely owe Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). Your solicitor can help calculate and pay this.
You can, but you may lose certain costs (searches, surveys) if you pull out mid-process, especially after work has begun.
As one of Brighton’s leading residential property solicitors, we pride ourselves on combining legal precision with practical, client-focused advice that protects your investment. Our approach goes beyond completing the paperwork — we assess risks, identify potential issues before they become problems, and provide clear, straightforward guidance to help you make confident decisions at every stage of your home-buying, selling, or remortgaging journey.
- Specialist expertise in residential property
We have decades of experience in property law. Whether you are a first-time buyer, renter or seller, Burt Brill & Cardens helps with all your property needs. - Proactive problem-solving
We help you prevent issues before they arise, and resolve them swiftly if they do. - Transparent communication
We clearly explain every step so you can make informed decisions. Our residential conveyancing services make the process seamless. - Personalised advice
We take the time to understand your family’s needs and will be your personal residential property conveyancer, ensuring a stress-free move. - Peace of mind through precision
We make sure every detail is right for our clients, whether you are buying, selling, remortgaging, or have other residential property needs. - Local knowledge
Based in Brighton, we have a deep understanding of the regional property market, thanks to our 130+ years of experience and service. - Trusted by clients
Our 5-star reviews reflect the care, clarity, and results we deliver.
Madeleine Harvey
Madeleine deals with residential property matters.
Since obtaining her Law Degree from the University of Sheffield, Madeleine has worked in Residential Property and holds a wealth of experience in Conveyancing matters.
Read More About MadeleineMy experience using Burt Brill & Cardens Solicitors for the sale of our property was first-class. From the outset we understood the relevant costings (which were extremely reasonable) and were kept informed in an efficient and professional manner at every step with regards to all proceedings. I felt very looked-after and trusted that we were in safe hands.
Residential Property Solicitors in Brighton
What is Conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the transfer of the legal title of a house from one person to another. There are two key stages to this – the first being the exchange of contracts, the point at which the terms of the deal are fixed, and the second being the completion, where the… Learn MoreFirst Time Buyers
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There are many attractions to buying a retirement flat. It can provide a small community of individuals in the same stage in life, often having additional facilities, some communal services and the possibility of handyman and other support services – all of which help make life a little easier. While… Learn MoreThe Conveyancing Process
The conveyancing process is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another. It involves checking the legal title, conducting searches, handling contracts, and ensuring all financial and legal requirements are met before completion. Buying or selling a home can be an exciting but stressful… Learn MoreHow to Speed Up a Purchase or Sale
If you’re buying a house, we know you want it to go as quickly and smoothly as possible. Many people want to move home or purchase a new property in a particular timescale. You may need to move to for a new job, for the start of a new school… Learn MoreDeclaration of Trust Solicitors
A Declaration of Trust is a legally binding written agreement which records the financial arrangement between joint owners of a property. Joint owners could be unmarried couples, friends, relatives, or business partners. At Burt Brill & Cardens, we have specialist teams in both trust law and property law. Our expert… Learn MoreBuying Your Freehold
If you own the leasehold for a flat, you may have found yourself frustrated with how maintenance and money is managed within your building. Many apartment owners feel that their ground rent and service charges are unfair, or aren’t happy with how the building is run. While most houses are… Learn MoreUnregistered Land in the UK
Unregistered land is property that has never been recorded at HM Land Registry. Ownership of this land is proven through original title deeds, rather than a digital Land Registry record. These deeds contain essential details such as ownership, boundaries, rights of way, and any restrictions affecting the property. When land… Learn MoreLease Extension Solicitors
If you have bought a flat or maisonette on a leasehold basis, your lease will have a ‘term’, which is the length of time which you own the lease. Technically, once this term is over, the lease of your flat or maisonette would return to the freeholder. If your lease… Learn MoreOver 130 Years Advising Sussex Businesses, Individuals and Families
For more than a century, Burt Brill & Cardens has advised individuals, businesses and families across Brighton and Sussex in estate planning, probate administration and property matters. Clients deal directly with one of our expert solicitors who offer clear advice, intellectual rigour and genuine personal accessibility
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Speak to one of our solicitors today. We would love to hear from you and discuss any legal issues you may have and how we can assist you.
