Conveyancing when buying
Embarking on the journey to buy a property? Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned homeowner, get familiar with the conveyancing process.
At a glance: Conveyancing for buyers
Here's a quick breakdown of what to expect from the conveyancing process as a buyer. You can check out a more in-depth breakdown of the process below.
Stage 1: Instruct your conveyancer
Your conveyancer will send you a starter pack to sign and return - this kicks off the legal process. You may need to provide proof of ID and to evidence the funds being used for the purchase.
If you’re using one, you’ll instruct a mortgage broker at this point.
Stage 2: Draft contracts
The seller completes a property information form covering the fixtures, fittings, and any extensions or upgrades.
They’ll send this to your conveyancer with the draft contract pack to review.
Stage 3: Apply for searches
Your conveyancer will raise searches (or checks) with the Local Authority, water company, and Environment Agency. At this stage, your lender will likely arrange a survey on the property. You can raise any issues from the surveyor’s report with the seller.
Stage 4: Send initial enquiries
Once they have the draft contract, your conveyancer will take a look and raise initial enquiries with the seller’s side. The searches will be returned and reviewed.
Stage 5: Receive responses
Your conveyancer will receive all replies from the seller’s side. Enquiries may go back and forth between the conveyancers a few times at this stage, depending on how complex the sale is. Once they’re happy with the responses, it’s onto the next step.
Stage 6: Set completion date
Conveyancers on both sides arrange for you and the seller to sign the contracts and agree on a completion date.
Stage 7: Exchange contracts
Once you’ve both signed contracts, and your deposit has been paid, the contracts are formally exchanged.
At this point, the purchase becomes legally binding.
Stage 8: Completion
This is the day you move in - usually 1-2 weeks after exchange, although it can be the same day.
Once money from all parties has been transferred and the conveyancers confirm completion has taken place, the seller will arrange handing over the keys. This can take a few hours, so hang tight and wait for the call!
Stages of conveyancing for buyers
Selling too?
When buying and selling, you'll encounter conveyancing. If you need to brush up on conveyancing when selling, here's your in-depth refresher.
FAQs: Conveyancing for buyers
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Important information
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances. The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is £299.
You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.
Conveyancing Terms, Explained
Check out this glossary on conveyancing terms and their meanings to keep you informed about the process.
9 Steps to Finalise Your Property Purchase
Your 9 step checklist to ensure your property purchase goes smoothly.
11 Documents You Need to Buy a Property
Your guide on the forms you must complete, as well as the documents you'll need to help you along the way.