Buying or Selling Property in Guernsey: Why Legal Advice Matters
Purchasing or selling a home is one of the most significant financial and personal decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re stepping onto the property ladder for the first time, upsizing to fit a growing family, downsizing to simplify your lifestyle, or preparing to sell a well-loved home, it’s a milestone moment and one that comes with a number of legal considerations.
In Guernsey, the property market is shaped by unique local laws, which means expert legal guidance is more than just helpful – it’s essential.
What Is Conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another. It involves everything from reviewing title deeds and arranging property searches to liaising with lenders and overseeing the final contract signing.
Whether you’re buying or selling, having a qualified legal team ensures the transaction runs smoothly and nothing is missed. While the steps may sound straightforward, the details involved, particularly in Guernsey, can be complex. That’s where your conveyancer comes in.
The Guernsey Difference
Unlike the UK, Guernsey operates under its own legal system. With a mix of customary law and local ordinances, property transactions often include elements that buyers or sellers may not have encountered elsewhere, such as:
- Title research based on historical records rather than a centralised land registry
- Documentation in French for older properties
- Boundaries, rights of way and water rights requiring careful interpretation
- Court attendance for completion of the transaction
Whether you’re purchasing or selling, having a legal team who understands the nuances of Guernsey conveyancing can prevent delays and give you clarity throughout the process.
What Your Advocate Will Do
When you work with Randell & Loveridge, we’ll tailor our support to your role in the transaction:
For buyers, we will:
- Review the title to ensure there are no hidden surprises
- Identify any legal restrictions or planning issues
- Communicate with your lender’s advocate regarding your borrowing
- Prepare or review contracts
- Liaise and correspond with the vendors advocate
For sellers (aka “vendors”), we will:
- Prepare all necessary documentation for sale
- Respond to enquiries from the buyer’s advocate
- Review the title and resolve any issues that could delay the sale
- Coordinate with your estate agent and any third parties
- Correspond with your lender over redemption and arrange settlement of your mortgage
Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, relocating or simply taking the next step, we’re here to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Peace of Mind from Start to Finish
Buying or selling a property should be exciting – not overwhelming. With the right legal support, you can move forward confidently, knowing that every legal detail is taken care of.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling property in Guernsey, or you’re already partway through the process, get in touch with Randell & Loveridge. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.