Buying or selling a property can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first time.
Fortunately, the legal process is broadly the same for most transactions and follows a series of well-established steps. Understanding what happens, and when, can help you feel more confident and know what to expect as your move progresses.
The Conveyancing Process in 60 Seconds
Most property transactions follow these eight stages. Scroll down to explore each one in more detail.
1. Your offer is accepted
Once the buyer and seller agree a purchase price, both appoint a conveyancing solicitor to handle the legal work.
2. Your solicitor gets started
Your solicitor opens your file, verifies your identity, explains the process and begins gathering the information needed to progress your transaction.
3. Contracts and searches
The seller's solicitor prepares the contract papers, while the buyer's solicitor reviews the documents and orders property searches to identify any legal issues affecting the property.
4. Enquiries are raised
Your solicitor asks questions about anything that needs clarification, helping to ensure you understand exactly what you're buying or selling before committing.
5. Your mortgage is finalised
If you're buying with a mortgage, your lender issues a formal mortgage offer and your solicitor completes the legal work required by the lender before completion.
6. Contracts are exchanged
Both parties sign their contracts and agree a completion date. Once contracts are exchanged, the transaction becomes legally binding.
7. Completion day
The purchase money is transferred, ownership changes hands and the buyer collects the keys to their new home.
8. Registration is completed
After completion, your solicitor pays any taxes due, registers the change of ownership with HM Land Registry and confirms once the legal registration has been completed.
How long does conveyancing usually take?
Most residential conveyancing transactions take around three to four months from an offer being accepted to completion, although some may complete sooner and others take considerably longer.
The time taken depends on factors such as the length of the property chain, mortgage approvals, search turnaround times, leasehold requirements and the complexity of legal enquiries.
Your solicitor should keep you updated throughout the transaction and explain anything that is likely to affect your expected completion date.
What can delay conveyancing?
Some delays are outside anyone's control. Common reasons include:
- A property chain involving several buyers and sellers.
- Delays in receiving search results.
- Missing documents or information.
- Additional enquiries for leasehold properties.
- Mortgage offer or lender requirements.
- Unexpected legal issues affecting the property.
Delays can be frustrating, but they are a normal part of many property transactions and don't usually mean that your purchase or sale is at risk. Most delays are resolved with time, communication and the right legal advice.
Does every transaction follow the same process?
The core conveyancing process is similar whether you're buying or selling, but some transactions involve additional legal work. For example:
- Leasehold properties
- New build homes
- Shared ownership properties
- Unregistered land
- Listed buildings
- Properties with flying freeholds
Your solicitor will explain if any of these apply to your transaction.
When do I pay my deposit?+
For most purchases, it is paid shortly before or on exchange of contracts. Your solicitor will explain when your deposit is required.
When do I get the keys?+
Usually on completion day, once the seller's solicitor has received the purchase money.
Can I exchange and complete on the same day?+
Sometimes, although it depends on the circumstances and is generally less common than having separate exchange and completion dates.
Do I need a solicitor before making an offer?+
No. However, choosing a solicitor early can help avoid unnecessary delays once your offer has been accepted.
What happens after completion?+
Your solicitor completes the remaining legal formalities, including paying any taxes due and registering the change of ownership with HM Land Registry.
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