- Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another.
- It involves tasks like drafting contracts, conducting searches, handling payments, and registering the property with the Land Registry.
- This process ensures that all legal and financial obligations are met for a secure transaction.
- It is typically handled by licensed conveyancers or solicitors - conveyancing is essential for both buyers and sellers to complete a property transfer.
We explain everything you need to know about conveyancing, from the differents steps of the process to timings and associated costs.
What does conveyancing mean?
The following video will help you understanding the conveyancing process and timings better.
Why conveyancing is important?
Why conveyancing is important?
Conveyancing is important as it gives protection to both the buyer and the seller. It ensures the buyer has funds to complete the purchase and also confirms the title deeds are transferred correctly, providing legal and financial security for the transaction.
It also protects buyers and sellers by identifying potential issues such as outstanding debts, disputes, or ownership ambiguities that could complicate the transaction.
Proper conveyancing ensures compliance with regulations, verifies property details, and facilitates tasks like contract drafting, property searches, and registration with the Land Registry.
The conveyancing process safeguards your investment and provides peace of mind.
Who can handle the conveyancing process?
Who can handle the conveyancing process?
The conveyancing process can be handled by licensed conveyancers or solicitors specializing in property law. Licensed conveyancers are trained specifically in conveyancing, while solicitors can offer a broader range of legal services.
Both professionals ensure the legal transfer of property ownership and will deal with the associated legal and financial tasks for you.
What's involved in the conveyancing process?
What's involved in the conveyancing process?
The conveyancing process begins after a buyer's offer on a property has been accepted.
It goes as follow:
- Instruction: The buyer or seller appoints a solicitor or licensed conveyancer.
- Property Searches: Checks with local authorities, environmental searches, and more.
- Draft Contracts: Terms of the sale and legal documents are prepared.
- Exchange of Contracts: Legally binding agreement to proceed.
- Completion: Final payment is made, and ownership transfers.
Learn more in our guide to the conveyancing process.
How long does conveyancing take?
How long does conveyancing take?
Conveyancing typically takes 8 to 12 weeks, starting when an offer is accepted and ending on the completion date. The timeline can vary depending on factors like property chains, mortgage approval, and search results. Complex transactions or delays in the chain may extend the process.
Read more on how long does conveyancing take.
How much does conveyancing cost?
How much does conveyancing cost?
Conveyancing costs typically range from £500 to £2,000, depending on whether you're buying, selling, or both. The price is influenced by factors such as the property type (freehold or leasehold) and whether additional services like surveys or property searches are required.
Learn more about conveyancing fees.
Still having questions about conveyancing?
If you have any questions about the conveyancing process or need assistance with your property transaction, don't hesitate to get in touch with ur friendly team on . We'll be happy to help you with your conveyancing.
Frequently asked questions...
Conveyancing should not be attempted solo as it can be an extremely time-consuming and complex process. Most mortgage lenders require you to use a solicitor or conveyancer if taking out a loan for the property you plan on buying.
There are two main differences between a solicitor and a conveyancer.
The first is their legal expertise.
A solicitor is likely to have a greater knowledge of property law in its widest sense. But a licensed conveyancer only specialises in the paperwork, contracts and finances if you're buying or selling a home.
The second difference is who regulates them.
For a solicitor, it should be the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). For a licensed conveyancer, it'll be the Council of Licensed Conveyancers (CLC).
The important thing to remember is that, despite their differences, you can trust solicitors or licensed conveyancers to take care of legal matters if you're moving home.
Learn more about the differences between solicitors and licensed conveyancers.
Searches are checks carried out by solicitors or conveyancers during the home-buying process to identify any potential issues with the property or land. Common searches include local authority checks, environmental risks, drainage and water access, and planning permissions. These ensure you're fully informed before proceeding.
You can also check our conveyancing searches guide.
The Land Registry plays a vital role in conveyancing by recording property ownership details in England and Wales. It ensures legal ownership is accurately transferred, maintains property records, and registers new titles. The Land Registry also handles fees and resolves disputes related to property boundaries and ownership.
Conveyancing for first-time buyers is similar to other transactions but often includes extra guidance. Solicitors may focus on explaining processes like mortgage arrangements and property searches in more detail, ensuring buyers understand key steps. They also assist with first-time buyer schemes or incentives if applicable.
Conveyancing for shared ownership involves managing the legal transfer of part-ownership while coordinating with a housing association. Key steps include reviewing the lease, securing mortgage approval, and ensuring compliance with shared ownership conditions, ensuring a smooth transaction for both buyer and housing authority.
Learn more in our guide on shared ownership.
If there's a delay or issue during conveyancing, it may be due to problems like incomplete paperwork, mortgage approval delays, or complications in the property chain. Your solicitor is here to work to resolve these, keep you informed, and ensure the transaction progresses as smoothly as possible despite setbacks.
Learn more about potential conveyancing delays.