Buying Property - The Conveyance Process

The property conveyancing process is defined as the legal transfer of ownership between the Seller and Buyer.

The conveyancing process starts once the Buyer has made an offer on a property and the Seller has accepted it.

Buying Conveyancing Steps

The Buying conveyancing process has the following steps.

  1) Buyer makes an offer ‘Subject to Survey’

  2) Seller considers the offer and accepts.

        The first offer may have been refused and the Buyer may consider increasing their offer.

  3) The Buyer passes over their Conveyancing Solicitor details to the  Seller

  4) Buyer arranges a Survey and Valuation

  5) The Survey results may lead to re-negotiation of the purchase price.

        Some works may be done by the Seller.

        The Buyer may decide to carry out works after completion.

        The Buyer checks with their lender if works can be carried out after completion.

        Buyer checks with Lender if a retention will be in place.

        Retention - The Buyers Mortgage Lender may hold monies back.

        Until works have been completed and inspected.

  6) Buyers Solicitor confirms instructions setting out the terms of purchase.

        Sends this information to the Sellers Solicitor.

  7) The Sellers Solicitor, sends the contract pack to Buyers Solicitor

  8) Buyers Solicitor checks Sales contracts pack and raises pre contract enquiries.

  9) Searches are carried out to highlight any issues that the property, location has.

       Which may affect the market value of the property.

10) Buyers Solicitor requests a copy of the Mortgage Lender offer

11) Buyers Solicitor reviews the Sellers response to enquiries

12) Buyer arranges for deposit to be paid to the Solicitor ready for exchange of contracts.

       Check where monies are being sent to.

       Make Sure that your Solicitor has received the monies.

       You could test this by sending just £100

       Then sending the balance once you know that the monies are being sent to the right place.

13) Seller and Buyer agree an exchange of contracts date.

       Via their appointed Conveyancing Solicitors.

14) Buyer must provide evidence that they have building insurance in place on exchange.

       They may have taken out the innovative Flexi Smart Contingency House Insurance.

       Which provides building insurance cover between exchange and completion for up to 28 days.

       Then after Exchange the Buyer can search the market for the best insurance.

15) Exchange of contracts date determined.

       Where upon the Homebuyer is legally committed to complete

16) Buyers Solicitor sends a draft transfer deed and completion forms to the Sellers Solicitor

17) Sellers Solicitor reviews the completion forms.

18) The Buyer has to sign the agreed contract document.

19) Signed agreement sent to Seller’s Solicitor for the Seller to sign.

20) Completion statement prepared by Buyers Solicitor.

       Contacts Mortgage Lender to apply for the release of funds.

21) Buyer and Seller to agree completion date.

Exchange of Contracts

22) Move to exchange of contracts.

       The contract to buy and and sell is binding at this point and no party can pull out.

Completion Day

23) On Completion Buyers Solicitor sends funds to Sellers Solicitor

24) Sellers Solicitor on receipt of funds, releases keys often via the appointed Sellers Sales Agent.

Moving Day

25) Buyers Solicitor sends applicable Stamp Duty to HMRC 

26) Finally the Buyers Solicitor registers the property with Land Registry.

27) The title of the property is now with the Buyer

Top Tips.

With so much to happen when offers are accepted it pays to instruct a Homebuyer Solicitor before offer acceptance stage.

Compare accurate conveyancing quotes online from members of the Homebuyer Conveyancing panel without entering any personal details.

Filter your conveyancing results by price, location and by Mortgage Lender.

When ready take a conveyancing quote away, schedule a call directly from your chosen Conveyancer. Consider adding the Flexi Smart Contingency House Insurance.

or call

0345 463 7664

Where we can help you find your next Homebuyer Solicitor