If you’re planning to buy or sell a property, you’re likely to come across the term conveyancing. While it might sound straightforward, the process involves a number of legal steps that need to be handled properly to avoid delays, financial risks, or costly mistakes. At Grey-Smith Legal, we specialise in residential property conveyancing, and we’ve created this guide to help you understand what’s involved, how much it’s likely to cost, and how we can support you every step of the way.
What is Conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal transfer of property ownership from one person or organisation to another. It applies whether you’re buying, selling, remortgaging, or transferring equity. The purpose of conveyancing is to ensure that all legal obligations are met, that the property has a clear title, and that both parties understand and agree to the terms of the sale.
During the process, your solicitor will carry out a range of tasks to make sure your transaction is legally valid. These include checking the legal title, reviewing and drafting contracts, raising or answering enquiries, conducting property searches, managing funds, and overseeing the formal exchange and completion stages. It is a detailed and regulated process designed to protect your legal and financial position.
How Long Does Conveyancing Take?
One of the most common questions we’re asked is how long conveyancing takes. While every transaction is different, most residential property sales and purchases take between 12 and 16 weeks from the date an offer is accepted to the final completion. This can vary depending on the length of the property chain, how quickly each party returns documents, the time needed to secure a mortgage offer, and whether any issues arise during searches or enquiries.
Delays are not uncommon, but many can be reduced or avoided by working with an experienced solicitor who responds promptly, maintains communication with all parties, and keeps the transaction moving. At Grey-Smith Legal, we pride ourselves on proactive case management and regular updates, so you’re never left chasing progress.
How Much Does Conveyancing Cost?
The cost of conveyancing depends on the type of transaction and any additional work involved. For example, a leasehold property usually requires more legal checks than a freehold property, which can affect the overall fee. Typically, conveyancing costs include a fixed legal fee for the solicitor’s work, plus a number of third-party charges known as disbursements.
Disbursements cover services such as local authority searches, Land Registry fees, bank transfer charges, and identity verification. If you are buying with a mortgage, your lender may also require specific searches or documents, which will be included in the overall cost. At Grey-Smith Legal, we provide a clear and detailed quote at the outset, with no hidden charges. You’ll know exactly what’s included before any work begins.
For a full breakdown of what’s involved, learn more about Residential Property Conveyancing. Alternatively, why not get in touch and speak to a member of the team today for a free quote?
What Does A Conveyancing Solicitor Do?
Your solicitor is responsible for handling all legal aspects of your property transaction. When acting for a buyer, we review the draft contract, carry out essential searches, and examine the legal title of the property. We also raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor about any issues flagged during the review, such as restrictive covenants, planning permissions, or service charges if the property is leasehold.
We’ll liaise with your mortgage lender (if applicable), report back to you with advice, and manage the signing of contracts. Once everything is in place, we will exchange contracts with the seller’s solicitor and transfer the deposit. On completion day, we handle the transfer of remaining funds and register the change of ownership with the Land Registry.
When acting for a seller, we prepare the draft contract, respond to the buyer’s solicitor’s enquiries, and help ensure any issues that arise are resolved quickly. We also coordinate the release of mortgage charges and arrange for any outstanding payments to be settled.
At Grey-Smith Legal, your file will be handled by an experienced conveyancer with a dedicated assistant. You’ll work with the same person throughout your transaction, giving you a consistent point of contact and clear communication from start to finish.
Why Does Conveyancing Take So Long?
Many people are surprised by how long the process can take. In most cases, delays are caused by factors outside your solicitor’s control. These include waiting for search results, delays in the property chain, problems with the property’s boundaries, rent charges and missing documents. If any party in the chain is slow to act, the entire process can stall.
Other delays may arise if there are issues with the legal title, such as disputes over boundaries, unknown rights of way, or missing building regulation certificates. Resolving these problems takes time and often requires cooperation from third parties.
Although some delays are unavoidable, we reduce the risk of unnecessary hold-ups by responding quickly, chasing other parties where needed, and keeping you informed throughout. We also offer flexible communication by phone, email, or post to suit your preferences and availability.
When Do You Pay Conveyancing Fees?
Most of your conveyancing fees will be paid on completion, when the property legally changes hands. However, a 25% proportion of your legal fee, and disbursements such as local searches, copy deeds, and ID checks need to be paid earlier in the process so that we can carry out the necessary work.
At Grey-Smith Legal, we explain all costs clearly at the beginning and provide regular updates, so there are no unexpected charges. We’ll also provide you with a full financial statement before completion so that you know exactly what’s due and when.
Can You Do Your Own Conveyancing?
Technically, it is possible to do your own conveyancing if you’re not using a mortgage lender. However, this route is not recommended unless you have specialist legal knowledge. Property transactions involve strict legal procedures, and even a small error could delay the process or expose you to legal and financial risk. The Land Registry also rely on regulated law firms to carry out the necessary ID and anti-money laundering checks for people who are selling or buying real property.
Most mortgage lenders insist on using a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to ensure that all legal steps are completed correctly. Given the complexity involved and the value of the property, professional legal support provides peace of mind and helps prevent costly mistakes. At Grey-Smith Legal, we make the process simple, transparent, and as stress-free as possible.
Need Help With Your Next Move?
Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a property, or refinancing, Grey-Smith Legal is here to support you with clear advice and personal service. We handle all types of residential conveyancing, including freehold and leasehold transactions, new builds, shared ownership, Help to Buy loans, and remortgages.
Our approach is simple: no legal jargon, no hidden costs, and no unnecessary delays. Just honest, reliable support from a team that puts your needs first. Visit our Residential Conveyancing Service page to learn more or contact us to get started.