Conveyancing is the legal work involved in buying or selling a property. It covers everything from the initial checks on the property through to the transfer of ownership at completion. The process is carried out by a conveyancer or solicitor acting on your behalf.
The conveyancing process typically includes conducting local authority searches, reviewing the title deeds, raising enquiries with the seller's solicitor, preparing and exchanging contracts, and registering the new ownership with the Land Registry. For buyers with a mortgage, it also involves liaising with the lender and ensuring the mortgage conditions are met.
Conveyancing usually takes between eight and twelve weeks, though it can take longer if there are complications such as a lengthy property chain, issues revealed by searches, or delays in obtaining information. The cost varies but typically ranges from £800 to £1,500 plus disbursements such as search fees and Land Registry fees.
After your offer on a house is accepted, you instruct a conveyancer to handle the legal work. They carry out searches, review the property's title, liaise with the seller's solicitor, and prepare the contract. Twelve weeks later, you exchange contracts and complete the purchase.
Key Points
- The legal process of transferring property ownership
- Carried out by a licensed conveyancer or solicitor
- Includes searches, title checks, contract preparation and Land Registry registration
- Typically takes eight to twelve weeks
- Costs usually range from £800 to £1,500 plus disbursements