Residential Property Lawyer

We are seeking a skilled and client-focused Residential Property Lawyer to join our established property team, in Oxford. The role offers the opportunity to manage a varied caseload of residential and mixed-use property matters, acting as a lead fee earner on transactions from instruction to post-completion. The successful candidate will provide clear, commercially aware advice to private clients, lenders and other stakeholders, ensure matters progress in line with firm procedures and regulatory requirements, and contribute to maintaining high standards of client service.

Salary - £50,000+

Key responsibilities:

• Act as lead fee earner on a broad range of residential property transactions including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, remortgages, transfers of equity, new build transactions, shared ownership and bespoke mixed‑use matters; manage matters from initial instruction to post‑completion registration and file closure in accordance with firm procedures.

• Provide clear, pragmatic and commercially aware legal advice to clients, lenders, estate agents and other third parties; draft, review and negotiate contracts, transfer deeds, leases, mortgages and related documentation using firm precedents and bespoke drafting where required.

• Conduct, interpret and advise on searches, pre‑contract enquiries, title reports, leases and leasehold management packs; identify and resolve title, leasehold, restrictive covenant and indemnity issues and escalate or instruct counsel where appropriate.

• Prepare and manage completion packs, client and accountant completion statements; handle client funds and completion monies in accordance with the firm's accounts procedures and regulatory requirements.

• Ensure accurate preparation and submission of Land Registry applications and SDLT returns, liaise with HMRC and the Land Registry as necessary, and manage post‑completion registration, indemnities and any remedial actions.

• Maintain compliance with regulatory obligations including anti‑money laundering checks, client identification, conflict checks, file audits and data protection; complete and document required file reviews and ensure files meet the firm's compliance standards.

• Provide technical guidance and supervision to junior fee earners and support staff; review and approve work, assist with training and contribute to continuous improvement of precedents, templates and team processes.

Key skills and experience:

• Qualified solicitor or chartered legal executive with proven post‑qualification experience in residential property/conveyancing; typically 3–6 years’ PQE depending on seniority of role.

• Proven ability to manage a varied caseload independently and to handle complex or high‑value transactions, including leasehold and mixed‑use issues.

• Excellent drafting, negotiation and attention to detail when preparing contracts, completion statements and client correspondence.

• Strong working knowledge of Land Registry processes, SDLT, leasehold legislation and common title issues; confident in dealing with indemnities and title rectification where necessary.

• Confident user of Microsoft Office and experience of case management and document management systems; able to learn new systems and contribute to improved workflows.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a professional manner when liaising with clients, lenders, estate agents, managing agents and third parties; able to handle sensitive matters with tact and discretion.

• Organised, commercially aware and able to prioritise competing demands to meet deadlines; strong problem‑solving skills and a collaborative team player who can also work independently.

• Understanding of and commitment to regulatory and compliance obligations including confidentiality, anti‑money laundering and data protection requirements.