Buying a back-to-back in Harehills, a flat by the Dock or a semi in Roundhay? We handle Leeds moves online, with a named conveyancer and updates on WhatsApp.
“Bonita has been absolutely brilliant. She supported me navigating the online forms; nothing was ever too much trouble.”
Julie C.Sold with Koala
Rated 5 out of 5
“We have completed on a sale this week that took 48 days from the day of accepting the offer.”
Hayley K.Estate agent
Rated 5 out of 5
“The whole process couldn't have been made easier and I've been kept updated every step of the way.”
Tim M.First-time buyer
Rated 5 out of 5
“My lawyer, Bonita, kept me updated and I sold my house in record time. The pricing structure is also fair and clear.”
Jay B.Sold with Koala
Rated 5 out of 5
“Bonita and her team were consistently reassuring and made everything feel as straightforward and stress-free as it possibly could be.”
Paul M.Sold and bought with Koala
Rated 5 out of 5
“The communication was 1st class, onboarding simple and funds were paid within hours of completion.”
Bradley C.Sold with Koala
Rated 5 out of 5
“Buying a home can be daunting for first time buyers, but this was made less so because of the excellent customer service and care.”
Colin O.First-time buyer
Rated 5 out of 5
“We needed to move quick and they pulled out all the stops, making sure every aspect was covered.”
Claire W.Moved with Koala
Rated 5 out of 5
“Charlotte has been incredible, so consistently helpful and efficient throughout.”
Hannah T.First-time buyer
Rated 5 out of 5
“They were proactive with a challenging chain, communication was spot on and they really helped push us to completion.”
Rebecca J.Sold with Koala
Rated 5 out of 5
“Their team was incredibly responsive throughout the entire process, always keeping me updated and answering any questions promptly.”
Emma L.Sold with Koala
Rated 5 out of 5
“These aren't your typical conveyancers; they wowed me right from the off with their professionalism, friendliness, and just how incredibly “on it” they are.”
Sam C.First-time buyer
Rated 5 out of 5
“We used Koala to sell our home. The process was simple and we received regular updates.”
Tim A.Sold with Koala
Buying or selling in Leeds?From offer to keys
Most moves take 8 to 12 weeks. Here is what happens, in order.
1
Get your quote
About a minute online, with every fee itemised before you commit to anything.
2
Instruct us
Accept online, scan your passport in the Thirdfort app and sign your forms on screen.
3
Searches and enquiries
Buying? We order your searches straight away and raise enquiries with the seller's conveyancer.
4
Contract and mortgage
We check the contract and title, report back to you in plain English and work with your lender.
5
Exchange
Contracts are exchanged and your completion date is fixed. From here the move is legally binding.
6
Completion
The money moves, the keys are released and we register the change with HM Land Registry.
You won't need to visit us. ID checks happen in the Thirdfort app, forms are signed online, and your conveyancer messages you on WhatsApp as things move. Leeds estate agents can follow the sale too, so nobody has to ring round for an update.
Searches in Leeds
The local authority search for a Leeds address goes to Leeds City Council, which covers the whole district, from Otley and Wetherby down to Rothwell and Morley. Yorkshire Water handles the drainage and water search.
The south and east of the district sit on the old West Yorkshire coalfield, so homes around places like Rothwell, Garforth and Kippax often need a coal mining search. Along the Aire, from Kirkstall through to the city centre, we look closely at the flood search: the river flooded homes and businesses on Boxing Day 2015, and that history can affect insurance. Our guide to conveyancing searches explains what each one checks.
Back-to-back terraces. Leeds has more back-to-backs than anywhere else in the country. They often share walls on three sides and have bins, yards or toilets across a shared street, so we check the title for rights of way and who maintains what.
Victorian terraces. Streets in Headingley, Chapel Allerton and Hyde Park are full of older through-terraces, and many have had loft conversions, extensions or been split into flats over the years. We check the planning and building regulations sign-off for every change before you commit.
City centre flats. Apartments around Holbeck, the Dock and the city centre are leasehold. We read the lease, the service charges and, for taller blocks, the fire safety paperwork lenders now ask for. Our leasehold vs freehold guide explains what to look for.
Stone villages on the edge. Places like Otley, Horsforth and Bramhope have older stone homes, conservation areas and listed buildings, which can mean extra consent for changes.
Buying your first place in Leeds?
Lots of our Leeds clients are first-time buyers stepping up from renting in the city. Our first-time buyer checklist walks through everything from your mortgage in principle to collecting the keys.
Leeds conveyancing questions
The local authority search goes to Leeds City Council, which covers the whole district from Otley and Wetherby down to Rothwell and Morley, and Yorkshire Water handles the water and drainage search. Homes around Rothwell, Garforth and Kippax often need a coal mining search, and along the Aire we look closely at the flood search.
Yes. Leeds has more back-to-backs than anywhere else in the country. They often share walls on three sides and have bins, yards or toilets across a shared street, so we check the title for rights of way and who maintains what before you commit.
Buying a home priced up to £80,000, freehold and not a new build, starts from £1,724 with our legal fee, VAT, searches and Land Registry fees included. Selling a home priced up to £100,000, freehold, starts from £1,246.80. Stamp duty isn't included, and leasehold, new-build and dearer homes cost more. Your quote shows your exact price, with no hidden fees.
Most moves take 8 to 12 weeks from offer to completion. Searches, mortgage offers and the rest of the chain set the pace, so we order your searches as soon as you instruct us, chase every day and send you updates on WhatsApp as each step moves.
Who looks after your move
Bonita Wolfenden
Co-founder & Head of Legal Practice
Charlotte Rowlin
Conveyancer
Your move in Leeds is run by our own conveyancers, online and on WhatsApp. Koala Legal Ltd is regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, licence number 14749.