Leslie Hill-Smith

Legal Director

Residential property

[email protected]
+44 (0) 1892 506 324

I’m a legal director in the firm’s residential transactional team where clients value my accessibility and responsiveness which, along with broad experience, facilitates the conclusion of most of my transactions in my clients’ targeted time line.

I have over 30 years’ experience and have worked in different countries. This enables me to comfortably guide clients who are abroad or who may not be not familiar with the way properties are leased or transferred in the UK.

My role includes advising on a wide range of residential conveyancing transactions and property matters for new and established clients. Buying and selling homes can be a very emotional business, and I invest my time and expertise in each matter, so it can complete promptly and with the best possible result for my client.

Areas of expertise:

  • Off-plan purchases
  • Offshore vehicles
  • Lease extensions
  • Enfranchisement
  • Lease variations
  • Probate transactions
  • Urban and rural leasehold and freehold properties
  • Mortgages and financial restructuring of property portfolios

Qualifications and memberships

  • Admitted as a solicitor in February 2000
  • Qualified in South Africa in 1988 and England and Wales in 1997
  • BA LLB
If I'm unavailable, please contact:

Ginette Bannister

Legal Secretary
+44 (0)1892 506 215
[email protected]

Sue Randall

Legal Secretary
+44 (0)20 7591 3323
[email protected]

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My experience

Successfully completed the sale of a £7 million family home in London in a tight time frame and while the building was undergoing enfranchisement.

Acting in the probate sale of a large rectory and adjoining fields that involved the negotiation of a farm business tenancy and the transfer of a cautionary interest.

Advising on the purchase of a poorly constructed luxury holiday apartment on the south coast, necessitating a thorough investigation of construction warranties and the complicated corporate hierarchy.

Successfully negotiating a long lease of a church with a view to enabling the property to have generous user rights.

How we made a difference

Cripps was instrumental in helping us achieve a successful sale where other solicitors weren't - there was no magic involved, just clever thinking and a desire to explore all avenues available.

Friendly, helpful, constructive

Leslie, is very helpful to assist me to sell my first time a London property. She provides an efficient and professional service for me as an overseas investor to keep me understand the local requirements when I was in Hong Kong far away from UK

Leslie Hill-Smith and her team have been pleasant and efficient thank you.

Always responded quickly to queries and problems. Always professional and helpful

Cripps is a small law firm with big dog legal chops. They have wonderful, professional, knowledgable team and a full range of client services. With their offices in London and Kent, they are able to solve client issues across a range of topics and their customer service is top notch. Highly recommend!

Leslie Hill-Smith was efficient, friendly and easy to deal with.

It has been an absolute pleasure working with Leslie Hill Smith on our recent sale and purchase. She is extremely efficient and approachable. As are all the team we have had contact with. This is the second time Leslie has acted for us and we would recommend her to anyone looking for a smooth property transaction.

From Amy to Leslie and Poppy, everyone worked incredibly hard to help us get our home bought. We couldn't thank them all any more and we're so happy with the services we received.

I am writing to thank you and to show my appreciation for your efficiency in making the sale of the property as seamless as you did, given the usual stresses associated with the buying and selling of property. You communication was always prompt and in a manner that was friendly and most importantly, understandable.

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