Selling a property can feel overwhelming, but understanding the conveyancing process makes everything clearer. This comprehensive guide walks you through each stage of the legal process, helping you prepare for a smooth and successful property sale.
What is Conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from seller to buyer. It involves preparing legal documents, conducting searches, handling finances, and ensuring the transaction complies with all legal requirements. Having a clear understanding of each stage helps you stay informed and confident throughout your sale.
The 7 Stages of the Conveyancing Process
Stage 1: Appointing a Conveyancing Solicitor
Your conveyancing journey begins with selecting the right legal representation. Choose a solicitor you trust to handle your property sale professionally and efficiently.
Alan, Luke, and our team work closely with trusted conveyancing partners who we’re happy to recommend. These firms handle all the legal work with expertise and operate on a no sale, no fee basis, giving you peace of mind that you’ll only pay when your sale completes.
Important: Your dedicated Sales Progressor will be your main point of contact throughout the process, keeping you updated and answering any questions you have along the way.
Stage 2: Getting Prepared
Preparation is absolutely key to a successful conveyancing transaction. The more organized you are at this stage, the smoother your sale will progress.
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Complete the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) check – A legal requirement to verify your identity
- Return the Client Care Pack to your conveyancing solicitor promptly
- Complete the Property Information Form thoroughly and accurately – this covers everything about your property’s history and condition
- Gather supporting documents including:
- Building guarantee certificates
- FENSA certificates for windows and doors
- Boiler service records and warranties
- Planning permissions or building regulation certificates
- Guarantees for any work carried out (damp-proofing, electrical work, etc.)
- Obtain your Title Information Documents from the Land Registry
Top Tip: Start gathering these documents early. Having everything ready speeds up the entire process and prevents delays later.
Stage 3: Issuing Draft Contracts
Once your solicitor has all the necessary information, they’ll prepare the legal documentation for your sale.
During this stage, your solicitor will:
- Obtain the official Title Information Document from the Land Registry
- Prepare the draft contract for the sale
- Send the contract package to the buyer’s solicitor, including:
- Draft contract
- Your completed Property Information Form
- Fittings & Contents Form (detailing what stays and what goes)
- Supporting documents and certificates
If you have an existing mortgage on the property, your solicitor will also request a redemption figure from your lender. This shows exactly how much is needed to pay off your mortgage on completion day.
Stage 4: Dealing with Enquiries
Once the buyer’s solicitor receives your contract pack, they’ll review everything carefully and raise enquiries about your property. These are questions designed to clarify any points and ensure the buyer has complete information.
Common enquiries might include:
- Questions about boundaries and property disputes
- Clarification on planning permissions or building work
- Details about utilities, drainage, and services
- Information about guarantees and warranties
- Questions about neighbourhood issues or disputes
Your conveyancing solicitor will work closely with you to answer these questions thoroughly and provide any additional documentation requested. Quick, accurate responses are essential to keep your sale moving forward smoothly and prevent unnecessary delays.
Stage 5: Preparing for Exchange
Once all enquiries have been resolved and the buyer’s mortgage offer is confirmed, you’re ready to prepare for the exchange of contracts.
At this stage, you’ll need to:
- Sign the contract in front of an independent witness (this cannot be a family member or anyone with an interest in the property)
- Sign the Transfer Deed – the legal document that transfers ownership of the property to the buyer
- Agree on a completion date that works for all parties in the chain – typically 1-4 weeks after exchange, though this can be flexible
Your solicitor will coordinate with all parties to ensure everyone is ready to exchange on the same day, particularly important if you’re in a property chain.
Stage 6: Exchange of Contracts
This is the moment your sale becomes legally binding. When contracts are formally exchanged:
- The buyer pays their deposit (typically 10% of the purchase price) to their solicitor
- Both you and the buyer are legally committed to completing the sale
- The completion date is fixed and cannot be changed without agreement from both parties
- If either party pulls out after exchange, they face significant financial penalties
You can now make firm arrangements for your move, knowing the sale will definitely complete on the agreed date.
Stage 7: Completion Day
Completion day is when ownership officially transfers to the buyer. Here’s what happens:
- The buyer’s solicitor transfers the balance of funds to your solicitor (usually by midday)
- Once your solicitor confirms receipt of the funds, the transaction is complete
- You must vacate the property and ensure it’s clean and clear
- Keys are released to the buyer (typically held by the estate agent)
- Your solicitor pays off any outstanding mortgage with your lender
- Estate agent fees and solicitor fees are deducted from the sale proceeds
- You receive the remaining sale proceeds, usually transferred to your bank within a few days
Congratulations! Your property sale is complete.
How Long Does Conveyancing Take?
On average, the conveyancing process takes between 8-12 weeks from accepting an offer to completion. However, this timeline can vary depending on:
- The length of the property chain
- How quickly you provide requested documents
- The complexity of your property’s title
- Whether there are any complications or legal issues to resolve
- The speed of mortgage offers and searches
Being organized and responding quickly to requests can significantly speed up the process.
Common Conveyancing Delays and How to Avoid Them
Slow Response Times
Solution: Check your emails regularly and respond to your solicitor’s requests promptly. Set up notifications so you don’t miss important communications.
Missing Documentation
Solution: Gather all relevant documents (guarantees, certificates, planning permissions) at the start of the process.
Property Chain Issues
Solution: Stay in regular contact with your Sales Progressor who will coordinate with all parties to keep things moving.
Unclear Property Information Forms
Solution: Take your time completing forms accurately and honestly. If you’re unsure about anything, ask your solicitor for guidance.
Your Support Throughout the Process
At every stage of the conveyancing process, Alan, Luke, and our team work alongside your dedicated Sales Progressor to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Your Sales Progressor will:
- Answer your questions and address concerns
- Provide regular updates on progress
- Coordinate between you, your solicitor, and the buyer’s side
- Chase up any delays and keep your sale moving forward
- Help you understand each step of the process
Their guidance ensures you understand each step and can complete your property sale with complete confidence.
Ready to Start Your Property Sale?
Understanding the conveyancing process removes the mystery from selling your property. With the right solicitor, proper preparation, and expert support from our team, your sale can progress smoothly from start to finish.
If you’re thinking about selling your property and want expert guidance throughout the entire process, get in touch with Alan, Luke, and the team today. We’re here to make your property sale as straightforward and stress-free as possible.