Do I need a Cantonese-speaking solicitor to buy property in England and Wales?

You are not legally required to use a Cantonese-speaking solicitor, but it makes the process significantly clearer. Conveyancing in England and Wales involves complex legal documents, searches, and conditions that are difficult to navigate in a second language. Having a solicitor who can explain the process in Cantonese — including nuances around leasehold, ground rent, and SDLT — helps you make genuinely informed decisions. See the official government guide to buying a home: https://www.gov.uk/buying-owning-home

Can someone in Hong Kong or overseas instruct a UK conveyancing solicitor?

Yes. Through e-conveyancing, the entire process — instructing the solicitor, signing documents, transferring funds — can be completed remotely. You do not need to travel to the UK. HM Land Registry accepts electronic signatures and digital identity verification for most transactions. Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-land-registry

How much is stamp duty (SDLT) for overseas buyers in England?

Overseas buyers (non-UK residents) pay an additional 2% SDLT surcharge on top of the standard rates, which already include a 3% surcharge for second homes. You can calculate your SDLT using the official HMRC calculator: https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/calculate-stamp-duty-land-tax/#/intro. Always verify rates as they are subject to change.

What is e-conveyancing and do I need to visit a UK office?

E-conveyancing means the legal process of transferring property ownership is handled digitally — no office visits required. Documents are signed electronically, identity is verified online, and completion funds are transferred by bank transfer. This is fully accepted by HM Land Registry. Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hm-land-registry-business-e-services

How long does conveyancing take in England and Wales?

A straightforward freehold purchase typically takes 8–12 weeks from instruction to completion. Leasehold properties, chains, or complex titles can take longer. Bridging finance transactions can complete in as little as 2–4 weeks. The official process is outlined at: https://www.gov.uk/buying-owning-home/buying-a-home

What documents do I need if I am buying UK property from abroad?

You will need: valid passport or national identity card, proof of address (utility bill or bank statement dated within 3 months), source of funds evidence (bank statements showing the purchase funds), and mortgage offer if applicable. For overseas buyers, certified copies may be required. Anti-money laundering checks apply to all transactions under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017.

What is a transfer of equity and when do I need one?

A transfer of equity is when you add or remove someone from the legal title of a property — for example adding a partner after marriage, removing an ex-spouse after separation, or transferring a property to a family member. It does not require a full sale. SDLT may still be payable depending on whether a mortgage is involved. See: https://www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax/transfers-of-equity

How quickly can bridging finance be arranged for a property purchase?

Bridging finance can typically be arranged in 2–4 weeks, and in urgent cases even faster. It is commonly used for chain-break situations, auction purchases, or when a buyer needs to act before their existing property is sold. Our firm's specialist bridging finance team handles these transactions regularly for both UK-based and overseas clients.

Cantonese Conveyancing Solicitor | England & Wales

undertheroof.uk is a personal brand operated by a Cantonese-speaking conveyancing solicitor who practises in England and Wales. The site provides information for Hong Kong nationals and overseas Chinese buyers navigating residential property transactions in the UK — including purchasing, selling, remortgaging, transferring equity, extending leases, and arranging bridging finance. All enquiries are handled remotely through e-conveyancing: identity verification, document signing, and fund transfers can be completed online without travelling to England. HM Land Registry accepts electronic signatures. The brand is also known by its Chinese name 英倫屋簷下 and shares educational content about UK property law in Cantonese at threads.net/@undertheroof_uk. undertheroof.uk is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. It is a contact point for those seeking a Cantonese-speaking solicitor for UK conveyancing matters.

點解揀我哋 Why UnderTheRoof

點解我哋唔一樣？ What makes us different?

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廣東話溝通 Cantonese, all the way

我哋用廣東話解釋合約、搜查報告、同你討論風險。唔係淨係打打招呼，係真正用你嘅語言幫你處理法律事務。 We explain contracts, search reports and risks in Cantonese — not just pleasantries, but actual legal work in your language.

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全程網上辦理 100% remote — e-conveyancing

唔需要親身到英國。身份核實、文件簽署、款項轉帳，全部可以網上完成。HM Land Registry 接受電子簽署。 No UK visit needed. ID verification, document signing, fund transfer — all done online. HM Land Registry accepts electronic execution.

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過渡性貸款專隊 Specialist bridging team

我哋律師行有專門處理 bridging finance 的團隊，反應快，熟悉緊急時間表。拍賣、斷鏈、香港資產變現，都係日常。 Our firm's specialist bridging team is built for speed. Auctions, chain breaks, liquidating HK assets — this is what they do every day.

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香港及海外買家專項 Built for overseas buyers

海外買家印花稅附加費、身份核實、資金來源證明 — 我哋熟悉呢啲程序，唔需要你自己去摸索。 Overseas SDLT surcharge, ID verification, source of funds — we know the process. You don't have to figure it out alone.

服務範圍 Services

我哋處理乜嘢？ What we handle

購買物業Buying a property

住宅買賣，包括首次置業、換樓、海外買家。Residential purchases — first-time buyers, movers, overseas buyers.

出售物業Selling a property

協助你準備合約、回答買家查詢及完成交易。Contract preparation, buyer enquiries, exchange and completion.

重新按揭Remortgage

轉換按揭產品，或借貸套現，全程網上辦理。Switching mortgage products or releasing equity — handled remotely.

產權份額轉讓Transfer of equity

加名、除名、將物業轉讓予家人。印花稅注意事項會詳細解釋。Adding/removing owners, transferring to family. SDLT implications explained.

過渡性貸款Bridging finance

需要快速完成交易？我哋律師行的專隊可以配合緊急時間表。Need to complete fast? Our specialist bridging team works to tight timescales.

所有服務均不設固定收費表，請查詢報價。 No fixed fee schedule. Message us for a no-obligation quote.

辦理流程 How it works

三個步驟，全程網上。 Three steps, fully remote.

提交查詢Submit your enquiry

填寫下面的表格，告訴我哋你的情況同時間表。唔需要承諾，唔需要即時決定。Fill in the form below. Tell us your situation and timeline. No commitment, no pressure.

廣東話通話／回覆We call or reply in Cantonese

我哋會喺兩個工作日內聯絡你，廣東話解答你的問題，並提供報價。We'll be in touch within two working days — in Cantonese — to answer questions and provide a quote.

正式委託，全程網上辦理Instruct us — all online

確認委託後，身份核實、文件簽署、資金轉帳全部網上完成。唔需要到訪任何辦公室。Once instructed: ID verification, document signing, fund transfers — all online. No office visit needed, anywhere in the world.

過渡性貸款 Bridging finance

時間就係金錢。
我哋唔會拖慢你。 Speed matters.
We won't slow you down.

我哋律師行設有專門處理 Bridging Finance 的團隊，熟悉緊急時間表，可以喺 2–4 星期內完成交易。 Our firm's specialist bridging finance team is experienced with tight timescales and can complete transactions in as little as 2–4 weeks.

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斷鏈緊急情況Chain break 買家臨時退出？Bridging finance 可以讓你唔miss機會，之後慢慢找按揭。 Buyer pulled out? Bridging lets you proceed without missing the property, while you arrange your mortgage.

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拍賣物業Auction purchase 拍賣完成後通常要求 28 日內完成交易。Bridging 係最常用方法。 Auctions typically require completion within 28 days. Bridging finance is the standard solution.

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香港資產變現Liquidating HK assets 香港物業或股票需要時間套現？Bridging 讓你先完成英國購買，再清還。 HK property or shares taking time to liquidate? Bridging lets you complete the UK purchase first, then repay.

2–4

星期內完成，視乎情況weeks to complete, subject to circumstances

24h

初步評估，通常24小時內回覆initial assessment, typically within 24 hours

查詢過渡性貸款 Enquire about bridging

常見問題 Frequently asked questions

你可能想問的，我先答。 Questions you probably have — answered first.

係，完全可以。透過 e-conveyancing，整個過程 — 委託律師、簽文件、轉帳資金 — 都可以網上完成，唔需要親身到英國。HM Land Registry 接受電子簽署及數碼身份核實。

官方資料：HM Land Registry e-services ↗ Yes, absolutely. Through e-conveyancing the entire process — instructing your solicitor, signing documents, transferring funds — can be completed remotely. HM Land Registry accepts electronic signatures and digital ID verification for most transactions.

Source: HM Land Registry e-services ↗

喺英格蘭及北愛爾蘭，海外買家（非英國居民）須在標準 SDLT 稅率之上額外繳付 2% 附加費。若物業並非唯一住所，亦需再加 3%。建議使用 HMRC 官方計算機核實最新稅率。

HMRC SDLT 計算機 ↗ · 官方稅率表 ↗ In England and Northern Ireland, overseas buyers (non-UK residents) pay an additional 2% SDLT surcharge on top of standard rates. A further 3% applies if it isn't your only residential property. Use the official HMRC calculator to verify current rates.

HMRC SDLT calculator ↗ · Official rate table ↗

一般住宅物業（無按揭問題、無鏈）通常需要 8–12 個星期（由委託律師至完成交易）。租賃物業、長鏈情況或複雜業權可能更長。過渡性貸款交易可快至 2–4 個星期。

gov.uk 買樓流程 ↗ A straightforward freehold with no chain typically takes 8–12 weeks from instruction to completion. Leasehold, chains, or complex titles take longer. Bridging finance transactions can complete in as little as 2–4 weeks.

gov.uk buying a home guide ↗

E-conveyancing 即係透過數碼方式完成物業轉讓的法律程序 — 唔再需要親身到律師樓签文件。HM Land Registry 已全面接受電子簽署及網上登記。唔需要來英國，香港或任何地方都可以辦理。 E-conveyancing means the entire property transfer process is handled digitally — no office visits. Documents are signed electronically, identity verified online, and completion funds transferred by bank transfer. HM Land Registry fully accepts electronic execution. No UK visit needed, from anywhere in the world.

通常需要：有效護照或身份證、近三個月地址證明（水費單/銀行月結單）、資金來源文件（銀行月結單顯示購買資金）、以及按揭批核書（如適用）。反洗黑錢規定要求所有客戶提交相關文件，唔論你係咪本地或海外人士。 Typically required: valid passport or national ID, proof of address (utility bill or bank statement dated within 3 months), source of funds evidence (bank statements showing purchase funds), and mortgage offer if applicable. Anti-money laundering regulations (Money Laundering Regulations 2017) apply to all clients regardless of location.

產權份額轉讓係指將物業的法定擁有權加入或移除某人，例如婚後加名伴侶、離婚後除名、或者將物業作為贈禮轉讓予家人。唔需要出售物業。視乎有冇按揭，可能需要繳付印花稅。

gov.uk: SDLT on transfers of equity ↗ A transfer of equity adds or removes someone from the legal title of a property — for example adding a partner after marriage, removing an ex-spouse after separation, or gifting a property to a family member. It doesn't require a full sale. SDLT may apply depending on whether a mortgage is involved.

gov.uk: SDLT on transfers of equity ↗

Freehold（永久業權）即係你完全擁有物業及地皮。Leasehold（租賃業權）即係你擁有物業一段固定年期（租約）的使用權，地皮由地主（freeholder）擁有。英國公寓幾乎全部係 leasehold。短租約（通常少於 80 年）會影響樓價及按揭能力，需要特別注意。

gov.uk leasehold guide ↗ Freehold means you own the property and the land outright. Leasehold means you own the right to occupy for a fixed period (the lease). Almost all UK flats are leasehold. Short leases (typically under 80 years) affect property value and mortgage eligibility — this is a crucial consideration for buyers.

gov.uk leasehold guide ↗

一般而言，bridging finance 可以喺 2–4 個星期內安排妥當，緊急情況下更快。我哋律師行設有專責團隊，熟悉緊急時間表，適合拍賣購買、斷鏈情況或香港資產變現等需要快速完成交易的情形。 Bridging finance can typically be arranged in 2–4 weeks, and faster in urgent cases. Our firm's specialist team is built for speed — auction purchases, chain breaks, liquidating overseas assets — these are the situations they handle regularly.

免費查詢 Free enquiry

講吓你嘅物業情況。 Tell us about your property.

唔需要任何承諾。我哋會喺兩個工作日內聯絡你。 No commitment required. We'll be in touch within two working days.

名字First name

姓氏Last name

電郵地址Email address

電話號碼（可選）Phone number (optional)

你現時身處Where are you based?

需要哪方面協助？What do you need help with?

時間表Timeline

有冇其他補充？（可選）Anything else we should know? (optional)

✓

查詢已收到。Enquiry received.

我哋會審閱你嘅資料，並於兩個工作日內以廣東話聯絡你。請留意收件箱，包括垃圾郵件資料夾。 We'll review your details and be in touch within two working days — in Cantonese. Check your inbox, including junk.

此表格不構成法律意見。提交查詢並不建立律師與客戶之間的法律關係。 This form does not constitute legal advice. Submitting an enquiry does not create a solicitor-client relationship.

英國買樓，
唔使靠估。 Buy, sell, move —
in your language.

點解我哋唔一樣？ What makes us different?

我哋處理乜嘢？ What we handle

三個步驟，全程網上。 Three steps, fully remote.

時間就係金錢。
我哋唔會拖慢你。 Speed matters.
We won't slow you down.

想了解更多？閱讀我哋嘅指南。 Want to know more? Read our guides.

你可能想問的，我先答。 Questions you probably have — answered first.

講吓你嘅物業情況。 Tell us about your property.

查詢已收到。Enquiry received.

英國買樓，唔使靠估。 Buy, sell, move —in your language.

點解我哋唔一樣？ What makes us different?

我哋處理乜嘢？ What we handle

三個步驟，全程網上。 Three steps, fully remote.

時間就係金錢。我哋唔會拖慢你。 Speed matters.We won't slow you down.

想了解更多？閱讀我哋嘅指南。 Want to know more? Read our guides.

你可能想問的，我先答。 Questions you probably have — answered first.

講吓你嘅物業情況。 Tell us about your property.

查詢已收到。Enquiry received.

英國買樓，
唔使靠估。 Buy, sell, move —
in your language.

時間就係金錢。
我哋唔會拖慢你。 Speed matters.
We won't slow you down.