Claire Simmons, Partner and Head of Residential Conveyancing at Hay & Kilner, leads one of the North East's most trusted residential property teams.
With decades of experience, Claire is committed to delivering a personal, tailored service to every client, recognising that no two property transactions are the same.
A team you can trust
Hay & Kilner’s residential conveyancing team comprises six specialists with over 115 years’ combined experience. The team holds the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accreditation, a recognised benchmark for quality and client care.
Guiding you home with confidence
Their high net worth conveyancing team is equipped to handle a wide range of complex and high-value transactions, including:
Freehold and leasehold sales and purchases
Leasehold arrangements
First registrations
Deeds of variation
Properties with private water or sewerage systems
Declarations of trust
Comprehensive services
The team advises on all aspects of residential property and mortgage-related matters, including:
Mortgages & remortgaging
Powers of Attorney
Shared ownership
Transfers/Deeds of Gift
Buy to Let & Right to Buy
New-build and auction properties
Help to Buy schemes
Investor/portfolio sales and purchases
First registration of unregistered land
Complicated title issues
The power of relationships
Claire and the team pride themselves on building long-standing relationships.
“We don’t rely on referral arrangements. Most of our work comes through returning clients, recommendations, and crossreferrals from within the firm.”
Continued growth
In response to rising demand, the team is expanding, with the recent addition of a new paralegal and another solicitor and paralegal joining soon, further strengthening their capability to deliver responsive, high-quality services.
What you can expect
Whether you’re a first time buyer or embarking on a more complex property transaction, you can be assured of:
Direct access to an experienced conveyancer
Friendly, efficient and personal service
Clear explanations throughout the process
Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
Regular progress updates at every stage
What clients say
The team consistently receives excellent feedback from clients and referrers alike. Common themes include:
Professional, supportive service – especially during high-pressure or complex transactions.
Excellent communication – clients are kept informed and can easily reach their solicitor.
Speed & efficiency – transactions are handled promptly and proactively.
Friendly, approachable team – particularly valued by first-time buyers.
Attention to detail – ensuring smooth, accurate outcomes.
Problem-solving mindset – calm and solutions-focused, even in challenging cases.
The Hay & Kilner way
At Hay & Kilner, we pride ourselves on being a modern and progressive full service law firm.
More than just lawyers, we combine our expertise with a refreshing and personable approach. We speak your language, explaining, guiding and supporting you through the entire legal process when you need it most.
And with over 70 years of experience, we are proud to have built a strong reputation in the market delivering high quality legal services and outstanding client care. Quite simply, we put you first.
To find out how Hay & Kilner can support your property journey, visit:
www.hay-kilner.co.uk