Residential Property Paralegal

Job description

Role Title

Residential Property Paralegal (Conveyancing) — Including Post-Completion

Department / Team

Residential Property / Conveyancing Department

Reporting Line

Reports to: Supervising Solicitor

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

Role Purpose

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.

Key Responsibilities (Core Duties)

File Opening, Client Onboarding and Compliance

• 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; escalate concerns promptly in accordance with internal procedures.
• Complete conflict checks and ensure accurate matter set-up on the case management system.

Transaction Support (Sale, Purchase and Remortgage)

• 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.

Leasehold and Management Company Liaison

• 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.

Mortgage Lender Requirements (Under Supervision)

• 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.

 

 Post-Completion

 

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

SDLT

• 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.

Land Registration

• 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.

Notices, Restrictions and Leasehold Post-Completion

• 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.

Lender and File Closure

• 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).

File Management and Client Care

• Keep case management systems up to date with accurate, contemporaneous notes and clear audit trails.
• Provide regular client updates and respond promptly to enquiries, escalating complaints or service issues in accordance with firm policy.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of precedents, checklists and post-completion processes.

Scope / Limits of Authority

• Work under the supervision arrangements of the department and in accordance with firm policies.
• No independent conduct of reserved legal activities unless appropriately authorised and supervised.
• Escalate without delay: title defects, complex lease provisions, indemnity insurance proposals, lender condition issues, requisitions raising substantive title concerns, AML red flags, and potential negligence risks.

Key Skills, Competencies and Behaviours

• Strong understanding of end-to-end conveyancing including post-completion workflow.
• High attention to detail, particularly for SDLT submissions, AP1/FR1 applications, and requisition responses.
• Effective diary management and ability to handle multiple deadlines concurrently.
• Clear, professional communication with clients, lenders, managing agents and the Land Registry.
• Strong compliance mindset and commitment to accurate record-keeping.

·        Excellent organisational skills

·        Ability to work as part of a team and committed to a career in this area

·        Flexible and proactive approach and ability to work on own initiative

 

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Experience in residential conveyancing, including demonstrable post-completion work (SDLT and Land Registry applications).
• Experience liaising with clients, referrers and third parties
• Familiarity with HM Land Registry Portal and requisition handling.
• Competence using case management systems and standard conveyancing documentation.

Desirable

• Experience with leasehold registrations, restrictions, and certificates of compliance.
• Exposure to higher-volume casework and tight statutory deadlines.

 

Working Arrangements

• Location: Office
• Hours: Full time
• Salary: depending on experience 

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Sunderland

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

04-03-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English