Legal Assistant - Residential Property in Peterborough

Reports to: Head of Residential Property

Location: London/Cambridge/Peterborough; occasional travel between offices

Hours: Full time

About Us

Greenwoods’ Residential Property team delivers clear, tailored advice to make moving home as smooth and stress‑free as possible. We handle everything from high‑value sales and purchases to re‑mortgages, transfers of equity, and complex transactions involving offshore structures and charities. Ranked in Legal 500, we combine technical expertise with a pragmatic, personal approach, always committed to excellence and client care.

Role Purpose

This is a varied position where you will play a key role in supporting our lawyers by managing the administrative processes that underpin successful residential real estate transactions. You will take ownership of critical tasks from client onboarding through to post‑completion, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and exceptional client service at every stage. As part of our growing real estate team, you will work autonomously and proactively within an administrative‑focused role, providing high‑quality support and maintaining strong communication with clients and colleagues. This opportunity offers the chance to develop your skills, learn from experienced professionals, and contribute to a collaborative, supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Onboarding
  • Complete “know your client” checks and open files promptly.
  • Initial correspondence with clients and solicitors on the other side.
  • Submit searches on behalf of clients.
• Transaction Support
  • Prepare and send correspondence and documentation to clients and solicitors.
  • Produce first drafts of legal forms including contracts, transfers, SDLT returns, and financial statements.
  • Assist with completion and liaise with clients, agents, and solicitors.
• Diary & File Management
  • Manage diaries, schedule meetings, and create reminders for key dates.
  • Organise and manage client files including post and document storage.
• Land Registry & Compliance
  • Use Land Registry Portal for searches and registrations (AP1, FR1).
  • Lodge SDLT returns and pay any SDLT due within prescribed time limits.
  • Submit charge registration applications to Companies House.
• Post‑Completion
  • Handle requisitions within HM Land Registry time limits.
  • Update clients and lenders on progress of registrations.
  • Send completed registrations and necessary deeds to clients and lenders.
  • Manage repayment of retentions on leasehold files.
  • Ensure client details are accurate in case management systems.
  • Follow firm processes and promote best practice.
  • Assist with other administrative tasks as requested.
  • Provide cover for colleagues during holidays or illness.
  • Contribute to business development initiatives and attend client events.
  • Travel between offices when required.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience in a real estate team, ideally with residential property focus is desirable.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise under pressure.
• Excellent attention to detail and communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and willingness to learn case management systems.
• Self‑motivated team player with a proactive approach.
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection requirements.

At Greenwoods, we’re serious about creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We celebrate individuality and are committed to ensuring opportunities are open to everyone. If you need reasonable adjustments to apply, just let us know - we’ll do everything we can to make the process smooth and positive. And if you’re excited about this role but don’t tick every box, please apply anyway. You might be just the right fit for this or another opportunity in the firm.