"Would it be possible to buy without using a solicitor's services?"
Absolutely.
Mind you, if there is ever an intention ever to sell or mortgage, you'll probably find its not a job for the fainthearted and hubby would be far better off protecting his assets, in the long term, by paying for professional advice.
I doubt that a lay person would have the expertise to acquire proper title to any property and deal with such issues as wayleaves, tax, planning, compulsory registration etc.,etc such as would enable them to ever sell on to anyone else.
mf