Conveyancing is the legal bit before your dream home becomes your actual home.
​

The conveyancing process starts when your offer on a house is accepted and finishes when you receive the keys.

You'll need to instruct a solicitor by the time you apply for your mortgage.

During conveyancing, your solicitor will undertake all of the legal work that has to happen for you to get a mortgage and to officially own (or not own) the property you're buying or selling.

Conveyancing typically takes 14 to 16 weeks in the UK. It can take less time if your purchase or sale is very straightforward, or it can take longer if you run into any issues.

In a chain, any delay with another property's conveyancing can impact you and your completion timeline, too.

Here's a rough overview of what this involves.

Your solicitor will verify your identity, the seller's identity, and the identities of anyone else who is party to the transaction. You really don't want money falling into the wrong hands!

You'll need to provide proof of your identity and show where your money has come from. This is usually done with bank statements. Your conveyancer will let you know exactly what they need.

Then, your solicitor will carry out checks with the Local Authority and other parties to see if there are any building controls or environmental issues you should be aware of.

These searches can turn up issues that impact the value and saleability of the property, or the suitability of the property for a mortgage, so they're a critical part of the process.

You can read our FAQ on searches for more information.

Your solicitor will raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor to ensure that they have all checked everything there is to check about the property you're buying. This can be a lengthy process – but it gets answers to all your burning questions.

Have there been any issues with neighbours? Are the doors compliant with fire regulations? Now is the time to ask.

Your solicitor will also ensure that the property can legally be transferred into your name and that you have all the information required in order to be able to sell the property on in the future.

Properties bought for more than a certain price in England are subject to Stamp Duty. It's your solicitor's job to make sure the submission of the Land Transaction Return is submitted to HMRC and any payments due are made. You can read more about Stamp Duty on the gov.uk website.

When it comes time to pay your deposit or other fees, your solicitor will arrange and carry out the transfer. This will incur a bank charge, but it ensures your deposit funds are safe.

Lastly, your solicitor registers the property with the Land Registry and gets the new title deed for you. This is the document showing you as the new owner of the property.