The complete guide to conveyancing in the UK

Welcome to the legal side of moving home

Buying or selling a property in the UK can feel overwhelming, especially once you hit the legal phase known as conveyancing. But don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds. Conveyancing is the legal transfer of property ownership from one person to another. Whether you’re purchasing your first flat or selling your family home, it’s the process that makes your move official and legally binding.

This complete guide walks you through each step of the UK conveyancing process, explaining what happens, who does what, and how to keep your transaction running smoothly — right up to the moment you get your keys.

Step 1: Instructing a conveyancer or solicitor

Once your offer has been accepted, the first step is to instruct a licensed conveyancer (or property solicitor) to act on your behalf.

Your conveyancer will:

• Verify your identity and proof of funds (to comply with anti-money laundering regulations).
• Request draft contracts from the seller’s solicitor and supporting documents.
• Begin the initial property searches and legal checks.

🔍Use our conveyancing quote comparison tool to compare fees and reviews from trusted conveyancers near you.

Step 2: Legal searches and checks

Your conveyancer will carry out a series of legal searches to ensure the property is safe to buy and free from legal complications. These include:

• Local authority searches reveal planning restrictions, road schemes, or nearby developments.
• Environmental searches identify flood risk, contaminated land, or radon exposure.
• Water and drainage searches confirm who maintains drains and sewers.

These checks protect you from hidden issues that could affect your home's value or your ability to sell it later.

Step 3: Reviewing contracts and raising enquiries

Once the draft contract pack arrives, your conveyancer reviews it carefully and raises enquiries with the seller's solicitor. Typical questions cover:

• Boundaries and access rights
• Fixtures and fittings included in the sale
• Leasehold details, such as service charges or ground rent obligations

You'll also receive a Property Information Form (TA6) and a Fittings and Contents Form (TA10) from the seller. Your conveyancer ensures everything matches what was agreed.

Step 4: Mortgage offer and deposit preparation

If you’re buying with a mortgage, your lender issues a formal mortgage offer directly to your solicitor. They’ll review the conditions and confirm the funds are ready for completion.

You’ll also need to:

• Transfer your deposit (usually 10%) to your conveyancer’s client account.
• Arrange buildings insurance, which becomes mandatory once contracts are exchanged.

💡Pro tip: Keep your deposit funds in a readily accessible account — delays at this stage can push back your exchange date.

Step 5: Exchange of contracts

This is the point of no return in the conveyancing process. Once both parties sign and exchange contracts:

• The sale becomes legally binding.
• A completion date is set (usually 2 weeks later).
• You’re required to have insurance in place for the new property.

If either party withdraws after exchange, they could face financial penalties or lose their deposit.

Step 6: Completion and moving day

On completion day, your conveyancer transfers the purchase funds to the seller’s solicitor. And once the funds clear and the estate agent releases your keys, congratulations, you’re now the legal owner of the property!

After completion, your conveyancer will:

• Pay any Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) due.
• Register your ownership with HM Land Registry.
• Send you a copy of the title deed for your records.

📦 It’s officially moving day! Time to unpack and celebrate your new home.

Typical conveyancing timeline

Timelines vary depending on chain length, mortgage processing, and local search speed.

Common conveyancing delays (and how to avoid them)

• Slow document return: Complete ID checks and forms promptly.
• Unresponsive solicitors: Choose a firm with clear communication policies.
• Search backlogs: Ask if your conveyancer uses digital search systems for faster results.
• Mortgage delays: Secure a mortgage offer early and monitor progress weekly.

Proactive communication is the biggest factor in a smooth, stress-free conveyancing experience.

In a nutshell

Conveyancing might seem like a maze of legal steps, but with the right solicitor guiding you, it’s a straightforward journey. By understanding each stage — from instruction to completion — you can stay informed, confident, and in control of your property move.

Ready to begin your move? Compare quotes from trusted UK conveyancers today and start your journey to a smoother home move.