We’re delighted to share some great news from within the Barker Booth & Eastwood team. Two of our colleagues have recently become homeowners for the first time, supported by one of our much-valued staff perks – free legal fees on their conveyancing.
Both journeys highlight not only how exciting buying a first home can be, but also just how valuable expert legal support is throughout the process.
Matthew Mainds – Trainee Solicitor, Property Team
Matthew recently bought his first home with his partner, with both of them stepping onto the property ladder as first-time buyers. Although they knew homeownership was on the horizon, they hadn’t planned for it to happen quite so soon.
Like many buyers, their search started casually – the occasional scroll through Rightmove – until they came across a property that felt like too good an opportunity to miss. Located in a great area and in good enough condition to move straight in, it also offered something they’d always wanted: a chance to refurbish and put their own stamp on a home.
Working in conveyancing meant Matthew understood the process well, but experiencing it from the client’s side was eye-opening. Juggling viewings, negotiations, mortgage arrangements and the practicalities of moving all at once brought home just how stressful the process can feel – particularly for first-time buyers.
The most nerve-wracking moment? Negotiating the price. Their first offer was declined, followed by hours of suspense waiting to hear back. In a twist worthy of a holiday story, their eventual acceptance came while Matthew was lying on a sunbed with a drink in hand.
Due to a conflict of interest, Barker Booth & Eastwood couldn’t formally act on Matthew’s purchase, but he was able to instruct a trusted former colleague at another firm. Even so, Barker Booth & Eastwood covered the majority of his legal fees – a gesture Matthew describes as a “huge help” and one he’s extremely grateful for.
Now settled in, Matthew and his partner have already uncovered a few hidden surprises behind the walls, but nothing that can’t be fixed. Their first big decorating mission was the main bedroom, and future plans include a full garden renovation in the spring. While they love the house, it’s very much a first step on the ladder, with plans to refurbish and move up in a few years’ time.
Matthew’s advice to other first-time buyers?
Be patient. Even when it feels like nothing is happening, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes – and picking up the keys makes it all worthwhile.
Roybn Moss – Solicitor, Family Team
Roybn also recently bought her first home, moving in with her partner who relocated from Manchester to the Fylde Coast. Their search began around May 2025, with viewings taking place in early summer. By the end of June they’d found the right property, and on 10 October 2025, they collected the keys.
Before starting the process, Roybn expected conveyancing to be fairly straightforward. However, unexpected issues with the property’s title meant the transaction was more complex than anticipated. Throughout, the Barker Booth & Eastwood conveyancing team were on hand to advise, reassure and explain each step – a real benefit of having trusted experts just downstairs.
Roybn describes it as a huge advantage knowing she could ask questions at any time and have complete confidence in the advice she was receiving. She’s also very grateful for the discounted staff fees and the efficiency with which the matter was handled.
Supporting Our Team, Every Step of the Way
Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones, and we’re proud to support our team through benefits like free or discounted conveyancing. Congratulations to Matthew and Roybn on their new homes – we wish them every happiness as they settle in and make them their own throughout 2026.
