“Yes, the Conveyancing process is complex”

It’s complex for good reason, and essentially, it’s there to protect the interests of both the Seller and Purchaser.

We can take you through the steps in the Conveyancing process, to give you an idea of what is involved and why it’s important to choose the correct solicitors through this process, often involving your most important and expensive asset.

Communication with your lawyers is key, and providing all the necessary information promptly is key. It’s vital to establish a good working relationship between solicitors and clients from the outset.

Take recommendations from other people, check the lawyers’ testimonials and reviews, and find a lawyer who is as passionate about your property transaction as you are.

Let me show you what the Conveyancing process is all about:

Step-by-Step Conveyancing Process

1. Pre-Contract Stage

• Instruction: The Buyer or Seller instructs a Solicitor, Conveyancer or Legal Executive.
• ID Checks & Terms: Legal representative will verify ID and provide the Buyer or Seller with the Engagement Pack, which includes the Engagement Letter, Client Information Form and Terms and Conditions.
• Initial Enquiries:

• •  The Seller will complete and return the Property Information Form (TA6), Fixtures & Fittings Form (TA10), and Leasehold Information Form (TA7) if applicable to their representatives.
  • Buyer’s representative requests the draft contract and supporting documents (title deed, , warranties, etc.).

2. Searches and Checks (Buyer’s Side)

• Searches Ordered:
• • Local authority search (planning, highways, etc.)
  • Environmental search
  • Water and drainage search
  • Additional searches (e.g. mining, flood risk) if needed

• Title Review: The Buyer’s representative checks for restrictions, covenants, rights of way, and boundaries.
• Raising Enquiries: The representative will raise questions about issues noted within the documents or searches.
• Management Pack: If applicable, the Buyer’s representative will review and where necessary raise enquiries.

3. Replies to Enquiries (Seller’s Side)

• The Seller’s representative will review the enquires raised and will send these to the appropriate parties (ie the Seller, the Management Company/Landlord etc).

4. Mortgage and Financing

• Mortgage Offer: Buyer secures a formal mortgage offer.
• Independent Survey (optional but advised): RICS Homebuyer or full structural survey.

5. Report to Buyer

• The Buyer’s representative will collate all the information provided, both in the Contract Pack, Searches and Replies to Enquiries.
• The Report will then be sent to the Buyer in order for the Buyer to make an informed decision.

6. Contract Approval and Signing

• Final Contract Agreed: After all enquiries answered and terms agreed.
• Signing: Buyer and Seller sign identical copies of the Contract and additional appropriate documents (i.e. Mortgage Deed and Transfer Deed).
• Completion Date: The Buyer and Seller discuss via the Estate Agents and agree a completion date.

7. Exchange of Contracts

• Exchange Happens: The Buyer’s and Seller’s representative exchange contracts.
• Deposit Paid: Usually, 10% of the purchase price is paid by the Buyer.
• Legally Binding: Both parties are now committed. If either party are not able to complete on the agreed Completion Date, which is also noted on the Contract, then financial penalties are imposed on the defaulting party.

8. Pre-Completion

• Completion Statement: Sent by representative to client outlining all costs.
• Final Searches: The representatives will carry out final Land Registry searches.
• Funds Transfer: The Buyer’s representatives will put in the request for the Mortgage funds and collect the remaining balance required for Completion from the Buyer.

9.  Completion

• Money Transferred: The Buyer’s representative will transfer the full amount required to Complete, to the Seller’s representative. Once funds have been received, the Sellers’ representative will inform the Buyer’s representative that Competition has taken place.
• Keys Handed Over: The Seller’s representative will inform the Estate Agents that Completion has taken place at that keys have been released.
• Ownership Changes: The Buyer now owns the property.

10.  Post-Completion

• Stamp Duty Paid: The Buyer’s representative will submit the Stamp Duty Return and pay the same.
• Sending the Transfer Deed: The Seller’s representative will send the Seller’s signed Transfer Deed and any original documents relating to the property to the Buyers’ Representative.
• Registration: Once the Transfer Deed is received, the Buyer’s representative submits the application to the Land Registry to update the Title into the Buyer’s name. Applications are taking several months to complete, depending on the type of application.
• Documents Sent: Once the Title has completed the Buyer’s representative will send the updated Title deed and original documents to the Buyer.

The author, Lauren Bateman, is a very experienced property professional with a buoyant client base (often repeat clients). Our Conveyancing team is particularly highly regarded and attracts numerous positive reviews.

Contact our expert Conveyancing team

Please contact us using our online contact form or call us on 020 7387 2032 to ask for a Conveyancing fee quotation.