đ The Conveyancing Process Explained: What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know
Buying or selling a home is exciting, but the legal processâknown as conveyancingâcan sometimes feel overwhelming. Delays, paperwork, and legal jargon can make it confusing, especially for first-time buyers and sellers.
To help you navigate this stage smoothly, weâve broken down the conveyancing process step by step.
đĄ What Is Conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal transfer of property ownership from one person to another. It begins when an offer is accepted and ends when the sale is completed, with the keys handed over to the new owner. A solicitor or licensed conveyancer handles this process, ensuring everything is legally binding and completed correctly.
đ The Conveyancing Process: Step by Step
1ď¸âŁ Instructing a Conveyancer
Once an offer is accepted, the buyer and seller each appoint a conveyancer.
đ Tip for Sellers: If you instruct a solicitor as soon as you put your home on the market and provide all necessary paperwork in advance, it can significantly speed up the process. This means the initial documents are ready to send as soon as a buyer is found, preventing delays later.
2ď¸âŁ Drafting & Reviewing Contracts
The sellerâs solicitor drafts the contract and sends it to the buyerâs solicitor, along with:
đ The propertyâs title deeds
đ A fixtures & fittings form (whatâs included in the sale)
đ A property information form (covering boundaries, disputes, etc.)
The buyerâs solicitor reviews these documents and raises any queries.
3ď¸âŁ Enquiries đŠ
After reviewing the contract and documents, the buyerâs solicitor will raise enquiriesâquestions about the property that need further clarification. These may include:
â Questions about boundaries, planning permissions, or building regulations.
â Clarifications on fixtures, fittings, or any guarantees and warranties.
â Concerns arising from previous property searches or survey results.
đ Tip: Sellers should respond to enquiries as quickly as possible to avoid unnecessary delays. If youâre unsure about a question, discuss it with your solicitor to find the best way to provide the necessary information.
4ď¸âŁ Property Searches & Surveys
To ensure there are no hidden issues with the property, the buyerâs solicitor carries out searches, including:
đ Local Authority Search â Checking for planning issues, road schemes, or environmental concerns.
đ§ Water & Drainage Search â Ensuring the home is connected to mains water and sewage.
đ Environmental Search â Checking for flood risks, contamination, or land stability.
If the buyer is using a mortgage, the lender will require a mortgage valuation survey to confirm the propertyâs value.
đĄ Private Surveys: If the buyer wishes to have an additional home survey (such as a HomeBuyerâs Report or a full structural survey), they should instruct this immediately to avoid delays. Some surveys can take time to arrange, so acting quickly ensures the process stays on track.
đ Tip: Buyers should pay for searches and surveys as soon as possible, as some can take several weeks to come back. Sellers can also help by answering any solicitor queries promptly!
5ď¸âŁ Mortgage Offer (If Buying with a Mortgage)
If the buyer needs a mortgage, they should apply as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays. Once the valuation is complete, the lender will issue a mortgage offer, which the buyerâs solicitor will review.
đ Tip: If there are any hold-ups in obtaining the mortgage, itâs important to communicate with the estate agent so they can help keep the process on track. Delays in mortgage approvals can slow down the entire transaction, so keeping everyone informed is key!
6ď¸âŁ Second Viewing đ
At this stage, the buyerâs solicitor will often recommend that they return to the property for a second viewing.
This is a normal part of the process and should not be a cause for concern. The buyer may want to:
đ Measure up for furniture, curtains, or appliances.
đ Double-check any details they werenât able to review during the first visit.
đ Confirm that everything matches the information provided in the contract.
đ Tip for Sellers: Itâs best to accommodate this request as it reassures the buyer before proceeding. A smooth second viewing can help keep the process moving forward without hesitation.
7ď¸âŁ Signing Documents âď¸
Before contracts can be exchanged, both the buyer and seller must sign the contract packs and return them to their solicitor.
đ Tip: If you anticipate any delays in signingâsuch as an upcoming holidayâplease inform your estate agent as soon as possible. This allows them to manage the expectations of all parties involved and prevent unnecessary delays in the transaction.
8ď¸âŁ Exchange of Contracts đ
Once all searches, surveys, and queries are resolved, and signed contracts have been returned, both parties are ready to exchange. At this stage:
âď¸ The buyer pays their deposit (typically 5-10% of the purchase price).
âď¸ A completion date is agreed upon.
âď¸ Both sides are now legally committed to the sale.
đ Tip: To help your agent progress the sale, please keep them informed of any developments throughout the transaction. This includes solicitor updates, mortgage approvals, or any potential delays. Keeping the agent in the loop allows them to manage expectations and keep everything on track.
9ď¸âŁ Completion Day đ
This is moving day! The buyerâs solicitor transfers the remaining funds to the sellerâs solicitor, and once confirmed:
đ° The sellerâs solicitor confirms receipt of funds.
đ The seller vacates the property.
đ Only once this confirmation is received will the estate agent release the keys to the buyer.
đ The buyer is now the legal owner!
âł How Long Does Conveyancing Take?
On average, the process takes 8-12 weeks, but it can be quicker or slower depending on factors like:
âł The speed of solicitors & mortgage approvals
âł How quickly queries are resolved
âł Whether the property is in a chain
đ Tip: Choosing an efficient solicitor is essential to ensuring a smooth and timely process. With the right solicitor, you wonât need to constantly chase updatesâtheyâll keep everything moving forward efficiently. Remember, you pay for the service you receive, and the cheapest option isnât always the best. Selecting a solicitor who is proactive, responsive, and experienced can help speed things up, reduce stress, and ensure that the process is handled properly.
đ Need a Smooth, Hassle-Free Sale?
At Harrison Homes, we work closely with trusted solicitors to help our clients navigate conveyancing as smoothly as possible. If youâre thinking of moving and want expert guidance, weâd love to help.
For a smooth, stress-free move with a highly experienced and efficient solicitor by your side, simply fill out the form below to request your personalised quote today!