Offer to keys
Conveyancing Explained for First-Time Buyers
Understand the conveyancing process for first-time buyers, from instructing a solicitor to searches, enquiries, exchange and completion.
Quick answer
Conveyancing is the legal work involved in transferring ownership of a property. Your solicitor or conveyancer checks the title, arranges searches, raises enquiries, deals with the contract and transfers funds for completion.
Education, not advice. Use this as a clear starting point, check the linked official sources and speak to an appropriately regulated professional before acting. Read the disclaimer
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What your conveyancer does
- Checks the property's title and legal documents.
- Arranges searches and reviews the results.
- Raises enquiries with the seller's legal representative.
- Reports important findings to you and your lender.
- Handles exchange of contracts and the transfer of completion money.
- Deals with property tax and registration steps where applicable.
What searches are for
Searches help reveal information that may not be obvious at a viewing. GOV.UK says these usually include a local authority search, water and drainage search and environmental search. Your conveyancer can explain what is appropriate for the property and area.
How to choose a conveyancer
- Ask whether the firm is approved by your mortgage lender.
- Compare itemised quotes including VAT and disbursements (costs the firm pays on your behalf, such as searches).
- Ask who will handle the work and how updates are provided.
- Mention any Lifetime ISA, shared ownership, new-build or leasehold details early.
- Check experience with the type of property you are buying.
Protect your completion money
Home purchases involve large transfers and fraud is a real risk. Verify bank details using a trusted contact method before sending money. Treat any unexpected email changing payment details as a reason to stop and check directly with your conveyancer.
Common questions
What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from the seller to the buyer.
When should I instruct a conveyancer?
It helps to compare firms before you offer so that you can instruct one promptly after an offer is accepted. Ask whether the firm is on your lender's panel.
Official sources
Use these sources to check the latest rules and read more detail:
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