Conveyancing FAQs

How long does conveyancing take?

The timescale for conveyancing varies from transaction to transaction. Factors such as the property type, mortgage lender requirements, search results, enquiries, the length of any chain and how quickly information is provided can all affect progress. Your conveyancer will keep you updated throughout the transaction and explain any factors which may influence timescales.

See our page: Residential Conveyancing Process

What does a conveyancing solicitor do?

A conveyancing solicitor deals with the legal work involved in buying, selling, remortgaging or transferring ownership of property. This may include reviewing title documents, carrying out searches, raising or answering enquiries, dealing with mortgage lender requirements, exchanging contracts, completing the transaction and handling registration requirements following completion.

See our page: Residential Conveyancing Process

What are property searches?

Property searches are enquiries made with various organisations to obtain information about a property and its surroundings. Depending on the property and location, searches may reveal matters relating to mining, planning, highways, drainage, environmental issues and other matters that may affect the property.

See our page: Buying a Property

What is exchange of contracts?

Exchange of contracts is the stage at which the transaction usually becomes legally binding. The completion date is normally agreed at this point and, once contracts have been exchanged, both parties are committed to the transaction.

See our page: Residential Conveyancing Process

What is completion?

Completion is the day ownership of the property changes hands. The purchase money is transferred, the seller releases the property and the buyer can usually collect the keys.

See our page: Residential Conveyancing Process

What is the difference between exchange and completion?

Exchange of contracts is the point at which the transaction normally becomes legally binding. Completion usually takes place later and is the day ownership transfers and the keys are released. These are two separate stages and are often confused by buyers and sellers.

See our page: Residential Conveyancing Process

Do I need a survey?

A survey is separate from the legal work carried out by a conveyancer. Whilst a conveyancer investigates the legal title, a surveyor assesses the physical condition of the property. We strongly recommend that buyers obtain an appropriate survey so that potential defects, maintenance issues or structural concerns can be identified before they become legally committed to the purchase.

See our page: Buying a Property

What is a property chain?

A property chain exists when several linked sales and purchases depend on one another completing. Delays affecting one transaction can sometimes affect the rest of the chain.

See our page: Residential Conveyancing Process

What is freehold?

Freehold ownership usually means owning both the property and the land on which it stands indefinitely, subject to any rights, restrictions, covenants or mortgages affecting the title. Unlike leasehold property, there is no lease term that will eventually expire.

What is leasehold?

Leasehold ownership means owning a property for the remaining term of a lease rather than owning the property outright. The lease sets out important rights and obligations, including matters such as service charges, ground rent, maintenance responsibilities and restrictions affecting the property. Before purchasing a leasehold property, it is important to understand the terms of the lease and any ongoing costs or obligations that may apply.

See our page: Leasehold Conveyancing

What is a remortgage?

A remortgage involves replacing an existing mortgage with a new mortgage, either with the same lender or a different lender. Legal work is required to satisfy the new lender’s requirements and register the new mortgage.

See our page: Remortgages

What is a transfer of equity?

A transfer of equity is a change in the ownership of a property. This may involve adding someone to the title, removing someone from the title, changing the ownership shares between existing owners or transferring ownership as part of a family or financial arrangement. The transaction may involve payment between the parties, but this is not always the case.

See our page: Transfer of Equity

What is a gifted deposit?

A gifted deposit is money provided by a family member or another third party to help fund a property purchase. Mortgage lenders usually require information about the person providing the gift and evidence of the source of the funds.

See our page: First-Time Buyers

Should I get legal advice before bidding at auction?

Yes. Buyers should obtain legal advice before bidding wherever possible. In many auction transactions, the successful bidder becomes legally committed as soon as their bid is accepted, making it important to understand the legal documentation and any potential risks before bidding.

See our page: Buying Property at Auction

What is Right to Buy?

Right to Buy is a scheme that may allow eligible council or housing association tenants to purchase their home, often at a discounted price. The transaction still involves legal work and buyers should ensure they understand the terms of the purchase before completion.

See our page: Right to Buy Conveyancing

Can you deal with commercial property?

Our Residential Conveyancing Team deals with residential property matters. We do not deal with commercial property or non-residential land.

When should I instruct a solicitor?

It is generally sensible to instruct a solicitor as soon as you know you will need legal assistance. Sellers often instruct when their property is marketed, buyers normally instruct once an offer has been accepted, and auction buyers should seek legal advice before bidding wherever possible.

See our pages: Buying a Property, Selling a Property, Buying Property at Auction and Selling Property at Auction