Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another. It begins once an offer is accepted and ends when the keys are handed over.
While it’s not legally required, using a solicitor ensures:
- Legal compliance
- Proper handling of contracts and funds
- Protection against costly mistakes
Our experienced conveyancing team at HBW Law Limited ensures a smooth and secure transaction.
On average, conveyancing takes between 8–12 weeks, but this can vary depending on factors such as:
- Chain length
- Mortgage approvals
- Search delays
- Complexity of the transaction
At HBW Law Limited, we keep you updated throughout to avoid unnecessary delays.
You will need to instruct a solicitor to deal with the legal work and let the estate agents know who you are using. You will also need to ensure your finances are in place and to discuss any mortgage requirements with your financial adviser, mortgage broker or bank.
The purchase of a property is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. If you are buying with mortgage assistance, your mortgage lender will usually do a Mortgage Valuation Survey to confirm that the property is worth the price you are paying. A Homebuyers Survey is recommended to be carried out before exchange of contracts as this will confirm if there are any repairs or remedial works required which may affect your decision to go ahead with the purchase. You should ensure that any firm you instruct are registered with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
A property chain is a series of linked transactions where each sale depends on another. Chains can affect timelines and sometimes cause delays if one transaction falls through.
Stamp Duty Land Tax is a government tax paid when purchasing property in England. The amount depends on:
- Property value
- Buyer status (e.g. first-time buyer, additional property owner)
We can advise you on how much you’ll need to pay
Searches are checks carried out with local authorities and other bodies to uncover issues that could affect the property, such as:
- Planning restrictions
- Flood risk
- Environmental concerns
They are essential for protecting your investment.
Anyone who is not related to you, is over the age of 18 and not a party to the conveyancing transaction can be a witness to you signing the relevant documents. The witness is required to confirm that it is in fact you who has signed the documents.
As the buyer, it will be your responsibility to ensure that buildings insurance is in place on the day contracts are exchanged. This will be a requirement of your mortgage lender if you are buying with a mortgage. If the property is damaged following the exchange of contracts, you would be responsible for any necessary repairs.
Exchange of contracts is when both parties legally commit to the transaction. At this point:
- The completion date is agreed
- The transaction becomes legally binding
- A deposit (usually 10%) is paid
Completion is when:
- The remaining funds are transferred
- Ownership legally passes to the buyer
- Keys are released
This is the day you can move into your new home.
