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Understanding the conveyancing process

A step-by-step guide to the stages of conveyancing

Buying and selling a home is a really big deal, and it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed by all the steps involved. That’s where conveyancing comes in. 

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring the ownership of a home from one person to another. Here at Bespoke Law Services, we offer online conveyancing across England and Wales, making the whole conveyancing process remarkably straightforward and stress-free. 

Get clued up on the stages of conveyancing below, including an estimated timeline and what you should expect at each stage.

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The process of conveyancing, made simple

We know the legal side of moving home can sound complicated, but with the right team beside you, it really doesn’t have to be. 

Below is a breakdown of the conveyancing process into 10 steps – and we’ll be with you every step of the way. 

We’ve also added an estimated conveyancing timeline to each stage; however, it should be noted that every property sale is different. This conveyancing timeline is based on a straightforward transaction, typically taking around 2 – 4 months.

Need help with other legal terms? Please visit our conveyancing jargon buster page.

Conveyancing stages: step-by-step

1

Instruct a property conveyancer (1-3 days)

Once your offer is accepted, or you’ve accepted an offer, it’s time to instruct a trusted solicitor or conveyancer, like us here at Bespoke Law Services. 

You’ll get a dedicated conveyancing team to be your friendly legal experts, taking care of the paperwork and guiding you from start to finish.

2

The paperwork and contracts (1-2 weeks)

When buying a property, your conveyancer or solicitor will review the draft contract and key documents, such as the TA6 form and TA10 form. 

If selling, we’ll help you complete the necessary forms and explain everything clearly, ensuring you feel confident moving forward.

3

Property survey (1-3 weeks)

While property surveys are optional, we’d strongly recommend conducting one if you’re buying, as it can help identify hidden issues. 

It helps you make informed decisions about repairs, renegotiation or whether to continue with the purchase. Once this is complete, your conveyancing team can advise you on what to do next.

4

Essential searches and checks (2-4 weeks)

We’ll carry out legal property searches to make sure everything is in order. This can include:

  • Local authority searches (e.g. any plans for motorways in your area?)
  • Checking the ‘title register’ and ‘title plan’ at Land Registry
  • Water authority searches
  • Environmental searches
  • Chancel repair searches (e.g. to check there are no leftover medieval liabilities on the property to help pay for church repairs)

These searches ensure there are no hidden risks, planning issues or ownership concerns.

5

Mortgage matters (2-6 weeks)

If you’re using a mortgage, your lender will carry out a valuation survey and issue a mortgage offer. 

We’ll review the offer on your behalf to make sure everything is good to go.

6

Arrange insurance (1-7 days)

Buildings insurance must be in place before exchanging contracts, as you will be responsible for the property as soon as the contracts have been exchanged. 

But don’t worry – we’ll remind you in plenty of time so you can ensure everything is arranged.

7

Sign and exchange contracts (1-2 weeks)

Whether you’re buying or selling, this is a big step and where everything becomes legally binding. You will arrange to transfer the deposit (usually around 10% of the property value) to our account, ensuring it’s cleared in time for an exchange. 

Once we’ve exchanged, you’ll agree on a moving date. 

We know this can feel like a nail-biting time, but we’ll guide you through it calmly, ensuring you’re happy with everything.

8

We get everything ready (3-10 days)

In the lead-up to completion day, we finalise paperwork, confirm mortgage funds (if needed), and ensure everything is in place for a smooth handover of your home.

9

Completion day (1 day)

It’s moving day! Funds are transferred, keys are released and the home is officially bought or sold – or both! 

It’s usually set for around midday on the specified date, which is when the conveyancing process is over and you finally can move into your new home.

10

Tying up loose ends (2-8 weeks post completion)

After the sale has gone through, we’ll handle final tasks such as paying Stamp Duty (if due), registering you with the Land Registry and sending you all your important documents for safekeeping. 

At this point, we will also provide you with your bill for our conveyancing fees.

At this point, we will also provide you with your bill for our conveyancing fees.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the conveyancing timeline…

Stage of Conveyancing Process Estimated Timeline
Initial instruction and paperwork Week 1-2
Surveys, searches and legal checks Weeks 1-6
Mortgage valuation and offer Weeks 2-8
Resolving enquiries and preparing for exchange Weeks 5-12
Exchange and completion Weeks 8-16
Post-completion registration and administration Weeks 10-24

Need help with some of the legal terms? Don’t worry – you can brush up on your knowledge with our conveyancing jargon buster.

Bespoke Law Services: Trusted for making the legal bits and pieces easy

Choosing us for your conveyancing means you’re in safe hands – after all, we have extensive experience of helping people just like you through the process. Think of us as your personal support team, here to make it all as straightforward as possible and give you the confidence and clarity to stay fully in control.

We understand you

We know buying and selling your home can be emotional – we’ll treat you like a person, not a file.

Experienced hands

Our team knows property conveyancing inside and out, with years of experience to guide your move.

Straightforward service

No jargon, no confusion. Just easy to understand updates and assistance all the way through.

Friendly guidance

We aim to become more like a trusted friend than a formal conveyancer – here whenever you need us.

Great value

Our fees are competitive – we will always clearly explain exactly what you’re paying for.

One team, start to finish

You’ll have the same legal team from start to finish, ensuring a personal and consistent service.

Make your move straightforward

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Conveyancing Process: FAQs

Simply put, the process of conveyancing is the legal journey involved in buying, selling or remortgaging a home. 

It covers all the important checks, paperwork and ownership transfers to make sure everything’s done properly.

Every home move is different, and the timeframe depends on factors such as the complexity of the transaction and how quickly all parties involved (including the other side’s conveyancer, mortgage lenders and surveyors) can complete their tasks. 

Typically, it can take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks. We’ll always keep you updated on the estimated timescales.

It often is, yes – conveyancing for leasehold properties is usually more complex than for freehold properties. 

Additional checks are needed, such as reviewing the lease, ground rent, service charges, building management arrangements and any restrictions that may affect the property, which can sometimes add extra time to the process.

  • Exchange of contracts is the point at which the sale or purchase becomes legally binding. Both buyer and seller sign the contracts, and a completion date is agreed.
  • Completion refers to the actual day on which ownership of the home is transferred and the buyer receives the keys.

Searches are enquiries made to various authorities, like the local council or water company, to gather important information about the home you’re buying or selling. 

This helps to uncover potential issues or factors that might affect your decision, such as planning restrictions, environmental concerns or drainage problems.

Once all enquiries have been answered to everyone’s satisfaction, we’ll review the responses and make sure there are no outstanding legal issues to resolve. 

If everything is in order, we’ll ask you to sign the final documents and prepare for exchanging contracts. This is the stage of the conveyancing process where the purchase or sale starts to move towards becoming legally binding.

The completion date is agreed between both the buyer and seller, usually through their conveyancers, during the conveyancing process. 

We’ll work with everyone involved to find a date that suits all parties and keeps the transaction moving smoothly.

Absolutely. We’re real people who care about what we do; whether it’s a quick question or a full catch-up, we’re here to support you. 

Once you instruct us to work on your behalf, you will be contacted by your dedicated conveyancing team who will be with you throughout the whole process.

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