Conveyancing & Conveyancers: A Straightforward Guide for Buyers and Sellers
Buying or selling a property is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. It’s exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time.
Questions often come thick and fast:
Who handles the legal work?
What actually happens behind the scenes?
How much will it cost?
This is where conveyancing and conveyancers play a vital role.
At Zavri Law, we help people across the UK navigate the legal side of property transactions with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a property, or dealing with a mortgage or remortgage, this guide explains everything you need to know in plain English.
What This Guide Covers
What is a conveyancer?
What is conveyancing?
What does a conveyancer do?
Do you need a conveyancer?
How to choose the right conveyancer
The conveyancing process when buying a property
The conveyancing process when selling a property
Typical conveyancing costs
Common conveyancing problems
What Is a Conveyancer?
A conveyancer is a legal professional who manages the legal process involved in:
Buying a property
Selling a property
Transferring property ownership
Mortgages and remortgages
Their job is to ensure that ownership of a property is transferred lawfully, securely, and without avoidable risk.
Who Can Act as a Conveyancer?
A conveyancer is usually one of the following:
A property solicitor
A licensed conveyancer
Solicitors can often provide wider legal advice beyond conveyancing, such as boundary disputes or shared ownership issues. Licensed conveyancers focus specifically on property law.
What Is Conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of land or property from one person to another.
Most people encounter conveyancing when:
Buying a home
Selling a home
Gifting or transferring property
Taking out or changing a mortgage
The purpose of conveyancing is to ensure that the transfer is legally valid and that the buyer receives good title to the property—free from unexpected legal issues.
What Does a Conveyancer Do?
A conveyancer manages every legal stage of the transaction, including:
1. Confirming Ownership
They check that the seller legally owns the property and has the right to sell it.
2. Investigating the Property
This includes reviewing legal documents and raising enquiries to uncover issues such as:
Outstanding charges or restrictions
Boundary disputes
Planning or building regulation problems
3. Drafting and Reviewing Contracts
They prepare or review the contract of sale, ensuring it accurately reflects the agreed terms.
4. Handling Money Securely
Conveyancers manage:
Deposits
Purchase funds
Mortgage monies
All funds are held securely and transferred at the correct stages.
5. Registering Ownership
After completion, they register the new ownership with the Land Registry to legally protect the buyer.
Do I Need to Use a Conveyancer?
If You’re Using a Mortgage
Yes. Mortgage lenders require a conveyancer to protect their financial interest in the property.
If You’re a Cash Buyer
You are not legally required to use a conveyancer, but conveyancing law is complex. Mistakes can lead to:
Financial loss
Delays
Legal disputes
Given the value of property transactions, professional legal support is strongly recommended.
How to Choose the Right Conveyancer
When selecting a conveyancer or solicitor, consider the following:
Experience – Look for professionals with strong property law experience
Recommendations – Personal referrals can be valuable
Regulation – Check registration with:
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), or
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC)
Clear Fees – Ask for a transparent, fixed-fee quote
Communication – Choose someone responsive and easy to contact
Local knowledge is helpful, but thorough searches and checks matter more than geography. Online conveyancing can often be faster and more cost-effective.
Conveyancing Process When Buying a Property
1. Make an Offer
Once your offer is accepted, the legal process begins.
2. Instruct a Conveyancer
It’s best to have a conveyancer ready so work can start immediately after offer acceptance.
3. Arrange a Survey and Mortgage
You’ll organise:
A property survey
Your mortgage application (if required)
Survey results may affect negotiations.
4. Property Searches
Your conveyancer carries out searches covering:
Local authority records
Planning issues
Environmental risks
Drainage and water
Legal ownership
5. Legal Enquiries
Your conveyancer raises questions about:
Planning permissions
Certificates
Fixtures and fittings
Lease terms (if applicable)
6. Contract Preparation
Once checks are complete, the contract of sale is agreed.
7. Pay the Deposit
The deposit is paid to your conveyancer before exchange.
8. Exchange of Contracts
At this stage, both parties are legally committed to the transaction.
9. Completion
The final balance is paid, and keys are released.
10. Land Registry Registration
Ownership is officially registered in your name.
11. Post-Completion Matters
Any final notices, policies, or confirmations are completed.
Do I Need a Conveyancer to Sell My Property?
You are not legally required to use one, but selling involves:
Detailed legal documentation
Strict deadlines
Financial risk
Most sellers choose a conveyancer to avoid costly errors.
Conveyancing Process When Selling a Property
Your conveyancer will typically:
Verify your identity
Prepare property information forms
Obtain title documents
Draft the sale contract
Respond to buyer enquiries
Redeem any existing mortgage
Transfer ownership
Arrange release of keys
Distribute sale proceeds
How Much Do Conveyancing Fees Cost?
Conveyancing costs usually include:
Legal Fees
What your solicitor or conveyancer charges for their work.
Typical range:
£479 – £1,000 (excluding VAT)
Disbursements
Third-party costs such as:
Searches
Land Registry fees
Bank transfer fees
Typical range:
£500 – £800
Always request a full breakdown so there are no surprises.
Common Conveyancing Issues
Delays or problems can arise, including:
| Issue | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Property chains | Delays caused by linked buyers and sellers |
| Title issues | Unregistered land or legal restrictions |
| Survey problems | Structural defects affecting value |
| Mortgage delays | Funding or approval issues |
| Missing documents | Incomplete or lost paperwork |
An experienced conveyancer can often resolve these efficiently.
Finding the Right Conveyancing Support
Property transactions are significant, emotional, and time-sensitive. Having the right legal support can make the process smoother, faster, and far less stressful.
At Zavri Law, we focus on clear advice, transparent pricing, and dependable legal expertise—so you can move forward with confidence.
Disclaimer
This content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Property law can vary depending on individual circumstances. For tailored legal advice, you should always consult a qualified solicitor or conveyancer.