News
3 min readProperty Search Jargon Buster: Conveyancing Terms Every First-Time Buyer Should Know
Conveyancing comes with a language on its own, and for first-time buyers it can feel like everyone else got a phrasebook you didn’t. This jargon buster explains the most common terms you’ll hear during the searches stage of buying a home, in plain English. What are property searches? Property searches are legal checks your solicitor...
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2 min read5 Star Friday: “My Case Was in Very Capable Hands From Start to Finish”
This week, we are sharing a fantastic review for Lisa, who guided a client through the conveyancing process with professionalism, patience, and a level of care that left a lasting impression. From clear communication to meticulous attention to detail, Lisa delivered exactly the kind of experience every client at PLS deserves. “We had an excellent...
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4 min readExchange vs Completion Practical Guide for First-Time Buyers
Exchange of contracts is the point at which buying a house becomes legally binding: signed contracts are swapped and you pay your deposit. Completion is the day the remaining money is transferred, you legally transfer ownership, and you collect the keys. Before exchange, either party can walk away without penalty; after exchange, pulling out means...
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4 min readMortgage Deposit vs Exchange Deposit: What First-Time Buyers Need to Know
Your mortgage deposit is your total contribution to the purchase price (typically 5–10% for first-time buyers). Your exchange deposit is the portion of that money (usually 10% of the price), paid to the seller’s solicitor at exchange of contracts to make the deal legally binding. Same money, two different jobs at two different stages of the home buying process. ...
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2 min read5 Star Friday: “It Really Felt Like She Was Invested in Our House Purchase”
This week, we are sharing a brilliant review for Sarah Evans, who managed a client through a property purchase with a tight turnaround and delivered exactly when it mattered most. From chasing the sellers solicitors to proactively keeping her clients updated, Sarah’s commitment to getting the job done shone through at every stage. “Can’t recommend...
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5 min readWhy Solicitor ask for ID, Source of funds, and Bank Statements from a first-time buyer?
Your solicitor isn’t being nosy! They’re legally required to verify your identity and check where your deposit money came from before they can act for you. These checks are called client due diligence, and they’re mandatory under UK anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. Every buyer goes through them. The good news? The Conveyancing solicitor for first time buyers who responding quickly with clear, complete documents...
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2 min read5 Star Friday: “Without Rosie’s Support, the Whole Process Would Not Have Been Possible”
This week, we are sharing a heartfelt review for Rosie, who supported a first time buyer through every stage of their property purchase. From first instruction through to completion, Rosie’s dedication, expertise, and genuine care left a lasting impression on her client. “I would like to thank Rosie for the exceptional service and support she...
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7 min readFirst-Time Buyer Jargon Explained 2026
Buying your first home means learning a whole new language, usually while everyone around you (the estate agent, the mortgage broker, your solicitor) speaks it fluently and forgets that you don’t. Nodding along when someone says “we’re just waiting on searches” is practically a first-time buyer rite of passage. Whether you’re just starting to browse...
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2 min read5 Star Friday: “We Couldn’t Have Asked for Better Service”
This week, we are sharing a wonderful review from first time buyers who worked with Amy Tinham and the team at PLS Solicitors. Buying your first home comes with a lot of unknowns, and having a team that takes the time to explain everything clearly and patiently makes all the difference. “PLS have been absolutely...
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7 min readShared Ownership Explained: Your 2026 Glossary
Shared ownership is a government-backed scheme that lets you buy a share of a home, usually between 10% and 75%, and pay subsidised rent on the rest to a housing association. Because your deposit is based on the share you’re buying rather than the full property price, it’s often cheaper and more achievable than a...
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1 min read5 Star Friday: “7 Weeks From First Contact to Moving In”
This week, we are sharing a fantastic review for Lauren, who managed a returning client through their second move with PLS Solicitors. With a completion achieved in just seven weeks and a process described as fast, smooth, and completely bump free, this one really does speak for itself. “Amazing solicitors, we have used them for...
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4 min readWhat is Staircasing in Shared Ownership? Is It Worth It?
One of the biggest advantages of shared ownership is that you don’t have to stay at your initial share forever. As your finances grow, you can buy more of your home over time through a process called staircasing. This means gradually increasing the percentage you own until, if you choose, you reach 100% ownership. But staircasing isn’t automatic, and it isn’t always the right move...
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