Conveyancing overview

To make sure the conveyancing process runs smoothly when you buy or sell a property, you should find a trustworthy firm of solicitors to run the transaction.

This overview will get you started on your journey into the topic of conveyancing. For more in depth information on the conveyancing procedure check out our other guides, for suggestions and recommendations.

Understanding conveyancing

Conveyancing comprises supervising the transfer of a property between a buyer and seller, and completing and filing all related legal paperwork to change ownership.

As soon as you make, or receive, an offer on a property, and that offer is accepted, the conveyancing process begins, and after the money has changed hands and the contracts signed it comes to an end.

Any solicitor is qualified to practice many different legal areas, so could carry out conveyancing on your behalf. But normally you would contract a dedicated solicitor specialised in conveyancing, or a licensed conveyancer, to act in your best interests.

In England and Wales, to act for you a law firm need to be regulated by the SRA (Solicitors Regulations Authority) and certified by the Law Society, and licensed conveyancers will need to be registered by the CLC (Council for Licensed Conveyancers).

Do I need a conveyancer?

For you and the other side to meet the legal conditions of the transaction, you will need to engage a solicitor licensed to undertake conveyancing work. They will take care of the legalities of the transfer of ownership, and other legal issues which might crop up.

If you are getting a mortgage, your lender will expect you to employ a conveyancer from their panel. So check that your solicitor is on the panel of your mortgage lender.

How much is conveyancing?

Conveyancers can charge from £400 to £2,000+. The price you actually end up paying for conveyancing fluctuates based on multiple factors; if you are using help to buy or shared ownership schemes, if the property is freehold or leasehold, whether buying selling or re-mortgaging, etc.

Read through our guides to discover more about conveyancing costs and fees for sale or purchase of property.

What is included in the conveyancing quote?

A conveyancing quote from a solicitor itemises your fees, searches and disbursements. The law firm’s time and labour is covered under the standard fees. Any other expenses that are incurred during the transaction are passed onto you directly as disbursements, with no additional fee. Examples of disbursements are Land registry fees, water, environment and local authority searches, and SDLT (Stamp Duty Land Tax). If the expenses are liable for VAT then this is calculated at source and passed on to you, examples of which include identity verification services and TTs (telegraphic transfers).

Please check our Stamp duty calculator to calculate how much SDLT you will pay on yoru property transaction.

Is the conveyancing process long?

Conveyancing transaction average about 8 and 12 weeks to complete. Check our guides for more suggestions and help, with more precise details about the process of conveyancing.

What is Buy to let?

If you buy a house, and you do not intend to live in it but instead rent it out for extra income, then that is a buy to let property. Your mortgage lender may require that you get a different type of mortgage, and this may cause complications for first time buyers. Our other guides can tell you more about Buy to Let.

Conveyancing dictionary

For extra explanation of the legal terms associated with conveyancing, try our conveyancing dictionary to demystify the jargon and make your house move smoother.