Residential Property Paralegal

Residential Property Paralegal (Conveyancing) — Including Post-Completion Department / Team

Residential Property / Conveyancing Department

Reports to:

Supervising Solicitor

Works closely with:
Fee‑earners, Accounts Team, Third‑Party Search Providers

To run a residential conveyancing matter caseload from instruction to completion / post completion under supervision and to provide support to fee‑earners in such matters from instruction through to completion and post‑completion, ensuring efficient progression of files, high client care standards, and compliance with regulatory obligations and lender requirements.

• Open new matters in line with firm procedures.
• Issue client care documents (terms of business, costs information, and key stages) and obtain client confirmations.
• Undertake CDD/AML checks, including source of funds and (where required) source of wealth enquiries; escape concerns promptly in accordance with internal procedures.
• Complete conflict checks and ensure accurate matter set‑up on the case management system.

• Assist with progression of freehold and leasehold matters under supervision, including:
• Preparing and issuing draft contract packs on sales.
• Ordering searches, monitoring return dates, and reviewing results for completeness (escalating adverse entries).
• Liaising with clients, estate agents, lenders, brokers and other firms to progress matters and manage expectations.

• Request, chase and collate management information (LPE1 and supporting documents).
• Assist with leasehold requirements including deeds of covenant, licences to assign, certificates of compliance, and landlord/agent notices.

• Assist with mortgage offer administration, redemption statements.
• Support compliance with relevant lender requirements (including UK Finance Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook provisions applicable to the matter), escalating title defects, discrepancies, or non‑standard conditions.

• Take ownership (under supervision and in line with firm procedures) of post‑completion work to ensure matters are concluded promptly and accurately, including:

• Draft and prepare SDLT returns and supporting information for review/approval where required by firm policy.
• Submit SDLT returns within statutory time limits and arrange payment in accordance with client instructions and accounts procedures.
• Obtain and upload SDLT5 certificate(s) to the file and include within Land Registry applications.

• Prepare and submit HM Land Registry applications (e.g., AP1/FR1 as appropriate), ensuring correct enclosures and certification of documents.
• Monitor Land Registry portal updates and respond to requisitions promptly and accurately, escalating complex requisitions or title issues.
• Ensure registration is completed, title information documents are checked against the application, and any discrepancies are escalated.

• Prepare and serve notices of transfer and charge on landlords/managing agents and obtain receipted notices where applicable.
• Arrange for certificates of compliance, landlord consents, and compliance with restrictions on title (including submission of required evidence to the Land Registry).
• Manage post‑completion requirements for leasehold and management company properties, including membership transfers and updates to share certificates where relevant.

• Provide lenders with completed registration details (e.g., title information document and registration evidence) where required.
• Ensure deeds and documents are stored/returned in accordance with firm policy.
• Close files in line with retention policies, ensuring final checks are complete (e.g., undertakings satisfied, ledger balanced, file audit complete).

• Keep case management systems up to date with accurate, contemporaneous notes and clear audit trails.
• Provide regular client updates and respond promptly to enquiries,…