UK Conveyancing Solicitors for Non-UK Residents Investing In UK Property

So you’ve found the perfect UK property. The numbers stack up. The Return on Investment (ROI - Free calculator here) looks strong. And now... you need a UK conveyancing solicitor for non-UK residents to help you complete on the purchase.

But here’s the kicker: you’re living outside of the UK and your cousin's recommendation for "Dave from down the pub" just won’t cut it.

As a British expat or non-UK resident, finding the right UK conveyancing solicitor is one of the most important (and underrated) parts of the entire buying process.

In this post, we’ll explain how to find one, what to look for, common mistakes to avoid, and how it all fits into the UK property investment journey.

Want to skip the reading and chat with us? Book a free strategy call with us here.

Why UK Conveyancing Solicitors for Non-UK Residents Can Make or Break the Deal

In the UK, solicitors handle the legal process of transferring property ownership, which is known as conveyancing.

A great solicitor keeps the deal moving, communicates clearly, protects your interests, and helps you complete on time. A poor one... well, they might forget you're even buying a house (true story ...).

For non-UK residents, this becomes more complex:

• You’re not in the same time zone

• You can’t pop into their office

• You may have international ID/documents non in English

• You often buy via limited companies or with specialist financing

  
  

In other words, you need a solicitor who gets your situation.

What to Look For in a UK Solicitor as an Overseas Buyer

Before we get into the perfect conveyancing solicitor for overseas buyers, you must keep in mind that with quality comes cost. If you're on a tight budget, you may have to forego a few of these elements below. You get what you pay for with solicitors.

Here’s your overseas buyer checklist:

Non-UK Resident Experience

They should have a proven track record working with buyers based in the UAE, Switzerland, Australia, the US, etc. Ask how many non-UK residents they’ve worked with in the past 6 months.

Familiarity with Buy-To-Let & Limited Company Purchases

Many investors buy property through a UK limited company for tax efficiency. Not every solicitor is well-versed in this. Make sure yours is. Read more about buying in a limited company vs personal name here.

They Get Your Stamp Duty Fee Correct

The amount of conveyancing solictors who have charged me the incorrect stamp duty is crazy. If they charge you too low of an amount, HMRC will come knocking for their owned money in a few years time ... and that is on you. Make sure they quote the correct Stamp Duty amount. Use our free calculator to see how much you should pay.

Digital-Friendly

Since you’re not local, choose a solicitor who uses e-signatures, video calls, online ID checks, and email updates. If they insist on posting everything to your home in Hong Kong, ask yourself if you're okay with that.

Responsive Communication

You’ll likely have questions and you’ll want a solicitor who answers them quickly and clearly, even if you’re 4–8 hours ahead or behind. Make sure they know that you want clear and regular communication from the outset.

Transparent Pricing

Expect to pay £1,200 to £2,200 for standard conveyancing for a property worth up to £200k. These costs will rise depending on the complexity and price of the property. There might be extras for limited company setups, leasehold properties, and HMO due diligence.

Where to Find a Good UK Solicitor (When You’re 3,000+ Miles Away)

Here are four tried-and-tested ways to find one:

1. Ask Your Mortgage Broker or Property Sourcer

   If you're working with professionals (like us), we have relationships with pre-vetted solicitors who we have used for our previous clients.

   
   

2. Law Society Website

   You can search The Law Society’s solicitor database by location and area of law. Look for specialists in residential conveyancing and non-UK resident transactions.

   
   

3. Property Forums & Expat Groups

   Facebook groups for British expats in your country of residence often have recommendations.

   
   

4. Ask Us Directly

   We work with trusted legal partners who handle our client's cases and keep things moving smoothly. Reach out to us here.

   
   

Key Documents & Info Your Solicitor Will Need

As a non-resident buyer, expect to provide the following:

• Certified (by a UK solicitor) passport and proof of address

• Source of funds (bank statements, payslips, etc.)

• Company details (if buying through a UK Ltd.)

• Mortgage offer (or proof of funds for a cash deal)

• Contact details for your mortgage broker or lender

  
  

Some firms may require video verification or a UK-based notary to certify documents. Make sure they explain their process clearly at the start so that you can get all of your duck's in a row ahead of time.

FAQs We Hear From British Expats and Non-UK Residents

“Do I have to use a solicitor near the property?”

Nope. UK property solicitors work remotely. The most important thing is experience, not postcode.

“Can I use a solicitor I already know in the UK?”

Possibly, but make sure they’ve worked with overseas clients before. Expats often have more complex deals.

“How long does the legal process take?”

8–12 weeks is typical but it can be longer. Leaseholds or limited companies may take longer. A great solicitor helps speed this up, a bad one slows it down.

Don’t Want to Waste Time Vetting Random Firms?

We get it. You're busy. You're in a different time zone. And the last thing you want is to chase a solicitor who's not used to dealing with British buyers based overseas.

At Expat Property Investments, we’ve already done the vetting. We work with solicitors who are experienced in non-UK resident buyers, communicate clearly, work quickly & understand UK buy-to-let and company structures.

Want an intro to a good solicitor? Message us here.

Want the Whole Investment Handled for You?

We don’t just help you find a solicitor. We manage the whole property investment process from strategy, sourcing & managing tenants.

Trusted by non-UK residents all over the world, we find high-ROI deals, help you get the mortgage, and coordinate all the legal and letting steps so you don’t have to.

You're buying a UK property. You don’t have to do it alone, and you don’t need to gamble on a solicitor. Let us help you get it right from day one. Book your free strategy call with our team here.