Lewes Smith is now part of Bate and Albon Solicitors adding to their existing Sussex offices of Brighton Worthing, Chichester and Eastbourne.

The Lewes Smith team joins the combined firms and Clive Smith is  a consultant.  

Bate & Albon can be reached by clicking here

STAMP DUTY LAND TAX    Please note that as from 1 April 2025, the threshold for payment of Stamp Duty on a residential transaction reduces from £250,000.00 to £125,000.00 and the threshold for claiming a first-time buyer relief reduces from £425,000.00 to £300,000.00.  It is effective from the date of completion and not from the date of exchange of Contracts.  We will do our very best to ensure that we complete transactions before this change but this is subject to many aspects that cannot be guaranteed and we cannot be held responsible should a transaction complete after this date or for any consequent increase in Stamp Duty Land Tax payable.

 

Welcome to Bate & Albon incorporating Lewes Smith

Bate & Albon Lewes Smith are Sussex - based Solicitors and Property Lawyers who specialise in the conveyancing of both commercial and residential property. If you are buying or selling property or need property advice generally then Bate & Albon  can offer you a personal friendly expert service.

Almost every day we are asked to estimate for conveyancing transactions and whilst we should dearly like to be able to take on every potential client who asks us to act, we are very selective about what we take on because we do not wish to be overrun and not able to offer the service which your transaction might deserve.

Last year we said “no” to over 120 enquiries which equates to approximately £60,000 to £70,00 worth of fees.We do refer these enquiries to other friendly law firms whom we know and trust to look after clients.

  • National Conveyancing Week

Why choose Bate Albon Lewes Smith for your conveyancing?

  • Total integrity
    We are members of the Law Society and are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. We comply with Data Protection via Nominet . Every year clients trust us to handle millions of pounds of their money. We were given CQS accreditation by the Law Society in 2011. CQS is the  Law Society's quality benchmark for Conveyancing Solicitors.

    CQS Registered

     

  • Extensive experience
    Clive Smith who founded the firm has been in the property business for nearly 40 years. Clive qualified as a Solicitor in 1978 and has lectured on property law regularly for Central Law Training, Law South and BPP. The team who work with him are all Solicitors, Legal Executives or Licensed Conveyancers . Clive specialises purely in conveyancing so the property team are not distracted by other work areas. Our other lawyers  deal with all aspects of private client work, commercial property and some property litigation.
  • Innovative solutions
     We offer innovative solutions  to property problems using the most up to date technology available in terms of case management systems, Land Registry information and electronic search facilities. The firm was a beta tester in 2000 for MDA who run Searchflow the leading provider of online local searches.
  • Independence
    We enjoy good working relationships with many Estate Agents. We regularly receive referrals based on our reputation and skill. We do not pay commission for any work that is referred to us by our estate agent contacts.
  • Continuity
    Clive and the team have worked together at one time or another for nearly twenty years. As we share the work any enquiries can be dealt with by anyone at any time.
  • A friendly approach
    We enjoy a good working relationship with our clients, other law firms and estate agents. We believe that getting on with the other parties is key to a successful transaction although at all times we protect our client’s best interests.

Dog News

Cooksbridge Office  is ably assisted by a collection of canine friends - Clive and Denise have  Woodrow -  a Sprocker respectively. Woodrow (Woody) is a frequent visitor to the office and can be seen with Clive in his profile picture. Woody is also the inspiration for our digital assistant "Woody Bot".Sadly Tilly our Border Collie recently passed away.  There is a new pup called Hector a working cocker spaniel who forms part of the "meet and greet" team.

Our much adored head of security and chief of Biscuits - Bosco  passed away in March 2018. Sadly Jill has recently lost her Whippet "Weasel" but now has a Saluki Whippet Cross called Isla.

 

  • Are you buying?

    Buying a property is major decision, and at Bate Albon Lewes Smith  we make sure we can guide you every step of the way so you make the right investment.

    read more

  • Are you selling?

    Selling a property can be very complicated; at Lewes Smith we make sure we can guide you every step of the way so the process goes as smoothly as possible.

    read more

  • Contact us 01273 483455 Fax 01273 486427 


    move.house@batealbonsolicitors.co.uk
    Station House Cooksbridge Lewes BN8 4SW

  • On 1st October 2024 we merged with Bate Albon Solicitors of Brighton Worthing Chichester and Eastbourne

  • We moved to Cooksbridge Station Cooksbridge Lewes BN8 4SW on 19 December.  Now using What Three Words - ///talents.subjects.newsstand

     

  • "If at first you don't succeed, have nap, find a snack then try again"  Image in scrolling photos and words courtesy of Iain Welch -  @artywelch on Instagram - has lovely dogs and is a wonderful illustrator