Business Details
45 Years
experience
Expert Legal Services in York
Established in 1981, we are a pioneering law firm operating as an Employee Ownership Trust, uniquely structured to prioritise both staff and client interests. Our expertise spans residential and commercial property law, alongside comprehensive life planning services including Wills, Trusts, and probate. With a dedicated team of specialists, we deliver tailored legal solutions to diverse clients ranging from private individuals to large pension funds. Our holistic approach combines technical excellence with accessible, personable service, maintaining direct communication channels for client convenience.Based in York's city centre, we uphold the founding values of integrity and client-centric service established by John Guest, now led by John Walker who has guided the firm since 1984. We maintain strong relationships with local banks and specialist accountants to support property investors, while our commercial property team advises on complex transactions including auctions and secured lending. Our commitment to innovation is demonstrated through digital advancements in services like Lasting Powers of Attorney, while maintaining traditional values of approachability and transparency.
Services
Residential Conveyancing
Commercial Property Conveyancing
Wills and Probate
Equity Release
Lease Extensions
Property Portfolios
Secured Lending
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Life Planning
Auction Property Advice
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We operate as an Employee Ownership Trust prioritising client and staff interests
- Our team has over 40 years' experience in property and life planning law
- We provide holistic legal solutions combining property and estate planning
- Direct communication channels ensure client accessibility to legal experts
- We maintain strong local connections with specialist financial professionals
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
Services
Residential Conveyancing
We handle all aspects of residential property transactions including purchases, sales, and remortgaging. Our team manages lease extensions, equity release, and buy-to-let investments. We provide clear guidance through the legal process while maintaining direct communication with clients throughout York and beyond.
Commercial Property
Our commercial property specialists advise on acquisitions, disposals, and leasing arrangements. We support property developers, investors, and business owners with portfolio management, secured lending, and auction purchases. Our expertise extends to licensed premises and pension scheme investments across Yorkshire and nationally.
Wills and Probate
We provide comprehensive will drafting, probate administration, and trust management services. Our life planning team assists with intergenerational agreements, pre-nuptial arrangements, and lasting powers of attorney. We help clients across the UK ensure their assets are protected and distributed according to their wishes.
Equity Release
We offer specialist legal advice on equity release schemes for homeowners aged 55+. Our team explains available options, handles legal documentation, and ensures compliance with financial regulations. We work closely with mortgage advisors to provide tailored solutions while maintaining clear communication with clients and their families.
Property Portfolios
We advise property investors on portfolio acquisitions, tax considerations, and financing arrangements. Our services include lender requirement analysis, stamp duty mitigation strategies, and business structure recommendations. We connect clients with specialist accountants and lenders to support their investment goals across the UK property market.
People
John Walker
Director
Leading the firm since 1984, John Walker brings extensive property law expertise developed over 40 years. He maintains the founding principles of client-focused service while driving innovation in digital legal solutions.
Carolyn Thompson
Legal Assistant
Supporting the residential conveyancing team, Carolyn provides administrative expertise with over 15 years' experience in property transactions. She ensures smooth communication between clients and legal executives.
Questions
What property services do you offer?
We handle residential and commercial conveyancing, property portfolios, equity release, lease extensions, and commercial leases for clients across Yorkshire and the UK.
Do you provide wills and probate services?
Yes, we offer comprehensive life planning including wills, probate administration, lasting powers of attorney, and trust management tailored to individual circumstances.
How does your conveyancing process work?
Our process begins with initial instructions, followed by property searches, contract review, and completion arrangements. We maintain regular client communication throughout the transaction.
Are you regulated by legal authorities?
Yes, we are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under number 626416, ensuring compliance with professional standards and client protections.
Do you offer equity release advice?
Yes, our specialist team provides legal guidance on equity release schemes, explaining options and handling documentation while working with financial advisors.
Reviews (5)
Jennifer Hill
Jun 17, 2022
Report
Amanda and Annie - the best team Wouldn't go anywhere else now. Can't thank them enough for their help with my sale and purchase. Definitely recommend!
D. N.
May 24, 2022
Report
Amanda and Annie are amazing. Dealing with a very difficult seller that unfortunately led to an extremely lengthy sale. Was patient, communicative, supportive and all you could hope for in an efficient, fantastic solicitors. My family have used Guest walkers for years and we recommend them to all our friends and family and shall continue to do so. Thank you so much again
Alex Walbridge
May 08, 2022
Report
We recently used Guest Walker Solicitors to buy our first home. The experience with Vicky was brilliant and I could not recommend enough. It was a stressful few months but Vicky was always very informative and responsive to our calls/emails and endless questions. Thanks Vicky, we wouldn't have got in as quick as we did without you!
Julia Foster
May 05, 2022
Report
I cannot praise Guest Walker enough. I have used them for over a year to get Deputyship, add a Trustee, and for Conveyancing of a house. It has not been straightforward and I can only thank each of them for their skill and patience.
Craig McB
Apr 21, 2022
Report
Absolutely first class and totally trustworthy during my house purchase. It is only when you release how bad your opposite numbers (sellers solicitor) is, that you realise how swept up and professional Guest Walker are. Special mention to Amanda and Annie who were professional, replied immediately to all my concerns and got the purchase over the line despite a very poor and slow solicitor used by the seller. 5 stars all day long, highly recommended.
