Having an offer accepted is an exciting milestone, but it's only the beginning of the legal process. Conveyancing is the stage that takes a property transaction from an agreed sale through to completion, when ownership officially changes hands and the keys are released.
Understanding each step helps buyers and sellers know what to expect, reduce delays and keep the transaction moving smoothly.
Choosing a conveyancer
Both the buyer and seller need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the legal work. The seller's conveyancer prepares the contract documents and manages the legal transfer of ownership, while the buyer's conveyancer reviews the paperwork, carries out searches, raises enquiries and works with the mortgage lender.
Appointing a conveyancer early, ideally before an offer is accepted, allows work to begin immediately and can help shorten the overall timescale.
The seller's responsibilities
Once an offer is accepted, the seller's conveyancer prepares the contract pack and requests key information about the property. Sellers complete forms covering property details, boundaries, alterations and the fixtures and fittings included in the sale.
Returning these documents quickly and accurately helps avoid unnecessary delays. If the property is leasehold, obtaining the management information pack as early as possible is especially important, as this often takes several weeks to arrive.
The buyer's legal checks
After receiving the contract pack, the buyer's conveyancer carries out searches with the local authority and other organisations. These searches reveal information such as planning restrictions, drainage arrangements, environmental issues and flood risk.
Once the search results are available, the buyer's conveyancer raises any legal enquiries with the seller's solicitor. Responding promptly to these questions is one of the best ways to keep the transaction progressing.
The buyer's conveyancer also reviews the formal mortgage offer and ensures all lender requirements have been satisfied before contracts can be exchanged.
Exchange and completion
Exchange of contracts is the point at which the transaction becomes legally binding. Both parties sign the contracts, the buyer pays the agreed deposit and a completion date is confirmed.
On completion day, the remaining funds are transferred to the seller, ownership is transferred to the buyer and the keys are released. The buyer's conveyancer then arranges for the property to be registered with HM Land Registry.
Keeping the process on track
Good communication between buyers, sellers, estate agents and conveyancers is key to a successful transaction. Returning documents promptly, responding to enquiries quickly and staying in regular contact can help minimise delays and make the journey from accepted offer to moving day as smooth as possible.
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