A Complete Guide to the Conveyancing Process

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another. For many buyers and sellers, it’s the least understood part of the transaction — and often the most stressful. Here’s a straightforward guide to what’s involved and what to expect.

What Does a Conveyancer Do?

Your conveyancer or solicitor handles all the legal aspects of your property transaction. This includes conducting searches on the property, reviewing the contract, handling the exchange of funds, and registering the property in your name with the Land Registry.

The Key Stages

The conveyancing process typically follows these stages: instruction of your solicitor, property searches and enquiries, review of the draft contract, mortgage offer confirmation, exchange of contracts, and finally completion. From offer acceptance to completion usually takes between eight and twelve weeks, though this can vary.

Property Searches

Your conveyancer will carry out several searches on the property, including local authority searches, environmental searches, and water and drainage searches. These checks reveal important information about planning permissions, flood risk, contaminated land, and rights of way that could affect your use of the property.

Exchange and Completion

Exchange of contracts is the point at which the transaction becomes legally binding for both parties. A completion date is set, deposits are paid, and neither party can withdraw without significant financial penalties. On completion day, the remaining funds are transferred, keys are handed over, and the property is officially yours.

How to Keep Things Moving

Delays in conveyancing are common but often avoidable. Respond promptly to requests from your solicitor, ensure your mortgage paperwork is complete, and maintain open communication with all parties. Choosing an experienced, proactive conveyancer can make a significant difference to the speed and smoothness of the process.