Residential Conveyancing FAQs

A conveyancing solicitor plays a crucial role in the legal transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. Their responsibilities include reviewing the contract, verifying the legal title, ordering searches, liaising with your mortgage lender, raising enquiries, managing the exchange and completion process, and registering the ownership with HM Land Registry.

Conveyancing typically takes between 8 and 12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion. Timings can vary depending on the length of the chain, the responsiveness of other parties, and any legal or title issues that may arise.

You should instruct a solicitor as soon as an offer is accepted, either on the property you're buying or selling. Early instruction helps avoid delays with ID checks, onboarding, and gathering documents such as title deeds or management packs.

The exchange of contracts marks the point at which the deal becomes legally binding, and a completion date is set. Completion is when the balance is paid, ownership changes hands, and you receive (or hand over) the keys.

Sellers usually need to provide: Proof of ID, Title deeds (or Land Registry documents), Property Information Form (TA6), Fixtures and Fittings Form (TA10), Leasehold information (if applicable), and EPC (Energy Performance Certificate). Your solicitor will guide you through exactly what's required.

Yes. Even without a mortgage, you still need legal checks on title, boundaries, rights of way, restrictions, planning issues, and more. A solicitor protects you from taking on hidden risks.

Disbursements are third-party costs paid by your solicitor on your behalf. Common examples include: Search fees, Land Registry fees, Bank transfer charges, and Leasehold pack fees (for sellers). These are separate from your solicitor's legal fees.

Property searches are a vital part of the conveyancing process. They check for local authority issues, planning restrictions, flood risk, and drainage connections, uncovering problems that may not be apparent in the title deeds. These searches are essential if you're buying with a mortgage, as they help ensure the property is a sound investment.

Yes, and it's usually more efficient. Using the same solicitor for both sale and purchase helps streamline communication, reduce admin, and manage timelines more effectively.

Until the exchange of contracts, either party may withdraw without incurring any legal penalty. However, after the exchange, the deal is binding, and financial penalties may apply if a party withdraws. A solicitor helps you manage this risk and advises on how to proceed if things fall through.

Costs depend on the property type, whether it's leasehold or freehold, and the complexity involved. We provide fixed-fee quotes upfront, along with a detailed breakdown of disbursements and any potential additional costs.

Yes. We regularly act on leasehold sales and purchases, including flats, shared ownership, and retirement developments. We review lease terms, ground rent clauses, and service charges to help you avoid long-term legal pitfalls.

Yes. We handle Help to Buy redemptions and purchases, and advise on gifted deposits, ensuring the correct declarations are made to mortgage lenders and included in the contract.

No. We offer fully remote conveyancing with ID checks and document signing handled securely online. Everything can be done by phone and email.

To proceed with a purchase, you'll usually need: Proof of ID (Passport or driving licence), Proof of address (Recent utility bill or bank statement dated within 3 months), Proof of funds (Bank statements showing where the deposit is coming from), Mortgage offer (A copy of your formal mortgage offer if using one), Source of funds explanation (Especially for large transfers or gifted deposits, including a letter from the giftor and their ID), Signed client care documents (From your solicitor, confirming terms of engagement), and National Insurance number (For Stamp Duty filing).

Yes. We act for companies and trusts buying residential property and advise on any additional requirements, including ID verification, tax reporting, and commercial mortgage arrangements.