Conveyancing
Conveyancing Explained: How the Property Buying Process Works
Understand what conveyancing involves and how a conveyancer helps you through the buying process.
What Is Conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process that takes place between your offer being accepted on a property and the completion date. It involves transferring the property’s legal ownership from the seller to you, the buyer.
What Does a Conveyancer Do?
A conveyancer, or conveyancing solicitor, manages all the legal aspects of the property purchase on your behalf. They will:
- Obtain the seller’s responses to key questions, such as who owns the boundaries, whether there have been any neighbour disputes, and what fixtures and fittings are included.
- Check copies of any guarantees, planning permissions, and building regulation certificates.
- Verify that the seller is the legal owner of the property and prepare a Report on Title for you.
- Review local authority searches and plans for the surrounding area.
- Arrange for payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax.
- Register the property’s title in your name once the purchase completes.
Tips for Choosing and Working with a Conveyancer
- Get at least three conveyancer quotes before you start viewing properties. Personal recommendations from friends, family, or your estate agent can be valuable.
- Let your conveyancer know early if you have specific questions or deadlines for exchanging contracts and completing.
- Request regular progress updates throughout the process.
- Where possible, negotiate a “no sale, no fee” agreement so you won’t incur costs if the purchase falls through.
- Compare quotes carefully to ensure they include the same services. You may also wish to add an Environmental Search, which can highlight issues such as flood risk, radon levels, or local mining activity.
How to Keep the Process Moving Smoothly
- Provide your conveyancer with essential information at the start, including your mortgage lender’s details, the seller’s information, proof of ID, and any questions you’d like them to raise.
- Complete mortgage application forms and respond to solicitor queries promptly. Using registered post or hand-delivering important documents can save time.
- Review the seller’s responses to enquiries carefully and seek clarification if anything is unclear.
- Don’t hesitate to ask your conveyancer to explain any part of the process you don’t understand.
How Long Does Conveyancing Take?
Conveyancing usually takes between 6 and 12 weeks from the day your offer is accepted to completion, even when there is no chain. The process can vary depending on factors such as mortgage approval, local searches, and how quickly both parties respond to enquiries.
Ready to talk conveyancing?
Buying a property is exciting. Getting the legal side right is essential. Complete the form below and our specialist team will contact you promptly to guide you through the conveyancing process, manage the paperwork, and ensure a smooth completion.