Residential Property Associate

Reporting to the partners and Head of Residential Lettings, you will join our London residential property team, delivering efficient and client‑focused support across a range of residential property transactions.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage a caseload of residential property matters including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, remortgages, transfers of equity, new leases, lease renewals, enfranchisement, short term lets and assured shorthold tenancies; take ownership of files from instruction to completion under partner or senior solicitor supervision.

• Draft, review and prepare conveyancing documentation such as contracts, transfer deeds, lease documents, assignment forms, landlord and tenant correspondence and completion statements; ensure documentation is accurate, clear and consistent with firm precedents.

• Conduct and co‑ordinate searches, obtain and review title information, liaise with conveyancers, lenders, estate agents, surveyors, managing agents and local authorities to progress matters and resolve title or contractual issues promptly.

• Manage pre‑completion conditions including searches, replies to enquiries, mortgage instructions, pre‑completion notices and client funds; prepare completion checklists, completion packs and ensure post‑completion registrations and filings (e.g. Land Registry, HMRC SDLT returns) are completed accurately and on time.

• Provide practical, commercially aware guidance on standard residential conveyancing issues, such as title defects, leasehold matters, service charges, parking rights, restrictive covenants and basic planning matters, referring complex issues to fee earners as appropriate.

• Support completion and post‑completion tasks including release of deposit funds, redemption of existing charges, arranging post‑completion notices and preparing completion correspondence to clients and third parties.

• Maintain accurate and up to date file records in the case management system; open, manage and close client files in line with firm procedures and keep comprehensive file notes and transaction records.

Key skills and experience:

• Proven experience working in residential conveyancing or residential property work within a law firm or conveyancing practice, with demonstrable experience of managing a varied caseload of sales, purchases and remortgages.

• Strong drafting and proofreading skills with high attention to detail and accuracy when preparing contracts, completion statements and client correspondence.

• Good practical knowledge of Land Registry processes, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) procedures and residential title matters including leasehold issues and commonhold basics.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to build and maintain professional relationships with clients, estate agents, lenders and third‑party advisers.

• Confident user of case management and document management systems together with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel); familiarity with e‑conveyancing portals and document automation tools is desirable.

• Well organised with the ability to prioritise competing demands, manage deadlines and work independently while maintaining a collaborative, client‑focused approach.

• Good numeracy and an understanding of the financial aspects of residential transactions, including mortgage mechanics, SDLT calculation and completion accounting.

• Awareness of confidentiality, data protection and anti‑money laundering requirements relevant to conveyancing practice and the competence to follow firm compliance procedures.