Conveyancing when selling
Selling up? Remind yourself of the conveyancing process so that you keep the transaction moving.
At a glance: Conveyancing for sellers
Here's a quick breakdown of what to expect from the conveyancing process as a seller. We recommend instructing a conveyancer as early as possible to make sure you're prepared for the legal side of the sale - getting ready early can help you avoid delays in the legal process. Check out a more in-depth breakdown of the process below.
Stage 1: Instruct your conveyancer
First, you need to instruct your conveyancer. You’ll receive a Letter of Engagement with T&Cs confirming details and costs.
Stage 2: Draft contracts
Your conveyancer will carry out ID checks, and ask you to fill out a property information form. It covers information about the property, like fixtures and fittings, what you’ll leave behind, as well as extensions and upgrades.
Your conveyancer will use this information to draft a contract to send to the buyer for approval.
Stage 3: Initial enquiries
The buyer or their lender will book a surveyor to examine the property. If the survey report raises any issues, they may want to discuss them or negotiate on price.
Stage 4: Receive responses
Your conveyancer will answer any enquiries sent to them, keeping in communication with the buyer’s side. They may contact you if they need support answering the enquiries.
Stage 5: Enquiries
The buyer’s conveyancer may have questions about the property searches (like planning and drainage). These questions aim to cover things that weren’t answered in the property information forms.
Stage 6: Set completion date
Conveyancers on both sides arrange for you and the buyer to sign the contracts and agree on a completion date.
Stage 7: Exchange contracts
Once you’ve both signed contracts, and formally exchanged, your conveyancer will receive the buyer’s deposit. At this point, the purchase becomes legally binding. It’s a good idea to review your fixtures and fittings form at this stage, as a reminder of what to leave behind.
Stage 8: Completion
Once the money has been received, completion is confirmed. The conveyancer will redeem any existing mortgage secured against the property, and transfer legal ownership. Once completion takes place, it’s time to hand over the keys to the new owner - you’ve sold!
Stages of conveyancing for sellers
Buying too?
If you're in the process of buying a house, read up on our in-depth guide to the conveyancing process - on the buyer's side.
FAQs on conveyancing for sellers
Switch and save on services
There’s more to Purplebricks than buying and selling homes – we want to ensure your entire home move is smooth sailing. And that you enjoy living there long after the keys are in your hand.
Whether you need a new boiler, to switch to a better utility deal, or upgrade your broadband service, we can help you compare, book the switch, and save money.
Find the right mortgage deal
Are you on the right mortgage rate? Are you sure? Whether you need a new mortgage or just want to check that you're on the right rate, the friendly team at Purplebricks Mortgages can help.
With access to over 12,000 deals from 90+ lenders, their expert team can help you switch and save - wherever you are in your moving journey.
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.
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Check out this glossary on conveyancing terms and their meanings to keep you informed about the process.
11 Documents You Need to Sell a Property
It’s no secret that selling a property can take a long time. But preparation is key, from getting the forms together to staying on top of paperwork.