
Residential Property
Our Residential Property Team offers a modern, efficient and friendly approach to all types of residential transactions.
With our designated hotline telephone number and online case updates you will always be kept informed of developments and confident that your case is being dealt with in a timely manner by our experienced team.
We also offer transparent and fixed fees and you can obtain an instant quote 24/7 using our conveyancing calculator above. Our proactive team will guide you through the process from start to finish and with minimum stress making the transaction as seamless as possible.
Products and services we offer
New Build Properties (including Help to Buy)
We have a specialist new build team that will guide you through your purchase making it as stress free as possible. We are experienced in dealing with the developers tight deadlines for exchange and completion, along with Help to Buy Mortgages, ISA’s and part exchanges. We are on the solicitors panel for a major North East developer and their new home buyers are referred to us.
We welcome opportunities from local developers to National Housebuilders in regards to acting on behalf of them or for the buyers. We work well with a number of firms across the North East of England on a number of developments to ensure the highest possible level of service is experienced by all parties. If you have a new development and would welcome the opportunity to discuss your needs, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Shared Ownership
This is a great way of getting onto the property ladder whereby you can purchase a share in a new build property. Your mortgage will be based on your share, meaning your deposit will be less, and you have to pay rent to the housing association in respect of their share. This means that you can have all the benefits of living in a new home without the initial price tag. You have the option in the future to increase your share via a process known as “staircasing”, all the way to 100% if you wish to do so. We are the recommended Law Firm for the local Housing Association.
Re-mortgages and Transfers
A transfer of equity involves adding or removing someone from the title to the property. If there is a mortgage on the property then you will need to obtain the lender’s consent or re-mortgage altogether.
We also deal with re-mortgages if you wish to switch lenders in the future for a better rate or when your fixed interest deal ends.
Lease extensions
Extending the term of your lease or purchasing the freehold will add value to your property and will be of particular benefit to you when you come to sell. It can be a complex process and our experienced team will ensure that you are not overcharged by the landlord and that the transaction runs as smoothly as possible.
Auction
We attend the local auction to provide legal advice and fully understand the importance of meeting the strict deadlines. On a sale we will prepare your auction pack and complete the sale following the auction. Similarly when buying a property we can inspect the auction pack in advance and raise any issues with you before you commit to the purchase.
Buy to Lets
Whether you are an individual or a company we can assist with your investment portfolio and efficiently deal with all of your conveyancing needs.
Right to Buy
When looking to exercise your right to purchase your home from the local authority and take advantage of the excellent discount on offer, then look no further as we are here to assist with the process.
Frequently asked questions
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How long will it take to complete my transaction?
Typically the average residential or purchase transaction should complete within 6-8 weeks, but this all depends upon the parties in the chain and their respective positions. However transactions can be completed a lot quicker, for example if the property is empty and you are a cash buyer.
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How will I be kept updated about my case?
With our dedicated help line you will always be able to speak to a member of our team during office hours and your call will be answered promptly.
Our virtual online facility provides you with a text or email when we reach certain milestones in your case.
You can contact your designated fee earner via email and expect a response within 24 hours during working hours.
Rest assured, you will never be left in the dark.
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How much stamp duty do I have to pay?
How much you have to pay all depends upon whether you are a first time buyer, replacing your main dwelling or buying an additional property as an investment. You can check your stamp duty fee using our quote calculator below.
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What identification is required to commence the process?
We require photographic evidence, such as a passport or driving licence and evidence of your address such as a bank statement, council tax or utility bill. We require sight of the originals whereby our friendly reception will take certified copies for you or alternatively your mortgage advisor can send us a certified copy on your behalf. Your local post office or bank can also certify ID for you to post onto us if you are unable to attend our office.
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How is my Help to Buy ISA Bonus claimed?
We have to claim your Help to Buy ISA Bonus prior to completion. To enable us to claim the bonus you need to close your ISA and provide us with a closing statement along with a completed first time buyer declaration that we will provide to you. Please note that some Help to Buy ISA providers require up to 2 weeks notice to provide you with a closing statement and we will need your closing statement and declaration 5 working days prior to your completion date. Please bear this in mind when suggesting your completion date to us.
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Is it important to update my Will when I move home?
Yes, whenever there is a change in your life circumstances such as moving home, having children or getting married or divorced, you should always review your Will.
There is a discounted rate of £200 + Vat for 1 Will and £350 for 2 mirror Wills if they are prepared during the course of your residential property transaction.
Meet the Residential Property team
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Helen Griffiths
Senior Associate and Head of Residential Property
View profile -
Gurjeet Kaur Singh
Trainee Solicitor - Residential Conveyancing
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Zeshaan Mahmood
Trainee Solicitor - Residential Conveyancing
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Caitlin Armstrong
Conveyancer
View profile -
Kerry Walker
Conveyancing Assistant
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Rebecca Cooper
Conveyancing Assistant
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- 0191 255 0255
- Find us
Make an enquiry
Contact usWhat our clients say
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“Excellent service throughout, which made everything stress free. Letters were always self-explanatory – will definitely recommend this company.”
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“Always professional, pleasant but efficient & knowledgeable as well. I was very happy”
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“Very very satisfied with the Residential Property team. Excellent service and have no hesitation in recommending Samuel Phillips Law.”
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“I was always able to speak to a team member. Excellent service. I have been a client for 50 years and my parents before then. I do not even consider using any other firm despite the fact that I do not live near Newcastle. Excellent value for money.”
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“Accommodating and helpful. Great job and finished on time. No hassle and very satisfied.”
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Contact us
Newcastle Office
Floor 5, General Buildings,
18-24 Grey Street,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE1 6AE
DX 61028
Tel: 0191 232 8451
admin@samuelphillips.co.uk
Sunderland Office
North East Business and Innovation Centre
Wearfield
Sunderland Enterprise Park East
Sunderland SR5 2TA
Tel: 0191 516 6290
sunderland@samuelphillips.co.uk
Services
Copyright © Samuel Phillips Law
DX 61028 Newcastle Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. SRA I.D. 59299. VAT No. 177084639.
Helen Griffiths
Senior Associate and Head of Residential Property
Helen is a Chartered Legal Executive and residential conveyancing specialist. She joined Samuel Phillips Law on 1st February 2021.
Prior to joining Samuel Phillips Law, Helen was an Associate at one of Durham’s leading law firms.
Having started her career as a legal secretary Helen undertook her Level 3 and Level 6 Diploma in Law & Practice with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives while working full time and with a young family. After many years of hard work and dedication Helen achieved Fellowship status in 2016.
Helen advises on all aspects of residential conveyancing including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases for both registered and unregistered properties. She also advises on Help to Buy and Shared Ownership Schemes as well as Help to Buy, Lifetime and Forces Help to Buy Isa’s. Helen is also able to provide advice in relation to leasehold extensions following both Statutory and private lease extension procedures.
Helen has a keen interest in residential development and in particular, small scale bespoke developments. She is able to advise on site acquisition, site set up and infrastructure, and ultimately the sale of individual plots whether built, self-build or serviced plots.
Outside of work Helen enjoys spending time with her family walking in the Lake District. She has recently discovered a flare for cooking, enjoying many new recipes, most of which have been successful.
Gurjeet Kaur Singh
Trainee Solicitor - Residential Conveyancing
Gurjeet joined Samuel Phillips Law in October 2022 and commenced a training contract with the firm in June 2023.
Caitlin Armstrong
Conveyancer
Caitlin is an experienced conveyancer working on all aspects of residential conveyancing including sales and purchases of unregistered land, leasehold, and shared ownership matters.
Prior to joining Samuel Phillips Law, Caitlin has worked at local firms whilst she undertook her Conveyancing training.
Outside of work Caitlin enjoys watching and playing football and spending time with her family and dog. Caitlin is keen to see the world and often travels throughout the year.
Kerry Walker
Conveyancing Assistant
Kerry Walker is a PA and Conveyancing Assistant in the Residential Property team at Samuel Phillips Law, joining in ….
Rebecca Cooper
Conveyancing Assistant
Rebecca Cooper is a Conveyancing Assistant at Samuel Phillips Law Firm.