Buying your first home is one of the biggest decisions you will make. Understanding the conveyancing process helps you avoid delays, surprises, and unnecessary stress.
Step 1 — Instruct a solicitor
Once your offer is accepted, instruct a solicitor immediately. Your solicitor will carry out searches, review the contract, raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor, and manage the transfer of funds on completion.
Step 2 — Searches and enquiries
Your solicitor will carry out local authority, drainage, and environmental searches. These reveal information about the property and surrounding area that does not appear on the Land Registry title — for example, planning history, flooding risk, and public rights of way.
Step 3 — Mortgage offer
If you are buying with a mortgage, your lender will carry out a valuation and issue a formal mortgage offer. In most cases, your solicitor will also act for your lender and report to them on the title.
Step 4 — Exchange of contracts
Once all enquiries are resolved and your mortgage offer is in place, you exchange contracts. At this point both parties are legally bound. You pay your deposit on exchange — typically 10% of the purchase price.
Step 5 — Completion
On completion day, the remaining funds are transferred to the seller’s solicitor. You receive the keys and the property is yours. Your solicitor then registers your ownership at the Land Registry.
How long does it take?
On average 8 to 12 weeks from instruction to completion, though this varies depending on the chain and any complications.
Fixed fees available — contact me for a quote tailored to your transaction.
UK solicitor at Farani Taylor Solicitors practising immigration, property conveyancing and corporate law. Fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi.