Buying a new home can be an exciting time. But there's a lot for you to think about as well. And if you're also selling a property, things can start to become a little more complicated.
That's where Homeward Legal can help with moving conveyancing. By finding our most trusted solicitors for moving house to act on your behalf, your move will be in the best possible hands.
What can a moving conveyancer do for you
Each sale and purchase is unique. The work that needs to be done by your solicitors for moving house can depend on several factors such as the type of property you're selling or buying, or whether you're using a government home ownership scheme.
The bottom line is that your solicitor or licensed conveyancer deals with all the legal aspects of your sale and purchase. This includes preparing all the paperwork that you need for both parts of the process. But they'll also make sure the finances are in place and contracts are drawn up.
In addition, your solicitor or licensed conveyancer is there to liaise with the individuals or firms who represent the other buyer and seller involved in the process. When it's time to complete a sale and purchase, your moving conveyancer will then transfer the funds and ownership.
What is the moving conveyancing process?
What is the moving conveyancing process?
The moving conveyancing process is more or less the same as if you were just buying or selling a home. The main (and obvious) difference is that, by combining both sides of the deal process, there's twice as much to consider. That's what your solicitor or licensed conveyancer is there to help with. Here's an at-a-glance look at what happens once your offers are accepted.
For your sale
- You'll be sent a Property Information (Protocol) Form to fill out
- Your solicitor will draft an initial sale contract, which is issued to the buyer's solicitor
- Your solicitor will respond to any enquiries received
- Terms are agreed and a date is set for completion
- Contracts are exchanged
- The sale is completed
For more details about the sale process, see our guide to conveyancing for sellers.
For your purchase
- You'll need to complete ID and instruction forms
- Your solicitor will receive contracts from your seller's solicitor
- If you have any questions, your solicitor will raise them on your behalf
- Searches are carried out on the property you're buying
- Terms are agreed and a date is set for completion
- Contracts are exchanged
- The sale is completed
You also have some post-completion formalities to take care of as part of the purchase process. For more details, see our guide to conveyancing for buyers.
For your solicitor or licensed conveyancer, the aim is to make sure that both processes can take place at the same time and pace. If this isn't possible for whatever reason however, there'll be no need to worry. The solicitors for moving house that we work with will keep things moving as fast and as much as possible to avoid any unnecessary delays in moving you to your new home.
If you're about to move home, call us on or get your free, instant quote online.
The benefits of using the same solicitors for moving house
For many people, it makes sense to use the same licensed conveyancer or solicitor for moving house. Both the sale and purchase processes involve a lot of paperwork and finances. This can make things complicated. Using the same person or firm to deal with it all can make the entire process much more efficient.
Your solicitor will aim to stick to the same systems and timeframes for both sides of a property transaction. As such, this can help save you time and ensure your home move goes faster. You may also be able to save some money by instructing the same solicitor for moving house.
When should you instruct a moving conveyancer?
When should you instruct a moving conveyancer?
It's not essential to instruct a conveyancer or solicitor for moving house before you've made or received an offer on a property. But it can often be a good idea for you to appoint someone as soon as you put your home on the market.
This means your conveyancer or solicitor can get to work on some of the tasks that take up the most time. From sourcing deeds to your home to getting you to fill out the Property Information (Protocol) Form, early instruction can help speed up the whole process.
There are also benefits to instructing a conveyancer or solicitor before your offer is accepted on a new home. Again, this can help make the process go faster. It can show potential sellers that you're serious about buying. And it means all the necessary ID checks can be done in advance.
What are solicitors' fees for buying and selling a house?
What are solicitors' fees for buying and selling a house?
The value of your home, the value of the property you're buying and the type of property you're selling or buying. These are just three factors that could determine a solicitor's fees for buying and selling a house. The fees can also vary if either property is freehold or leasehold.
Your conveyancer or solicitor's fees for buying and selling a house in the UK will include all legal costs and disbursements, as well as VAT.
By choosing Homeward Legal when you're looking for a solicitor for moving house, will quote you a Fixed legal fee** that will be exactly what you pay, with no hidden costs - so you'll know exactly what's what.
Call us on to find out more. Or you can get an instant quote online now.
Moving house: When are solicitors' fees paid?
Moving house: When are solicitors' fees paid?
For the new home you're buying, your conveyancing quote will include additional items known as disbursements*.
In some cases, you may be asked for some payment up front to cover these costs.
But it's likely that you'll pay your conveyancer or solicitor's fees for buying and selling a house upon completion. At Homeward Legal, our friendly team makes sure that you're fully aware of the fees that you'll need to pay your solicitor or conveyancer - and when to pay them.
Why use a Homeward Legal for moving house?
Simple & Straightforward
We won't confuse you with lots of technical jargon. Just plain, simple English that makes the conveyancing process easy to understand.
Fixed Legal Fees**
When you get residential conveyancing quotes from us, the fixed legal price* we quote you is the price you'll pay, with no hidden costs.
No-Completion No Fee†
Don't worry if your move falls through. Our no-completion no fee means there will be no fixed legal fees for you to pay.
Trusted
We pride ourselves on our customer service and we feel that hard work has been rewarded by the hundreds of glowing reviews we've received on Trustpilot.
Local
Whether you deal with one of our in-house team or a member of our panel of specialists, we'll find you a solicitor with excellent local knowledge of your area.
Regulated
All of the conveyancing professionals that we deal with are regulated under the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.
Available
Any questions? Our team is available to help until 6pm on weekdays, and 4pm on Saturdays.
Get in touch for your moving conveyancing quotes
If you're looking to buy and sell a property, get in touch with the team today about our moving conveyancing services.
Alternatively, you can always give us a ring on or request a callback and we'll be happy to speak to you.
Frequently asked questions...
the conveyancing process typically takes between 8 to 12 weeks on average, although this can vary based on individual circumstances. Factors influencing the duration include the chain of transactions, local searches, mortgage approvals, and any legal complexities that may arise during the process. It's essential to communicate effectively with your conveyancer and other parties involved to expedite the process as much as possible. You can also check our guide on how long the conveyancing process takes.
The costs associated with conveyancing can vary and typically include:
- Legal Fees: Charged by the conveyancer or solicitor for their services in handling the property transaction. These fees can vary based on the complexity of the case and the professional's rates.
- Disbursements: These are additional costs paid by the conveyancer on your behalf for services such as local authority searches, Land Registry fees, environmental searches, and more. They are typically itemized in your final bill.
- Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): This tax is payable on properties above a certain price threshold. The amount varies based on the property value and whether you're a first-time buyer or not.
- Land Registry Fees: Charged for registering the property ownership with the Land Registry. The fee depends on the property value and whether it's a purchase, sale, or a transfer of ownership.
- Bank Transfer Fees: If you're transferring mortgage funds or the purchase price, your bank might charge a fee for this service.
- Additional Costs: Depending on circumstances, there might be extra costs for leasehold properties, indemnity insurance, or other necessary legal documents.
You can also check our detailed guide on conveyancing fees
Conveyancing searches are a common bundle of queries carried out for the buyer, with respect to the specific property they are purchasing. The most common (and mandatory for taking out a mortgage) searches are Local Authority, Drainage and Water, Chancel Liability and Environmental, although circumstances may dictate that further searches (e.g. Brine, or Coal or Tin-Mining) may be required, particularly if you are financing the purchase with a mortgage. In these circumstances, your conveyancing solicitor will advise and discuss the need to order these additional searches, as well as providing the cost of these disbursements.
Buyers should be aware that searches cover solely legal-related matters. If you want to know about the structural integrity of the property, you are strongly advised to commission a survey with an RCIS chartered surveyor.
It is strongly recommended that all prospective purchasers book an inspection of the property they are intending to buy. There is a wide range of defects that can affect a property, from cracked roof tiles to the suspected existence of asbestos, from unsupported chimney stacks to wet rot in the cellar. These will not be reported on by a conveyancing solicitor, as it is not part of the legal remit.
In addition, a survey will identify any structural issues so that you can budget for remedial and upkeep works if necessary. Local builders and your RCIS surveyor can provide detailed advice on what you should consider, and whether it is worth renegotiating the asking price to help pay for any major works post-purchase.
Whether you are buying or selling, the earlier you can appoint your conveyancing solicitor, the better, because the legal work can start very early in the process. For sellers, this means that your solicitor could draft a contract in advance of finding a buyer, and for buyers, conveyancing solicitors can verify ID checks, proof of funds and the mortgage application if needed.
Promptly instructing a solicitor can reduce any chance of the other side pulling out, and will also mean that you are ready to push forward with an offer as soon as you find a property that you want to buy.
With Homeward Legal's No–Completion No Fee† promise that in the unfortunate event that your property transaction falls-through you will not be liable for any of the conveyancer's fixed legal fees for the work completed.
Plus, when you get a quote for conveyancing services from us, we offer a Fixed legal fee** conveyancing quote with no hidden costs
Why not complete an instant online Fixed Legal Fee* Quote with No - Completion No Fee† today. Or, call one of our friendly team, available 6 days a week, on .
In a property chain, transactions are interconnected, meaning one sale relies on another's purchase. To ensure a smooth transaction: Maintain open communication, respond promptly, collaborate with professionals, prepare documents in advance, and have contingency plans. These actions facilitate a smoother process within the chain. Learn more about factors that can delay completion.
On completion day, funds are transferred, legal documents are exchanged, keys are handed over, and ownership of the property is officially transferred from the seller to the buyer.
Learn more about exchanging contracts and completion.
Helpful Conveyancing Guides
Your Fixed Legal Fee** quote from Homeward Legal ensures that you pay no more than we have quoted you for and is based on the information you’ve provided to us being true and accurate.
There are specific circumstances on a minority of transactions that may require additional charges that could not be foreseen at the outset.
A list of those charges and explanations can be found here with details of the potential cost. These will only be charged following discussion with your conveyancer with a clear explanation of what they are for.
No Completion No Fee† is our promise that in the unfortunate event that your property transaction falls-through you will not be liable for any of the conveyancer’s fixed legal fees for the work completed.
To secure this benefit a fee, already included in your quote, is taken upon on deciding to go ahead with your transaction.
Should your transaction fall through, for whatever reason, we can hold this amount on account for your next transaction or provide a refund.
Disbursements* are costs or expenses that may be incurred as part of your conveyancing transaction which are paid to a third party by your conveyancer, on your behalf.
They will vary depending on your requirements and can include Land Registry fees and banking charges. We've quoted for Disbursements based on the information you've provided, and they will be charged with no additional fees or surcharges.
Occasionally additional disbursements are required to progress a transaction and will only be charged following a discussion with your conveyancer.
