Conveyancing Guide for Home Buyers | Connect Brokers.  Navigating the legal side of buying or selling property can feel overwhelming. This conveyancing guide breaks down the entire process into simple steps, helping you understand what to expect from instructing a solicitor to completing your property transaction.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, Connect Brokers makes the process smoother by partnering with expert conveyancers who deliver trusted legal support at every stage.

What Is Conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process that ensures property ownership is properly transferred from the seller to the buyer. It begins once an offer is accepted and continues through to completion, when keys are exchanged, and ownership is officially registered with HM Land Registry.

A solicitor or licensed conveyancer manages all legal and administrative tasks, drafting contracts, conducting property searches, liaising with lenders, and ensuring compliance and accurate record-keeping.

Why Conveyancing Matters

• Protects your legal rights

• Ensures ownership is transferred correctly

• Checks for issues like restrictions, rights of way, or planning breaches

• Manages fund transfers and stamp duty payments

Step-by-Step Conveyancing Process

Here’s a simplified look at the conveyancing timeline when buying a home:

Step	Description
Instruct a Conveyancer	Choose a solicitor early. At Connect Brokers, we work with professionals who keep your transaction compliant and on schedule.
Initial Documentation	You complete client questionnaires and ID checks.
Draft Contract & Searches	The seller’s solicitor provides the draft contract. Local authority, water/drainage, and environmental searches begin.
Mortgage and Survey	Your lender issues a formal mortgage offer, and a property survey may be arranged separately.
Enquiries and Negotiations	Your conveyancer raises legal queries; this is where issues often surface.
Exchange of Contracts	Once satisfied, both parties sign and agree on a completion date. A deposit (usually 10%) is paid.
Completion	On the agreed date, funds are transferred, and keys are released congrats, you’re a homeowner!
Post-Completion	The conveyancer registers the property with HM Land Registry and ensures Stamp Duty is paid on time.

How Much Does Conveyancing Cost?

Fees vary depending on whether you’re buying, selling, or doing both. Expect:

• Legal Fees: £500–£1,500

• Searches & Disbursements: £200–£400

• Stamp Duty: Based on purchase price (use our Stamp Duty Calculator for estimates)

For transparent, competitive quotes, Connect Brokers can recommend trusted conveyancers tailored to your situation.

Key Tips for a Smooth Conveyancing Journey

• Choose a conveyancer early in the process.

• Provide requested documents promptly.

• Keep communication open with your broker and legal team.

• Understand that leasehold properties require extra checks.

• For chain transactions, delays are more likely to be built into flexibility.

Partner with Professionals You Can Trust

At Connect Brokers, we understand the value of working with experienced property professionals. That’s why we only recommend conveyancers who are:

• Regulated by the SRA or CLC

• Known for efficient turnarounds

• Rated for communication and clarity

If you’re already working with one of our mortgage advisers, they can coordinate directly with the conveyancer to keep your transaction moving.

How We Can Help

At Connect for Intermediaries, we work with a wide range of specialist lenders to secure buy-to-let solutions for every type of landlord. Whether you’re navigating HMO licensing or expanding a limited company portfolio, we offer personalised advice and access to exclusive products.

If you’re starting out, check our Adviser Mortgage Network for the Newly Qualified page to see how we support new advisers working with property investors.

Explore More

• Connect Brokers Compliance

• Connect Broker Technology

• Training & Development

• Why Join a Mortgage Network

• Mortgage Adviser Directory

• Adviser Services

If you’re serious about developing your client base and becoming the adviser people remember and recommend, you’re in the right place.

 Ready to grow? Join Our Network today and turn leads into loyal clients.

JOIN OUR NETWORK

Thank you for reading our “Conveyancing Guide | Understanding the Legal Process ” publication. Stay “Connect“-ed for more updates soon!

FAQ | Conveyancing

Question	Answer
What is conveyancing and why is it important?	Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from seller to buyer. It ensures the transaction is legally sound, checks for any title or planning issues, and protects both parties throughout the sale or purchase.
How long does the conveyancing process take?	Typically, conveyancing takes 8–12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion. Delays can occur due to property chains, legal issues, or slow searches. Using a proactive conveyancer and working with a broker like Connect Brokers can help reduce delays.
What does a conveyancer do?	A licensed conveyancer or solicitor handles: Drafting and reviewing contracts, running property searches, liaising with the lender, exchanging contracts, and registering the property with HM Land Registry.
When should I instruct a conveyancer?	It’s best to instruct a conveyancer as soon as you make or accept an offer. Early instruction helps speed up the process and ensures all legal checks are underway quickly.
Do I need a conveyancer for a cash purchase?	Yes. Even if you’re buying without a mortgage, a conveyancer is essential to conduct legal checks, protect your interests, and register the property with the Land Registry.
How much does conveyancing cost?	Fees usually range between £500 and £1,500, plus disbursements (e.g. search fees, Land Registry, Stamp Duty). For an estimate tailored to your case, our advisers at Connect Brokers can provide a competitive quote.
Can I choose my own conveyancer, or do I have to use the estate agent’s?	You can always choose your own conveyancer. While estate agents may recommend one, you’re under no obligation. Connect Brokers can help you find an independent, trusted solicitor that suits your needs.
What is the difference between exchange and completion?	Exchange of contracts is when the sale becomes legally binding. Completion is the final step when payment is made, keys are released, and ownership transfers to the buyer.