Whether you are buying a property or selling a home, the legal side of a property transaction can feel complex and time-consuming. This is where conveyancing solicitors play a crucial role.
Conveyancing solicitors manage the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one party to another. Their role is to ensure that everything is carried out correctly, risks are identified early, and the transaction proceeds as smoothly as possible.
At AFG Law, our property solicitors guide clients through every stage of the conveyancing process, providing clear, practical advice from start to finish.
What is Conveyancing?
Conveyancing refers to the legal work involved in buying or selling property. It covers everything from the initial instruction through to completion day, when ownership is officially transferred.
This process applies to:
- Selling a property
- Purchasing a home
- Remortgaging
- Transferring ownership
While some people choose to use licensed conveyancers, many prefer to work with solicitors who can provide broader legal advice, particularly where issues arise during the transaction.
So, What Do Conveyancing Solicitors Do?
A conveyancing solicitor is responsible for handling all legal aspects of a property transaction, ensuring that your interests are protected throughout.
Their role will differ slightly depending on whether you are buying or selling a property, but typically includes:
- Preparing and reviewing legal documents
- Carrying out property searches
- Liaising with the other party’s solicitor
- Working with your mortgage lender
- Ensuring all legal requirements are met before completion
Their aim is to identify and resolve any issues before they become problems.
What Does a Conveyancing Solicitor Do When Buying a Property?
When purchasing a property, your solicitor will guide you through each stage of the conveyancing process.
Reviewing the Draft Contract
The process usually begins with the seller’s solicitor preparing a draft contract.
Your solicitor will:
- Review the contract terms
- Check the title deeds to confirm ownership
- Ensure there are no legal restrictions affecting the property
This step is essential to confirm that the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership.
Carrying Out Property Searches
Your solicitor will conduct a range of property searches to identify any issues that may affect the property.
These typically include:
- Local authority searches to check planning history, road schemes, and other local matters
- Environmental searches
- Water and drainage checks
These searches help uncover matters such as:
- Outstanding planning permissions
- Restrictions on the property
- Potential risks that may affect value or future use
Raising Enquiries
Based on the information provided, your solicitor will raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor.
This may include questions about:
- Boundaries and rights of way
- Fixtures and fittings (confirmed through the fittings and contents form)
- Any disputes or issues affecting the property
Working with Your Mortgage Lender
If you are buying with a mortgage, your solicitor will also act for your mortgage lender.
They will:
- Review the mortgage offer
- Ensure the lender’s conditions are satisfied
- Arrange for funds to be released in time for completion
What Does a Conveyancing Solicitor Do When Selling a Property?
If you are selling a property, your solicitor will manage the legal side of the transaction and liaise with the buyer’s solicitor.
This includes:
- Preparing the draft contract
- Providing title documents and information about the property
- Completing forms such as the fittings and contents form
- Responding to enquiries raised by the buyer’s solicitor
Your solicitor will also work alongside your estate agent to coordinate progress and keep the transaction moving forward.
Leasehold Property Considerations
If the property is a leasehold property, the process can be more complex.
Your solicitor will need to review:
- The lease terms
- Any service charges or ground rent
- Management company information
They will ensure that you are fully aware of your obligations before proceeding.
Exchange of Contracts
Once all checks have been completed and both parties are satisfied, the transaction moves to exchange of contracts.
At this stage:
- The agreement becomes legally binding
- A completion date is set
- A deposit is usually paid by the buyer
After exchange of contracts, both parties are committed to the transaction.
Completion Day
Completion day is when the final stage of the conveyancing process takes place.
On this day:
- The purchase funds are transferred
- Ownership is legally transferred
- The buyer can take possession of the property
Your solicitor will also ensure that:
- Any outstanding payments are made
- The property is registered in the buyer’s name with the Land Registry
Stamp Duty and Final Steps
If you are buying a property, your solicitor will also handle Stamp Duty Land Taxes.
They will:
- Calculate the amount due
- Submit the relevant return to HMRC
- Ensure payment is made within the required timeframe
This is a key part of completing the legal process.
Why Instruct a Conveyancing Solicitor?
Property transactions can involve significant financial and legal risk. Issues such as unclear title deeds, missing planning permissions, or unexpected restrictions can cause delays or even prevent a sale from going ahead.
A conveyancing solicitor helps to:
- Identify risks early
- Ensure compliance with legal requirements
- Manage communication between all parties
- Keep the transaction on track
While licensed conveyancers can handle many transactions, a solicitor can also advise on more complex issues, particularly where disputes or unusual circumstances arise.
How AFG Law Can Assist
At AFG Law, we provide clear, practical advice to clients buying or selling property across England and Wales.
Our team can assist with:
- Managing the full conveyancing process from instruction to completion day
- Carrying out thorough property searches and reviewing legal documents
- Advising on leasehold property, service charges, and title issues
- Liaising with your estate agent, lender, and other solicitors
- Ensuring all aspects of the legal process are handled efficiently
We understand that every property transaction is different, and our focus is on making the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.