What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from a seller to a buyer. It is carried out by a qualified solicitor or licensed conveyancer and involves the preparation of contracts, searches, title checks, and all documentation needed to complete the sale or purchase of a property.

The role of a conveyancer or solicitor is to protect both buyer and seller by ensuring the property title is clear, outstanding debts are settled, and the transaction complies with law. They act as intermediaries between the parties, their estate agents, and the mortgage lender (if one is involved).

Conveyancing typically follows these main stages:

• Offer and acceptance: once an offer on a property is agreed, the conveyancer begins preliminary work
• Searches and enquiries: local authority searches, water and drainage searches, and environmental checks are ordered to identify any issues affecting the property
• Title review: the legal ownership is verified against the Land Registry to confirm the seller has the right to sell
• Mortgage and finance checks: if a buyer is borrowing, the lender's requirements are confirmed
• Completion: final paperwork is signed, funds are transferred, and the keys are handed over

Without conveyancing, buyers risk purchasing property with hidden problems or uncertain ownership. The process is a legal requirement in England and Wales. Estate agents and property professionals work alongside conveyancers to move transactions forward smoothly.