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Helping people with the legal stuff since 2008
Conveyancing Advice Nationwide
Trusted conveyancing guidance and advice to help you with your home purchase Nationwide.
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Conveyancing advice that counts
The process of getting you set.
- Instruction
The first step begins once your mortgage offer is issued and your solicitor or conveyancer takes over. They will conduct the necessary legal checks on the property, including reviewing the contract, ordering searches, and verifying for any restrictions or issues that may impact your purchase or remortgage.
- Exchange
The second step is the exchange of contracts. At this stage, everything has been agreed and checked, and you will sign the contract and pay your deposit (for purchases). Once contracts are exchanged, both you and the seller are legally committed to completing the transaction.
- Completion
How can we help?
Keeping conveyancing simple and you informed.
Step 1: Legal checks and preparation
Once your mortgage offer has been issued, your solicitor or conveyancer will begin their work. Their job is to make sure everything about the property is legally sound before you commit to buying. This includes:
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Reviewing the contract provided by the seller’s solicitor
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Carrying out searches with the local authority and other organisations (for example, checking planning permissions, road proposals, or flood risks)
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Making sure there are no restrictions that could affect your ownership or use of the property
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Checking the legal title of the property to confirm the seller has the right to sell it
Step 2: Exchange of contracts
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You’ll sign the contract to buy the property
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Your solicitor will arrange for your deposit to be paid to the seller’s solicitor
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A completion date will be agreed (this is the day you officially move in)
Step 3: Completion
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Your mortgage lender sends the funds to your solicitor
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Your solicitor transfers the purchase money to the seller’s solicitor
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Once the money has been received, you officially become the legal owner of the property
Do I need to use a solicitor near where I live or the property I’m buying?
No, not necessarily. Many solicitors and conveyancers work nationwide and can handle everything online, by phone or post. What matters most is good communication and experience with your type of purchase, not their location.
What happens if problems show up in the searches?
If the searches uncover an issue, like planned roadworks nearby or flood risks, your solicitor will explain the impact. In many cases, solutions can be agreed with the seller, such as getting insurance or renegotiating terms. Rarely do problems stop a sale completely, but it’s important to know the risks before you commit.
Can I speed up the conveyancing process?
Yes, you can help things move along. Make sure you respond quickly to any requests from your solicitor or mortgage broker, provide documents straight away, and have your ID and proof of deposit ready from the start. Being organised can save weeks.
Is conveyancing different if I’m buying a new build?
Yes, slightly. Developers often set strict deadlines for exchange, sometimes just a few weeks after reserving your plot. Searches and checks are still carried out, but your solicitor will also look at things like planning permission, building warranties, and agreements for roads or drains on the site.
What happens if the chain falls through?
A property chain means each sale depends on another one happening. If a buyer or seller in the chain pulls out, it can delay or collapse everything. Your solicitor and broker will work with you to explore options, like finding another buyer quickly, renegotiating, or switching to a different property.
Do I need to be present on completion day?
No, you don’t need to be in an office or physically present. Your solicitor and lender handle the money transfers for you. Once the funds arrive and the sale is legally complete, you’ll just collect the keys from the estate agent or seller.
Frequently asked conveyancing questions
Take a look through our frequently asked questions for quick answers to common queries. If you need further help, please feel free to get in touch with us.