The Ultimate Guide to the Conveyancing Process
The conveyancing process is the legal work involved in buying or selling a property...- 09 February 2026
Posted: 09 February 2026
The conveyancing process is the legal work involved in buying or selling a property in England and Wales. It covers everything from checking legal ownership and carrying out searches to exchanging contracts and completing the transaction. Understanding the process of conveyancing in the UK can help you feel more confident and prepared at each stage of your move.
Conveyancing refers to the legal transfer of property ownership from one party to another. It applies whether you are buying, selling, or remortgaging a home. Most people instruct a specialist solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle this work, particularly where a mortgage is involved, as lenders have specific legal requirements.
While every transaction is different, the conveyancing process usually follows a clear sequence of steps.
Once an offer is accepted, both buyer and seller instruct their solicitors. At this stage, identity checks are completed to meet anti-money laundering requirements, and initial information about the transaction is gathered.:
The seller’s solicitor sends draft contract documents, including the title register, property information forms, and supporting details. The buyer’s solicitor reviews these reports to buyers on the title of the property and raises any necessary enquiries.
Searches are conducted with the local authority, water and drainage authorities, and environmental bodies to identify issues such as planning restrictions, flood risk, and contamination. The results of the searches are reported to buyers and further enquiries (if necessary) raised of the sellers solicitors. Mortgage instructions are also reviewed if the purchase is being funded by a lender and reported to buyers.
Once all enquiries are resolved and finances, including the mortgage offer, are in place, contracts are exchanged. At this point, the transaction becomes legally binding: a deposit, typically 10 percent, is paid to the sellers solicitors, and a completion date is agreed upon.
On completion, the full purchase money is sent to sellers solicitor and the seller’s mortgage is redeemed by sellers solicitors (if applicable). Keys are usually released via the estate agent. After completion, the buyer’s solicitor deals with Stamp Duty Land Tax and registers the new ownership with the Land Registry.
The seller’s solicitor sends draft contract documents, including the title register, property information forms, and supporting details. The buyer’s solicitor reviews these and raises any necessary enquiries.
The buyer’s solicitor raises enquiries about the property. The seller’s solicitor responds, often with the seller’s input, to clarify any queries.
Once contracts are exchanged, the sale becomes legally binding. Upon completion, the buyer’s funds are received; the mortgage is repaid, (if applicable); any remaining balance is sent to the seller; and the keys are released by agent (if applicable).
The process of conveyancing in the UK typically takes between eight and twelve weeks, but this can vary. Factors such as property chains, mortgage offers, leasehold issues, and third-party delays, including searches, can all affect timescales.
The conveyancing process involves a series of legal checks and formal steps designed to protect both buyer and seller. Understanding what happens at each stage can help you plan your move, reduce stress, and avoid unnecessary delays.
Our conveyancing solicitors guide clients through every stage of the conveyancing process, providing clear advice and regular updates. Whether you are buying or selling, we are here to help ensure your transaction progresses smoothly.
If you are ready to move forward, speak to a solicitor for conveyancing today.
As a solicitor in the firm’s Residential Conveyancing department, Indra Suppan provides practical, client-focused advice across all aspects of residential property matters. Indra joined Taylor Haldane Barlex in July 2018 and qualified as a solicitor in November 2024. With over 10 years’ experience in the property industry, Indra is well-placed to offer clear, tailored solutions to meet each client’s individual property needs.
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