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Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer. Once your offer has been accepted, a conveyancing solicitor or licensed conveyancer will carry out legal checks, deal with contracts and work towards completing your purchase. Although the process can seem complicated, your conveyancer will guide you through each stage and keep you informed of any actions you need to take. In this guide, we’ll explain what conveyancing involves, how long it usually takes and what to expect after your offer has been accepted.
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property.
A conveyancing solicitor or licensed conveyancer carries out legal checks before completion.
Searches help identify issues that may affect the property or surrounding area.
The timescale varies depending on the property and everyone involved in the chain.
Your mortgage lender will usually require a conveyancer to act during the purchase.
How HTG Mortgages Can Help
At HTG Mortgages, I work with over 120 lenders across the UK, meaning we have access to a wide range of mortgage products to suit all types of borrowers. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to remortgage, we can help you determine how much you can borrow and find the right mortgage for your circumstances.
We also provide ongoing support, regularly checking your options after your mortgage is secured, ensuring that you never miss out on a lower rate.
What Is Conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal work involved in buying or selling a property. It begins once an offer has been accepted and finishes when ownership is officially transferred on completion day. The process helps ensure the property can legally be sold and that any important issues are identified before contracts are exchanged.
What Does a Conveyancing Solicitor Do?
A conveyancing solicitor or licensed conveyancer manages the legal side of your purchase. Their work typically includes:
- Reviewing contracts
- Carrying out property searches
- Raising enquiries with the seller’s solicitor
- Checking legal ownership
- Arranging exchange of contracts
- Completing the purchase
- Registering ownership with HM Land Registry after completion
What Searches Are Carried Out?
Property searches provide important information that isn’t always visible during a viewing. Common searches include:
- Local Authority Search
- Environmental Search
- Water and Drainage Search
Depending on the property and its location, additional searches may also be recommended.
Speak to an expert
Whether you’re buying your first home, moving house or remortgaging, HTG Mortgages is here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. I’ll compare mortgages from over 120 lenders, guide you every step of the way and help you find the right mortgage for your circumstances.
How Long Does Conveyancing Take?
There isn’t a fixed timescale. Many property purchases complete within several weeks or months, but the process can be longer depending on factors such as the property chain, legal enquiries, mortgage processing and how quickly information is provided by everyone involved.
What Is Exchange of Contracts?
Exchange of contracts is the point at which the purchase becomes legally binding. Once contracts have been exchanged, both the buyer and seller are committed to completing the transaction on the agreed completion date.
What Happens on Completion Day?
Completion is when the purchase price is transferred, ownership changes hands and you can usually collect the keys to your new home. Your conveyancer will confirm once completion has taken place.
Can Conveyancing Be Delayed?
Yes. Delays can occur for many reasons, including lengthy property chains, additional legal enquiries, waiting for search results or delays in receiving mortgage documentation. Not every delay can be avoided, but responding promptly to requests for information may help keep the process moving.
Do I Need a Conveyancer?
If you’re buying a property with a mortgage, you’ll usually need a conveyancing solicitor or licensed conveyancer to complete the legal work required by both you and your lender.
Need Personal Mortgage Advice?
Every buyer’s situation is different. While this guide explains the general rules, the right mortgage for you depends on your income, deposit, credit history and future plans. If you’d like tailored advice, I’m here to help, with whole-of-market coverage.
