Our clients choose us when the property transaction involves added sensitivity, value or risk.

You may benefit from Private Wealth conveyancing if you are:

• Buying or selling a high value residential property

• Purchasing with a partner or family member and need to protect unequal contributions

• Using a gifted deposit or family loan

• Transferring property as part of estate planning

• Managing a property sale following bereavement or probate

• Concerned about future inheritance disputes or challenges to a will

We provide a discreet, partner-led service with clear advice, practical timeframes and proactive communication throughout.

High value residential purchases and sales

We manage premium transactions with a focus on protecting your interests at every stage,

• title and risk review

• contract negotiation

• reporting on key issues clearly and early

• liaising with agents, lenders and other advisers

Property Ownership Structuring (protecting contributions and intentions)

High-net worth property ownership is often linked to family wealth planning. We advise on:

• joint tenant’s vs tenants in common

• unequal shares and ownership percentages

• protecting deposits or family contributions

• documenting arrangements to reduce future disputes

This is especially important for unmarried couples, blended families, parents helping children onto the property ladder and clients with buy-to-let or property portfolios, ensuring ownership is structured and documented to protect family interests and reduce future disputes.

Declarations of Trust and co-ownership agreements

Where ownership is shared, a Declaration of Trust can provide clarity on who owns what share, what happens if the property is sold, how mortgage payments are treated, and how arrangements are affected if relationships change. This practical approach helps protect wealth and reduce the risk of future disputes.

Gifting property and inter-family transfers

Property is frequently used as part of long-term wealth planning. We can assist with:

• transfers between spouses/partners

• gifts to children or family members

• supporting documentation and due diligence

• ensuring the transfer aligns with your wider intentions

Where needed, we will collaborate with our Private Wealth team to ensure your property decisions reflect your estate planning goals.

Probate property sales and inherited property transfers

If you are acting as an executor or beneficiary, we can help with:

• conveyancing linked to estate administration

• property sales during probate

• transfers to beneficiaries

• reducing delays and avoiding common pitfalls

If a dispute arises about the estate, the will, or how assets should be distributed, our specialist team can advise.

If you need advice with contesting a will or an inheritance dispute, visit:

Contesting a Will Solicitors (Contentious Trusts & Probate)

Helping children and grandchildren onto the property ladder

Many of our clients wish to support their children or grandchildren in purchasing their first home, whether by gifting funds towards a deposit, providing a formal family loan, or purchasing a property outright and transferring it to the next generation. These arrangements can be straightforward in principle but require careful legal and financial structuring to protect the interests of all parties and to ensure the gift or transfer is documented correctly. We can advise on the most appropriate approach, prepare the necessary documentation, and work alongside your financial advisers to ensure any tax implications, including stamp duty land tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax considerations are properly considered from the outset.

Gifting property to family members as part of long-term planning

Some clients choose to transfer a property to a family member, often a son or daughter, as part of their broader financial and succession planning, while continuing to occupy or have an interest in the property. In many cases, the transferring family member will pay a market rent to the new owner after the transfer has taken place. These arrangements involve important legal, tax and regulatory considerations, and it is essential that they are structured correctly and with appropriate professional advice from the outset. Our Private Wealth Residential Conveyancing team works closely with financial advisers and tax specialists to ensure that any transfer is documented properly and that all parties fully understand their rights and obligations both now and in the future.

Unregistered property

Not all property in England and Wales is registered at HM Land Registry. Unregistered properties, particularly older family homes, rural estates and properties that have not changed hands for many years, can present additional complexity when it comes to buying, selling or transferring title. Establishing ownership requires a thorough examination of the original title deeds and supporting documentation, which can be a time-consuming and specialist process. Forbes Solicitors has considerable experience in dealing with unregistered land and we are specialists in this area. Whether you are purchasing an unregistered property, transferring it within the family, or simply seeking to understand your position, our team can guide you through the process with confidence and clarity, including first registration at HM Land Registry where required.

• Initial conversation, we understand your transaction and wider priorities

• Clear structure advice, ensuring ownership and protection are right from the outset

• Proactive conveyancing, we anticipate issues and keep momentum

• Joined-up support with access Private Wealth, Family or Disputes specialists where needed

• Completion and beyond, we will support with follow-on planning where appropriate