The Buyers guide to Conveyancing
We’ve created this guide to help you understand the conveyancing process and the legal steps involved in transferring property ownership. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, moving up the property ladder, or investing in the Wigan area, Alan, Luke, and our team are here to explain what conveyancing is, how it works, and what you can expect along the way.
Conveyancing can sometimes feel complicated, especially if you haven’t moved in recent years. We’ve designed this guide to make things clear and straightforward, so you can approach your property purchase with confidence. From appointing a conveyancing solicitor and ordering property searches to exchanging contracts and collecting the keys, we outline each stage of the conveyancing process so you know exactly what to expect.
We work in partnership with our conveyancing partner to ensure your move progresses quickly and smoothly. With the support of a dedicated Sales Progressor, you’ll always have a single point of contact to answer questions, chase progress, and help reduce delays. Our shared goal is to make your conveyancing journey efficient, transparent, and as stress-free as possible.
Why conveyancing matters
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from seller to buyer. It ensures that the home you’re purchasing is legally sound, free of disputes, and properly registered in your name. With our conveyancing partner working alongside Alan, Luke, and our team, the process is managed clearly and efficiently, giving you confidence from start to finish.
Legal protection
Your conveyancing solicitor checks the title, raises enquiries, and ensures there are no legal issues that could affect your ownership. This protects you against future problems and provides peace of mind throughout your property transaction.
Clear process from start to finish
Conveyancing follows a set structure, from initial ID checks and property searches through to contracts, exchange, and completion. By understanding each stage of the conveyancing process, you know what to expect and can prepare with confidence.
Dedicated support
With a dedicated Sales Progressor assigned to your case, you’ll have a single point of contact who will update you, answer questions, and chase progress to keep everything moving smoothly.
Confidence with your purchase
From verifying property ownership to ensuring mortgage conditions are met, conveyancing gives you certainty that your purchase is legally secure and ready to complete.
Faster progression
Using our recommended conveyancing solicitor means property searches and paperwork can be ordered earlier, reducing delays and helping your purchase move forward without unnecessary waiting.
Transparent checks
Property searches, surveys, and reports are carried out to uncover any issues with the property. This transparency helps you make informed decisions before you commit to your purchase.
Structured process
Every step of the conveyancing process has a clear outcome—from the Client Care Pack at the start, to the exchange of contracts, to collecting the keys on completion day. This structured approach keeps your property purchase on track.
Expert guidance throughout
Alan, Luke, and our estate agency team, working closely with our conveyancing partner, will guide you through every stage of the process. With experienced professionals handling the legal details and sales progressi
Conveyancing Process
Buying a property follows a clear, structured conveyancing process. Understanding each stage helps you prepare and ensures a smooth property purchase.
1. Appointing a Conveyancing Solicitor
Choose a solicitor you trust. Alan, Luke, and our team work with our conveyancing partner to provide recommended firms who handle all legal work efficiently and operate on a no sale, no fee basis. Your dedicated Sales Progressor will be your main point of contact throughout the process.
2. Getting Prepared
Preparation is key to a successful conveyancing transaction. This includes:
- Completing the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) check
- Returning the Client Care Pack to your conveyancing solicitor
- Providing proof of funding or mortgage details
- Considering any leasehold or shared ownership aspects
3. Property Searches
Your solicitor orders property searches to uncover any issues with the property. These may include Local Authority searches, Environmental searches, and Water & Drainage searches. Early ordering of conveyancing searches reduces delays and ensures you have the information needed to make informed decisions.
4. Mortgage Application
Apply for a firm mortgage offer once you’ve selected a lender. A property valuation or survey may be required to confirm the property’s value and condition before your conveyancing can progress.
5. Draft Contracts
The seller’s solicitor provides a contract pack summarising the property details, purchase price, and property chain information. Your conveyancing solicitor reviews the pack, raises conveyancing enquiries, and reports back on any findings that may affect your purchase.
6. Exchange of Contracts
Once you and your solicitor are satisfied and your finance is in place, you’ll sign the contract and pay the exchange deposit. Contracts are then exchanged, making the agreement legally binding and setting a completion date for your property purchase.
7. Completion Day
Completion funds are transferred to the seller’s solicitor, keys are released, and property ownership officially passes to you. Your solicitor submits the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) return and registers you as the new owner with HM Land Registry.
Additional Guidance
At every stage of the conveyancing process, Alan, Luke, and our team work alongside your dedicated Sales Progressor to answer questions, provide updates, and help keep your purchase moving smoothly. Their guidance ensures you understand each step and can complete your property purchase with confidence.
Conveyancing FAQs
Whether this is your first property purchase or you’re familiar with buying, here are the key things you should know about the conveyancing process.
Why conveyancing matters
Conveyancing ensures the property you’re buying is legally sound and protects you against future problems. It covers property ownership checks, conveyancing searches, contract review, and compliance with mortgage requirements, giving you confidence to proceed with your purchase.
How the conveyancing process works
From AML checks and Client Care Pack completion to property searches, surveys, and exchange of contracts, conveyancing follows a clear, structured process. Alan, Luke, and our team, working with your dedicated Sales Progressor, guide you through each stage, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
What conveyancing fees are involved
Conveyancing costs include solicitor fees and any associated search fees or Land Registry fees. Using our recommended conveyancing solicitor ensures no sale, no fee arrangements are in place, so you only pay if your property purchase completes.
Conveyancing FAQs for Buyers
Do I need a conveyancing solicitor?
Yes. A conveyancing solicitor handles all legal aspects of your property purchase and ensures your ownership is protected throughout the transaction.
What is a Client Care Pack?
This pack contains forms and documents your solicitor needs to start your conveyancing. Completing it promptly helps speed up the conveyancing process.
Do I need a property survey?
Most mortgage lenders require a basic property valuation. You may choose a Homebuyers Report or Full Structural Survey for more detailed information about the property’s condition.
What happens if issues arise in property searches?
Your conveyancing solicitor will advise you and may raise enquiries with the seller to resolve them before exchange of contracts.
Are mortgage conditions legally binding?
Yes. Once your solicitor receives your mortgage offer, all conditions must be met before you can exchange contracts and complete the property purchase.
Why use a recommended conveyancing solicitor?
Our recommended conveyancing solicitors are experienced, efficient, and familiar with our processes. They coordinate closely with Alan, Luke, and our team, along with your Sales Progressor, to reduce delays and keep your property purchase on track.
How do I prepare for conveyancing?
Preparation for the conveyancing process includes:
- Completing the Client Care Pack and providing ID documents
- Submitting proof of funding or mortgage details
- Ensuring any leasehold information is available if relevant
What if I’m part of a property chain?
Your Sales Progressor will help coordinate timings with other parties in the chain, ensuring smooth progress to exchange and completion day.
Why choose a local Wigan estate agent?
A local, experienced team like ours understands the Wigan area inside out. With Alan’s 40 years of property experience, alongside Luke and our dedicated team, we work closely with trusted conveyancing partners and guide you through every stage of your property purchase. We ensure your purchase is managed efficiently so you can focus on moving into your new home with confidence.
Top tips for a smooth property purchase
Conveyancing can be complex, especially if it’s your first property purchase or an investment property. Here are our top conveyancing tips to help your purchase progress efficiently and successfully.
Choose the right conveyancing solicitor
Select a solicitor familiar with local property law and the conveyancing process. Using our recommended conveyancing firm ensures they are experienced, efficient, and fully aligned with Alan, Luke, and our team, along with your Sales Progressor, to reduce delays.
Prepare your documents early
Complete the Client Care Pack, provide ID verification, and submit proof of funding promptly. Early preparation prevents conveyancing delays and keeps your property purchase on track.
Understand the property searches and surveys
Know which property searches are required and the type of property survey you need. Being informed helps you make confident decisions and avoid unexpected issues later in the conveyancing process.
Communicate clearly with your Sales Progressor
Regular updates with your Sales Progressor ensure you’re aware of deadlines, conveyancing enquiries, and next steps. Prompt responses to queries keep the process moving smoothly.
Plan your timing carefully
Coordinate with other parties in the property chain and ensure your finances, mortgage offer, and documents are ready for exchange of contracts and completion. Proper planning helps you meet deadlines and reduces stress during your property purchase.
Experience with property purchases
A skilled conveyancing solicitor and Sales Progressor understand the full conveyancing process, including property title checks, conveyancing searches, contract review, and completion day. Their property experience reduces delays and ensures legal compliance throughout your purchase.
Transparent advice and guidance
Your conveyancing team should explain the process clearly, outline conveyancing fees, and keep you updated on progress. Clear guidance helps you make informed decisions at every stage of your property transaction.
Local knowledge and specialist insight
Teams familiar with the Wigan area, like Alan with his 40 years of property experience, Luke, and our team, can advise on local property considerations, common legal issues, and factors affecting property surveys or searches in the region.
Clear communication throughout
Great conveyancing teams provide regular updates on property searches, mortgage conditions, contract queries, and completion schedules. This keeps you informed and reduces uncertainty during your property purchase.
Personalised support
Every buyer and property is different. Your conveyancing solicitor and Sales Progressor should tailor their support to your circumstances, ensuring a smooth, secure property purchase from start to finish.
Legal preparation & completion
Getting your legal paperwork in order is essential for a smooth property purchase. Here’s what to prepare and what to expect during the conveyancing process:
Client Care Pack & AML Checks
- Complete conveyancing forms quickly and provide ID and proof of funding
- Helps prevent conveyancing delays and keeps your property purchase on track
Title Information & Memorandum of Sale
- Confirms the seller owns the property legally
- Summarises the property chain, purchase price, and key property details
Draft Contracts & Solicitor Enquiries
- Your conveyancing solicitor reviews contracts and raises enquiries with the seller
- Ensures you’re fully informed before exchange of contracts
Property Searches & Surveys
- Local Authority searches, Environmental searches, and Water & Drainage searches
- Mortgage valuation or optional Homebuyers Report / Full Structural Survey to highlight any property issues
Leasehold or Shared Ownership Details
- If relevant, provide a Management Pack with service charges, ground rent, insurance, and other lease obligations
Why Legal Preparation Matters
Proper conveyancing preparation protects you legally, reduces delays, and ensures you know exactly what you’re committing to before completing your property purchase. Alan, Luke, and our team work alongside your conveyancing solicitor to guide you through each document and requirement with confidence.
Once your conveyancing solicitor has reviewed contracts, property searches, and mortgage conditions, the final stages take your property purchase to completion:
Exchange of Contracts
- Sign the property contracts and pay your exchange deposit
- Sets the completion date and makes the sale legally binding
- Your purchase is now secure and protected
Completion Day
- Completion funds are transferred to the seller’s solicitor
- Keys are released and you take ownership of your new home
- Your solicitor submits the Stamp Duty Land Tax return and updates HM Land Registry with your ownership details
Property Chain Coordination & Timelines
- If part of a property chain, timely completion of conveyancing documents keeps the process moving for all parties
- Coordinated exchange and completion dates ensure a smooth transition
Expert Guidance Throughout the Conveyancing Process
- Alan, Luke, and our team, working with your dedicated Sales Progressor, monitor deadlines, resolve queries, and ensure everything runs efficiently
- You’ll have clear communication at every stage of your property purchase
Why These Final Stages Matter
These conveyancing steps give you confidence that your property purchase is secure, legally compliant, and ready for you to move into your new home without surprises. With our 40 years of property experience guiding you, you can complete your purchase with complete peace of mind.
Why we can help you
Choosing the right conveyancing support is a crucial step in buying or selling a property. With so many legal requirements and deadlines, you need a team that’s experienced, efficient, and focused on your move. Here’s why our team are well placed to help with your property purchase.
Experience That Matters
With Alan’s 40 years of property experience in the Wigan area, combined with Luke and our dedicated team, we work in partnership with trusted conveyancing specialists. Our expertise, alongside our estate agency knowledge, ensures your property transaction is handled smoothly from offer acceptance to completion day.
Proven Track Record in Property Conveyancing
Our clients benefit from faster completions and fewer conveyancing delays. With a dedicated Sales Progressor keeping everything on track, issues are resolved quickly, helping you move into your new home without unnecessary stress.
Trusted Reputation in Wigan
Both locally and nationally, we’re known for our transparent approach and reliable conveyancing service. Many of our clients come through recommendations, reflecting the confidence people have in the way we handle property sales and purchases in the Wigan area.
Clear Communication Throughout the Conveyancing Process
We keep you informed at every stage, from ID checks and contract preparation through to exchange of contracts and completion. You’ll always know what’s happening with your property purchase and what comes next.
Personalised Conveyancing Support
Every property sale and purchase is unique. That’s why Alan, Luke, and our team work closely with you, your conveyancing solicitor, and all parties involved to provide tailored advice and ensure the conveyancing process runs as smoothly as possible.