Your step-by-step guide to conveyancing

Simple, clear guidance for buying or selling your home

Buying or selling a home can feel complicated—especially if it’s your first time. This guide explains what happens at each stage, what your conveyancer does, and what you need to do as a client.

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another.

It starts when an offer is accepted and ends when:

  • The money has been transferred

  • You receive or hand over the keys to the property

  • The new owner is registered with HM Land Registry - the Government body responsible for keeping records of property ownership in the UK

Your conveyancer is a legal professional who handles the legal work to make sure everything is done correctly and safely.

Part 1

Selling a property step-by-step

If you’re selling your home, your role is mainly to provide information and sign documents at the right time.

  • Once you decide to sell (or accept an offer), you appoint a conveyancer.

    What we do:

    • Explain costs, our terms of business and next steps

    • Open your file and verify your identity

    • Liaise with your estate agent (if any) and the buyer’s conveyancer

    What you need to do:

    • Provide information about you, the transaction and the property

    • Pay a small upfront fee

    • Verify your ID and address (this will be done via our online provider)

  • You will be asked to fill out standard forms about your property.

    What we do:

    • Send you forms (Property Information Form, Fixtures & Contents Form)

    • Review your answers

    What you need to do:

    • Disclose honest, accurate information about the property

    • List what is included in the sale (e.g. carpets, appliances)

  • What we do:

    • Prepare and send you a sale ready report so we can identify any discuss any potential issues with you and get ahead of anything that might cause a delay

    • Once you have a buyer, we prepare the draft contract

    • We send the contract to the buyer’s conveyancer with supporting documents

    What you need to do:

    • Review documents if needed

    • Answer any follow-up questions

  • The buyer’s conveyancer will raise questions about the property and we will respond to them based on the instructions and information you give us.

    What we do:

    • Handle legal enquiries

    • Help you provide answers

    What you need to do:

    • Provide information where requested

    • Clarify any issues (e.g. disputes, alterations)

  • This is the point where the sale becomes legally binding.

    What happens:

    • You sign and return the contract and Transfer documents we send to you

    • Both sides agree a completion date

    • The buyer’s and seller’s conveyancers exchange contracts - this takes place by telephone

    Important:

    • You are now legally committed to selling

    • The buyer pays a deposit

  • This is when the sale is finalised.

    What we do:

    • Receive the sale money from the buyer’s conveyancer

    • Repay your mortgage (if applicable) and pay any associated costs such as your estate agent’s invoice

    • Transfer the remaining funds to you

    What you need to do:

    • Ensure the property is cleared and leave it in a clean and tidy condition

    • Hand over the keys

Part 2

Buying a property step-by-step

If you’re buying, the process involves more checks to protect you and your investment.

  • Once your offer is accepted, you appoint a conveyancer.

    What we do:

    • Open your file and carry out ID checks

    • Contact the seller’s conveyancer

    • Guide you through the process

    What you need to do:

    • Provide ID and evidence source and proof of funds

    • Tell us about any mortgage you will be using to finance your purchase

  • What we do:

    • Check the draft contract and title when we receive it from the seller’s conveyancer

    • Carry out property searches (local authority, water, environmental) and then report to you with our findings

    Why this matters:

    Searches reveal issues such as planning restrictions or flood risks.

  • We ask questions to clarify any concerns.

    What we do:

    • Review legal title and documents and report to you with our findings

    • Raise enquiries with the seller’s conveyancer

    What you need to do:

    • Tell us if you have any particular questions about the property

    • Review the reports and information we provide to you and ask us if there is anything you don’t understand or want to know more about

    • Arrange a survey (strongly recommended)

    • Get insurance quotes (for instance buildings, life insurance etc) and be ready to put cover on risk from the date of exchange

  • If you’re getting a mortgage:

    What we do:

    • Work with your lender

    • Ensure all legal requirements are met

    • Report to you once we receive your mortgage offer

    What you need to do:

    • Make sure your mortgage lender or broker has our details

    • Sign and return your mortgage deed when we report to you

  • This is the point where the purchase becomes legally binding.

    What happens:

    • You sign and return the contract and Transfer documents we send to you

    • Pay your deposit (usually 10%)

    • A completion date is agreed

    • The buyer’s and seller’s conveyancers exchange contracts - this takes place by telephone

    Important:

    • You are now legally committed to buying and you must put any insurances on risk from exchange

  • What we do:

    • Transfer the purchase money having obtained funds from you and any mortgage lender

    • Register you as the new owner at HM Land Registry

    What you need to do:

    • Collect the keys

    • Move into your new home

What does your conveyancer do?

Your conveyancer manages the legal side of your move, including:

  • Checking ownership and legal title

  • Agreeing documentation

  • Carrying out searches and enquiries

  • Managing funds safely

  • Dealing with mortgages

  • Registering ownership and financing at HM Land Registry

This ensures the transaction is legally correct and protects you from risks such as hidden debts or disputes.

What do you need to do as a client?

To help your transaction run smoothly, you should:

  • Provide documents promptly

  • Respond quickly to queries

  • Read and sign paperwork carefully

  • Keep funds ready when needed

Delays often happen when information or documents are not returned quickly.

Key things to remember

  • Conveyancing is a step-by-step legal process

  • Most transactions take several months from offer to completion (leasehold will take longer)

  • Nothing is legally binding until contracts are exchanged

  • Your conveyancer is there to guide and protect you

  • We understand that everyone wants to complete as quickly as possible. The current national average from sale agreed to completion in England and Wales is around four months, though timescales depend on many factors outside your or our control — including chain length, how quickly all parties progress, how the purchase is being funded, and whether the property is freehold or leasehold.

  • We will keep you updated throughout and do everything we can to move your transaction forward as quickly as possible.

Need help?

If you’re buying or selling a property, our experienced conveyancers are here to guide you every step of the way.

Request a quote from us today using our Contact page today and a member of our team will be in touch to to provide you with a tailored fixed-fee quote and clear advice.

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