The conveyancing process when buying a home

The conveyancing process in the UK when buying a home 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 aspects 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 property sale.
• Your solicitor will review the contract, supporting documents, and any additional legal requirements.
• They will raise any necessary enquiries or concerns with the seller's solicitor and negotiate any amendments or clarifications.

Step 4: Mortgage and Finance Arrangements

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

Step 5: Sign the Contract and Pay Deposit

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

Step 6: Completion and Transfer of Funds

• Before the completion date, you will need to transfer the remaining funds for the property purchase to your solicitor.
• Your solicitor will arrange for the transfer of funds to the seller's solicitor.
• On the 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 will also handle the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) if applicable. Use our Stamp Duty Calculator to see how much you could pay.
• Your solicitor will provide you with the legal documents confirming your ownership of the property once the registration is complete.

Please note that the conveyancing process can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the complexity of the property transaction. It's always recommended to seek professional advice from a solicitor or conveyancer to guide you through the process and ensure a smooth property purchase.

We can put you in touch or get a quote with a solicitor via eConveyancer and this will be done on an introduction basis only, and will be referred to a third party