Need a Solicitor?
Buying or selling a property in the UK? You'll need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the legal side. Here's everything you need to know.
What Does a Property Solicitor Do?
A property solicitor (or conveyancer) handles the legal process of transferring ownership from seller to buyer. Here's a breakdown of what they take care of:
Review the Contract
Your solicitor will examine the draft contract from the seller's solicitor, flag any unusual clauses, and negotiate amendments on your behalf.
Conduct Searches
They carry out local authority, environmental, water and drainage searches to uncover issues such as planned developments, flood risk, or rights of way.
Handle Legal Transfers
They prepare the transfer deed, manage the Land Registry application, and ensure legal ownership passes correctly from seller to buyer.
Manage the Money
Your solicitor handles the transfer of funds on completion day, pays stamp duty on your behalf, and ensures your mortgage lender's requirements are met.
Exchange & Completion
They manage the exchange of contracts (making the sale legally binding) and coordinate completion day so you get the keys on time.
Raise Enquiries
If the searches or title documents reveal any concerns, your solicitor raises enquiries with the seller's solicitor to resolve them before you commit.
The Conveyancing Process
Offer Accepted
Instruct your solicitor as soon as your offer is accepted.
Searches & Enquiries
Your solicitor orders searches and reviews the contract pack. This typically takes 2–4 weeks.
Mortgage Offer
Once your lender issues the mortgage offer, your solicitor reviews the conditions.
Exchange of Contracts
Both parties sign and exchange contracts. A completion date is set and the sale becomes legally binding.
Completion
Funds transfer, keys are handed over, and your solicitor registers you as the new owner with the Land Registry.
Choosing the Right Solicitor
- • Check they are regulated by the SRA or CLC
- • Ask for a full fee quote including disbursements
- • Look for experience in residential conveyancing
- • Ask about their average turnaround time
- • Read reviews from previous clients
- • Confirm they are on your mortgage lender's panel
Typical Costs to Budget For
Frequently Asked Questions
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