Buying a property is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. Yet for many buyers, the conveyancing process feels complex, slow, and full of unfamiliar legal terms.
This expert guide to conveyancing for buyers explains exactly what happens at every stage, how long it takes, what can go wrong, and—most importantly—how a specialist conveyancing solicitor protects your money and your future home.
Written by qualified solicitors, this guide is designed for:
- First‑time buyers
- Buy‑to‑let investors
- Cash buyers
- Leasehold and freehold purchasers
What Is Conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer. It begins when your offer is accepted and finishes when you receive the keys and your ownership is registered with HM Land Registry.
Your solicitor’s role is to:
- Verify legal ownership
- Identify financial or legal risks
- Ensure you receive exactly what you are paying for
- Protect you from fraud, disputes, and defective titles
How Long Does Conveyancing Take?
The average conveyancing process takes 8–12 weeks, though it can be shorter or longer timeline depending on:
- Property type (leasehold takes longer)
- Mortgage approvals
- Property chains
- Search delays with local authorities
Step‑by‑Step Conveyancing Process for Buyers
1. Offer Accepted & Instructing a Solicitor
Once your offer is accepted:
- You instruct a conveyancing solicitor
- Your solicitor opens the file
- Legal compliance checks begin
✅ Tip: Instruct your solicitor before you offer to avoid delays.
2. Legal Compliance & Source of Funds Checks
By law, your solicitor must verify:
- Your identity
- The origin of your deposit and purchase funds
This may include:
- Bank statements
- Gifted deposit declarations
- Crypto or overseas income evidence
⚠️ This stage commonly delays transactions if documents are incomplete.
3. Draft Contract Pack Received
The seller’s solicitor provides:
- Draft contract
- Property Information Form (TA6)
- Fittings & Contents Form (TA10)
- Land Registry title documents
Your solicitor checks for:
- Restrictive covenants
- Rights of way
- Boundary or neighbour disputes
4. Searches: Revealing Hidden Risks
Your conveyancer orders essential property searches including:
- Local Authority search
- Drainage & water search
- Environmental search
- Flood risk checks
These searches uncover risks not visible during viewings, such as proposed road schemes or contaminated land.
5. Enquiries & Legal Investigation
Your solicitor raises enquiries to clarify:
- Planning permission issues
- Lease terms (for leaseholds)
- Building regulation compliance
- Service charges and ground rent
This is one of the most critical stages for risk prevention.
6. Mortgage Offer & Legal Report
If you are using a mortgage:
- Your solicitor reviews lender conditions
- Reports to both you and your lender
- Ensures compliance with mortgage terms
7. Exchange of Contracts
At exchange:
✅ The completion date becomes legally binding
✅ Your deposit is paid
✅ Neither party can withdraw without penalties
8. Completion Day: You Get the Keys
On completion day:
- Funds are transferred
- Ownership officially changes hands
- You collect the keys from the estate agent
9. Post‑Completion & Land Registry Registration
After completion, your solicitor:
- Pays Stamp Duty (if applicable)
- Registers you as the legal owner
- Notifies your lender
Freehold vs Leasehold Conveyancing
Leasehold purchases involve additional complexity, including:
- Reviewing the lease
- Ground rent clauses
- Service charge disputes
- Managing agent delays
This often adds 2–4 extra weeks to the process.
Common Conveyancing Delays (And How to Avoid Them)
❌ Missing source‑of‑funds evidence
❌ Slow mortgage offers
❌ Incomplete seller information
❌ Leasehold management delays
✅ Early solicitor instruction dramatically reduces risk.
Why Use a Specialist Conveyancing Solicitor?
Online “conveyancing factories” focus on volume, not risk. A regulated solicitor:
- Acts solely in your best interests
- Provides personalised legal advice
- Identifies title defects early
- Is insured and regulated by the SRA
Speak to an Experienced Conveyancing Solicitor
If you are buying a property in London or England & Wales, Saracens Solicitors provides:
- Transparent conveyancing fees
- Direct access to your solicitor
- No hidden extras
- Specialist leasehold expertise
👉 Book a conveyancing consultation today – press the Enquire button or call our team.
