← All articles

The conveyancing process when buying a home

The conveyancing process in the UK typically involves several steps. Here's a step-by-step breakdown.

Step 1: Engage a solicitor or conveyancer

  • Research and engage a qualified solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the legal side of the property purchase.
  • Provide them with the necessary information, including the property details, purchase price and any specific requirements.

Step 2: Preliminary checks and searches

  • The solicitor or conveyancer will conduct various checks and searches to gather essential information about the property.
  • This includes local authority searches, water and drainage searches, environmental searches, and other relevant investigations.

Step 3: Review the contract and supporting documents

  • The seller's solicitor will prepare a contract detailing the terms and conditions of the sale.
  • Your solicitor will review the contract, supporting documents and any additional legal requirements.
  • They'll raise any necessary enquiries with the seller's solicitor and negotiate any amendments or clarifications.

Step 4: Mortgage and finance arrangements

  • If you need a mortgage, this is the stage where you finalise your application and ensure the funds are in place for the purchase.
  • Your solicitor or conveyancer will coordinate with your lender to make sure the necessary documentation is in order.

Step 5: Sign the contract and pay the deposit

  • Once all queries are resolved and you're happy with the contract, you'll sign it and return it to your solicitor.
  • You'll also provide the agreed deposit, typically around 5 to 10% of the property's purchase price.
  • Your solicitor then exchanges contracts with the seller's solicitor, creating a legally binding agreement.

Step 6: Completion and transfer of funds

  • Before the completion date, you'll need to transfer the remaining purchase funds to your solicitor.
  • Your solicitor will arrange for the funds to be transferred to the seller's solicitor.
  • On completion day, the seller's solicitor confirms receipt of funds, and ownership of the property is transferred to you.

Step 7: Register the property and pay stamp duty

  • Following completion, your solicitor will register your ownership of the property with the Land Registry.
  • They'll also handle the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) if applicable.
  • Once registration is complete, you'll receive the legal documents confirming your ownership.

The conveyancing process can vary depending on the specific circumstances and complexity of the transaction. It's always advisable to seek professional guidance from a solicitor or conveyancer to make sure your purchase goes smoothly. We can put you in touch with a solicitor or get a quote via eConveyancer on an introduction basis only.