The Conveyancing Process
The conveyancing process is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another. It involves checking the legal title, conducting searches, handling contracts, and ensuring all financial and legal requirements are met before completion.
Buying or selling a home can be an exciting but stressful time. Every property transaction is unique, and each comes with its own issues that can affect timings. That is why it is vital to use a conveyancing solicitor you trust. We combine legal expertise with a clear, human approach to support our clients at every stage.
Below is a step-by-step overview of the conveyancing process in the UK, outlining the key stages involved in most residential property transactions.
If you would like to speak to our 5-star rated property team about buying or selling a property, get in touch today.
Step-by-Step: Key Stages of the Conveyancing Process
Freehold Transactions
When purchasing a freehold property, we will:
- Take your instructions.
- Check that finances are in place to fund the purchase and contact your lender’s solicitors if required.
- Receive and advise on the contract documentation.
- Carry out property searches.
- Obtain additional planning documentation where necessary.
- Raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor.
- Report to you on the legal title to the property.
- Report to you on your mortgage offer.
- Send the final contract to you for signature.
- Agree on a completion date (the date you legally own the property).
- Exchange contracts and confirm this to you.
- Arrange for all purchase monies to be received from you and your lender.
- Complete the purchase.
- Deal with Stamp Duty Land Tax payments.
- Apply for registration at the Land Registry.
Leasehold Transactions
Leasehold purchases involve additional legal considerations. For leasehold transactions, we will:
- Take your instructions.
- Check that finances are in place to fund the purchase and contact your lender’s solicitors if required.
- Receive and advise on the contract documentation.
- Carry out property searches.
- Obtain additional planning documentation where necessary.
- Raise any necessary enquiries with the seller’s solicitor.
- Report to you on the legal title and the lease terms.
- Report to you on your mortgage offer.
- Send the final contract to you for signature.
- Draft the Transfer.
- Advise you on joint ownership arrangements.
- Obtain pre-completion searches.
- Agree on a completion date.
- Exchange contracts and confirm this to you.
- Arrange for all monies to be received from you and your lender.
- Complete the purchase.
- Deal with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax.
- Apply for registration at the Land Registry.
- Deal with any applications required under the lease.
How Long Will the Conveyancing Process Take?
The time between your offer being accepted and moving into your new home depends on several factors. On average, the conveyancing process takes between 6 and 12 weeks.
Timescales can be shorter or longer depending on the circumstances. For example:
- A first-time buyer purchasing a freehold property with a mortgage in principle may complete in around four weeks.
- A leasehold purchase requiring a lease extension or additional enquiries can take significantly longer — often two to three months or more.
Where additional work is required, this may result in additional charges. We will always explain this clearly and up front.
How We Help Make the Conveyancing Process Easier
Our conveyancing solicitors aim to:
- Keep your transaction moving efficiently
- Identify and resolve legal issues early
- Communicate clearly and promptly throughout
- Reduce stress by handling complex legal requirements on your behalf.
We understand how important timing and certainty are when moving home, and we work proactively to keep delays to a minimum.
Speeding Up Your House Purchase
Many people have a particular timescale to move home or purchase a new property.If you need to move to meet a special deadline or to move in as soon as possible, you don’t want your purchase held up.Our expert conveyancing solicitors work quickly and efficiently to ensure our clients’ transactions go as smoothly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions — The Conveyancing Process
You are not legally committed to the purchase until contracts are exchanged. Until that point, either party can withdraw without legal penalty. Once contracts are exchanged, the completion date is fixed and the transaction becomes legally binding.
On exchange of contracts, the buyer and seller formally agree to the transaction. The completion date is set, the buyer usually pays a deposit, and both parties become legally bound to complete the sale or purchase on the agreed date.
You do not need to instruct a conveyancing solicitor before making an offer, but doing so early can help speed up the process once an offer is accepted. Early instruction allows your solicitor to prepare paperwork and identify potential issues in advance.
Conveyancing searches typically include local authority searches, water and drainage searches, and environmental searches. These checks reveal issues such as planning restrictions, flood risk, or access rights that may affect the property.
Delays can occur due to long property chains, slow responses from third parties, unresolved enquiries, issues revealed by searches, or complications with leasehold properties. Clear communication and early action can help reduce delays.
The legal stages of the conveyancing process for first-time buyers are largely the same as they are for other purchasers. However, first-time buyers often benefit from additional guidance, as the process can feel unfamiliar. Your solicitor will explain each stage clearly, liaise with your mortgage lender, and help ensure the transaction progresses smoothly from offer acceptance through to completion.
Speak to a Conveyancing Solicitor
If you are buying or selling a property and would like clear guidance on the conveyancing process — or simply want reassurance that your transaction is progressing as it should — early advice can make a real difference. Call us on 01273 604123 or email enquire@bbc-law.co.uk or make an enquiry to speak with one of our experienced conveyancing solicitors and discuss your next steps with confidence.
Maureen Edwards
Maureen Edwards is the Client Support and New Business Director at Burt Brill & Cardens. With a wealth of experience in client relations, Maureen plays a key role in ensuring that every client receives exceptional support from the moment they make contact. She oversees the firm’s new business operations, working closely with clients to understand their needs and ensuring a smooth and efficient onboarding process.
Read More About MaureenProfessional, responsive and very patient! The total cost of the transaction was competitive and exactly as initially estimated by BBC Law. Overall a great experience and would recommend anyone to use the company.
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