From offer to moving day. We explain what to expect for both sellers and buyers throughout the conveyancing process.
The Conveyancing Process: What happens between saying yes and getting the keys
- OFFER ACCEPTED: The seller accepts an offer on their property.
- APPOINT YOUR CONVEYANCER: Both the buyer and seller choose a conveyancer (a legal expert who handles the property transfer). They’ll guide you through the conveyancing process and act on your behalf.
- GETTING STARTED: You’ll receive a welcome pack from your conveyancer. Buyers will need to provide ID, proof of funds, and financial background information. Sellers will also need to provide identification and complete property information forms.
- LEGAL PREP: Sellers – Your conveyancer will draft the contract, including property details, title documents, and a list of what’s included in the sale (such as fixtures and fittings). Buyers – your conveyancer will request searches (e.g. local authority, drainage and water, environmental) and start reviewing the contract. If you’re obtaining a mortgage, your lender will arrange a valuation before making a formal offer. If you choose to have a survey or Homebuyer’s Report completed, this can be arranged at this stage.
- QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: The buyer’s legal team raises questions about the property known as ‘Enquiries’. The Seller’s conveyancer will liaise with the seller to provide answers and clarifications.
- MORTGAGE & FINANCE: Buyers – if using a mortgage, your lender will send a mortgage offer to your conveyancer, who may ask you to sign additional documents. Sellers – if you have a mortgage, your conveyancer will get a redemption (settlement) figure from your lender for the mortgage to be redeemed on the completion date.
- FINAL REPORT: Once all enquiries have been satisfied and all finances checked, the final report will be prepared for the buyer, summarising the property and the process.
- CONTRACTS READY TO SIGN: Once contracts are approved, they are sent to the parties to be signed. The buyer pays a deposit (usually 10%) to their conveyancer in readiness for exchange.
- EXCHANGE OF CONTRACTS: You’re now legally committed to the transaction! The completion (moving) date is agreed and set, usually around two weeks later, though sometimes it can be quicker or a longer period between exchange and completion can be required.
- FINAL BALANCE: Sellers – Your conveyancer will confirm the final and send you a detailed financial statement confirming the sum payable to you from the sale (net proceeds). Buyers – Your conveyancer will request the mortgage funds and prepare a final statement showing the total amount needed from you to complete.
- COMPLETION DAY – YOU MOVE!: Buyers – Your conveyancer transfers the money to the seller’s conveyancer. Once received, the keys are released, and the property is officially yours! Sellers – Your conveyancer will redeem (repay) any mortgage and transfer the remaining balance to you or onto any onward purchase.
- AFTER COMPLETION: Buyers – Your conveyancer pays any Stamp Duty (SDLT) due and registers your ownership with the Land Registry. In some cases, the registration can take the Land Registry several months, but will always be backdated to show your ownership beginning on the day of completion. Upon completion of the registration, the buyer’s conveyancer will send them a copy of the updated Title Registers. Sellers – Your files will be closed once the sale funds have cleared.
About our Conveyancing team
Amphlett Lissimore is an established name within Property law. We have experienced conveyancing teams based across our offices in Crystal Palace, Bromley, and West Wickham, who specialise in this area of law. We have a proven track record of excellent customer service and will always endeavour to make the legal side of buying or selling property as stress-free as possible for our clients.
We are accredited by the Law Society under its Conveyancing Quality Scheme, and our lawyers include members of the Society of Licensed Conveyancers.
