Buying or selling a home should feel exciting, but the legal side can seem complicated if you’re not fully aware of what happens behind the scenes. This legal process is called conveyancing, and having a clear understanding of each stage can make your move feel far more manageable from the moment an offer is accepted right through to completion.
What Is Conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal transfer of property ownership from a seller to a buyer. It includes identity checks, contract preparation, legal searches, enquiries raised between solicitors and the transfer of funds. Once the transaction completes, the buyer becomes the new legally registered owner of the property.
A conveyancer or solicitor manages this entire process on your behalf, keeping everything compliant and progressing smoothly.
Instructing a Conveyancer
Once an offer has been accepted, your first step is to formally instruct a conveyancer. They will send you initial paperwork, confirm their fees and complete identity checks. If you’re buying, they’ll also ask for details about your finances and mortgage arrangements.
The sooner these early tasks are completed, the less chance there is of delays later on.
Contracts, Searches and Enquiries
The process looks slightly different depending on whether you’re buying or selling.
If you’re selling:
Your conveyancer prepares the draft contract, obtains Land Registry documents and asks you to complete the property information forms and the fixtures and fittings list.
If you’re buying:
Your conveyancer begins the legal investigations. They will order searches, such as:
• local authority
• water and drainage
• environmental
Alongside this, they review the legal title and raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor. These checks are designed to uncover anything that could affect your decision to proceed.
Mortgage Offer and Final Checks
If you are using a mortgage to buy, your lender will issue a formal mortgage offer once their valuation is complete. Your conveyancer reviews all search results, enquiries and the mortgage documentation to make sure everything is in order.
If you’re selling and still have a mortgage on the property, you will receive a redemption statement showing how much needs to be repaid on completion.
Exchange and Completion
Once both sides are satisfied, contracts are signed and the buyer transfers their deposit. The completion date is set at this stage, and this becomes your official moving day.
On completion, the remaining funds are transferred, the keys are released and ownership legally changes hands. After this, the buyer’s conveyancer registers the new ownership with the Land Registry and arranges any Stamp Duty payment due.
Frequently Asked Questions About Conveyancing
How long does the conveyancing process take?
On average, conveyancing takes between 8 and 12 weeks, although timescales can vary depending on the complexity of the chain, mortgage delays, search times and how quickly parties respond to enquiries.
Do I need a solicitor or can I use a licensed conveyancer?
Both can legally handle the transaction. Many buyers and sellers choose based on experience, cost and recommendations. What matters most is choosing someone who communicates well and keeps the process moving.
What are property searches and why do I need them?
Searches reveal important information about the property and surrounding area. They check things like planning issues, drainage connections, environmental risks and whether the road is maintained by the council. Mortgage lenders require them, and they protect buyers from unexpected problems.
When do I pay my deposit?
The deposit is paid at the point of exchange. It is usually 10 percent of the purchase price unless otherwise agreed.
Can I pull out before exchange?
Yes. Until contracts are exchanged, neither party is legally committed to the sale. After exchange, pulling out would usually involve significant financial penalties.
What happens on completion day?
Your solicitor transfers the remaining funds to the seller’s solicitor. Once the payment has cleared, the keys are released and you can move in. Sellers will need to vacate the property on the same day.
Do I need buildings insurance?
If you are buying with a mortgage, you will usually need buildings insurance from the date of exchange. This is because you become legally responsible for the property from that point.
Understanding the conveyancing journey makes the whole moving experience feel smoother and far more predictable. If you’re preparing to buy or sell and would like professional guidance from start to finish, the HoldenCopley team is here to help. Feel free to get in touch here to begin your move with confidence.