Residential Conveyancing FAQs
What happens before exchange of contracts?
Before exchange, your solicitor reviews searches, enquiries, mortgage conditions, title documents and the contract paperwork to confirm the transaction is legally ready to proceed.
What is exchange of contracts?
Exchange of contracts is the stage where the transaction becomes legally binding and both parties commit to completing on the agreed completion date.
How long does conveyancing take?
Most conveyancing transactions take between 8 and 16 weeks, although delays can arise from mortgage approval, leasehold issues, searches or property chains.
What is a local authority search?
A local authority search checks council records for planning permissions, restrictions, road schemes, enforcement notices and matters affecting the property.
Do I need searches when buying property?
Yes. Searches help identify legal or practical issues that may affect the property, its value or your ability to mortgage or sell it later.
What is a mortgage offer?
A mortgage offer is the lender’s formal confirmation of the amount they are prepared to lend and the conditions attached to the mortgage.
What happens if my mortgage offer is delayed?
A delayed mortgage offer can slow down exchange and completion because solicitors usually need the formal offer before proceeding safely.
What does “subject to contract” mean?
Subject to contract means negotiations are not legally binding and either party can withdraw before contracts are formally exchanged.
What is the completion date?
The completion date is the day ownership transfers legally to the buyer and the remaining purchase funds are paid to the seller.
When do I receive the keys?
Keys are usually released once the seller’s solicitor confirms safe receipt of the completion funds on completion day.
What is the difference between freehold and leasehold?
Freehold ownership usually includes the property and land permanently, while leasehold ownership lasts for a fixed period under a lease.
What are service charges?
Service charges are payments made by leaseholders towards maintenance, insurance and management costs for shared parts of a building or estate.
What is ground rent?
Ground rent is a payment some leaseholders make to the freeholder under the terms of the lease agreement.
What is a lease extension?
A lease extension increases the remaining term of a lease and can improve both property value and mortgageability.
What is a declaration of trust?
A declaration of trust records how jointly owned property is owned, including financial contributions and ownership shares.
What is a transfer of equity?
A transfer of equity changes the ownership structure of a property by adding or removing a legal owner.
Can I buy property with someone else?
Yes. Joint buyers can own property as joint tenants or tenants in common depending on how ownership is structured.
What is the difference between joint tenants and tenants in common?
Joint tenants own the property equally together, while tenants in common can own different percentage shares.
What is a deed of variation?
A deed of variation changes the terms of an existing legal agreement, often relating to leasehold property arrangements.
What happens on completion day?
On completion day, funds are transferred, ownership changes legally and the buyer can collect the keys and move in.
Can a seller pull out before exchange?
Yes. Before contracts are exchanged, either party can usually withdraw from the transaction without legal penalty.
Do I need a solicitor for conveyancing?
A solicitor handles the legal process, protects your interests, manages contracts and deals with mortgage lender requirements.
What happens if there is a property chain?
A property chain means multiple linked sales and purchases depend on one another completing successfully at the same time.
What is a contract in conveyancing?
The contract sets out the legal agreement between the buyer and seller, including the price and completion date.
Can I exchange and complete on the same day?
Yes. Same-day exchange and completion can happen where there is no chain and mortgage funds are already available.
What is a notice to complete?
A notice to complete is a formal legal notice served if one party fails to complete the transaction after exchange.
What are office copy entries?
Office copy entries are official Land Registry documents confirming ownership and legal rights affecting the property.
Why does leasehold conveyancing take longer?
Leasehold transactions often involve additional legal documents, management information and lease reviews before exchange.
Can I buy a property with gifted deposit funds?
Yes. Mortgage lenders usually require evidence confirming the source of gifted deposit funds.
What happens after completion?
After completion, your solicitor registers ownership changes and mortgage details with the Land Registry.
Why Choose Lewis Nedas Law?
Lewis Nedas Law is recognised in Legal 500 and The Times Best Law Firms for legal services across multiple practice areas.
Clients choose our conveyancing solicitors because we provide:
- Clear communication throughout the transaction
- Direct access to experienced property lawyers
- Practical advice on complex property matters
- Efficient management of deadlines and documentation
- Support for both straightforward and complex transactions
- Transparent guidance during stressful situations
Our conveyancing team works proactively to reduce delays, identify legal risks early and keep transactions progressing wherever possible.
Contact our Conveyancing Solicitors in London
If you are buying, selling, remortgaging or transferring property, contact Lewis Nedas Law today.
Call 020 4572 1313 or complete our online contact form to speak with our conveyancing solicitors.
Our experienced property lawyers are ready to guide you through your transaction efficiently and with clear legal advice throughout.
