Frequently Asked Questions

A straightforward residential transaction typically takes 8–12 weeks from offer accepted to completion. Leasehold and chain transactions can take longer. We will give you a realistic timescale at the outset based on the specifics of your matter.

The £100 handling charge covers preparation, submission, and tracking of your Stamp Duty Land Tax return with HMRC. This is in addition to the actual SDLT amount payable to HMRC, which depends on the purchase price.

Yes — most of our services are quoted as fixed fees so you know the cost upfront. We will always confirm the fee in writing before any work begins. Hourly rates only apply for the small number of matters where the scope cannot be defined in advance.

We accept bank transfer (BACS/CHAPS). For property transactions, we’ll provide our account details in writing and always confirm them verbally to protect against fraud. We do not accept cash payments above £500.

We’re based in Patcham, Brighton, and serve clients throughout Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, West Sussex, and the wider South East. For property matters, we can act for clients buying or selling anywhere in England and Wales. Many of our services can be delivered remotely via phone, email, and video calls.

No, we can handle most matters entirely remotely via phone, email, and video calls. We are happy to meet in person at our Patcham office by appointment if you would prefer.

Our office is open Monday to Thursday, 09:00 to 17:00. We respond to emails received outside those hours on the next working day.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document letting you appoint people you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. There are two types: Property & Financial Affairs, and Health & Welfare.

The Office of the Public Guardian currently takes 16–20 weeks to register an LPA after submission. We recommend setting one up well before it might be needed.

Our standard single will starts from £300 + VAT. Mirror wills for couples start from £500 + VAT. More complex wills (including trusts or business assets) are priced based on the work required — we will quote a fixed fee before any work begins.

We recommend reviewing your will at least every five years and after any major life event — marriage, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, a significant change in assets, or a move abroad.