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The conveyancing process | Gilroy Steel Solicitors

The conveyancing process

A guide for standard freehold properties

This guide outlines the main stages of conveyancing after an offer is accepted. All timescales are approximate and are provided as a guide only; they are not guaranteed. Leasehold, shared ownership, unregistered and other non-standard transactions are likely to take longer.

Before the process begins
Find a property, make an offer and have it accepted.

  1. Weeks 1 to 2

    Instructing solicitors

    Instruct solicitors and return the terms and conditions, payment on account and identification documents. Buyers must also provide evidence of the source of their funds. The seller completes and returns the property forms.

    The estate agent sends a sales memorandum to both firms of solicitors, who write to each other to confirm their instructions.

  2. Weeks 2 to 3

    Preparing the contract papers

    The seller’s solicitors send the contract and completed forms to the buyer’s solicitors. The buyer’s solicitors cannot begin their work until these papers are received.

    If the seller has a mortgage, their solicitors obtain an indicative redemption figure from the lender.

  3. Weeks 3 to 8

    Enquiries searches and mortgage offer

    The buyer’s solicitors raise enquiries, which the seller and their solicitors answer. The seller can sign the contract in readiness for exchange. Progress depends on the seller and the solicitors.

    The buyer’s solicitors apply for local authority, water, environmental and chancel searches. Results usually take three to four weeks to arrive. They also await their copy of the buyer’s mortgage offer; timing depends on the buyer and lender.

  4. Weeks 8 to 10

    Preparing for exchange

    The buyer’s solicitors check the replies to enquiries, search results and mortgage offer, then report to the buyer. This is usually done in person, but may be in writing or via Zoom where necessary.

    Where acting for the buyer at the bottom of the chain, the solicitors request the deposit. Completion dates are discussed in readiness for exchange of contracts.

  5. Weeks 10 to 12

    Completion and moving day

    Completion takes place on the agreed moving date. Mortgage providers usually require at least one week between exchange of contracts and completion.