What is conveyancing?

When you buy or sell a home, conveyancing covers the legal and administrative work to move title from one person to another. Your conveyancer reviews the contract, raises enquiries with the seller's solicitor, orders local authority and drainage searches, checks for planning issues or restrictions, and manages the deposit and completion funds through client accounts.

The process has key milestones. After your offer is accepted, conveyancers draft and negotiate the contract. You apply for your mortgage and survey. When both sides agree, you 'exchange contracts' — in England and Wales this is when the deal becomes legally binding, and you usually pay a deposit. 'Completion' is moving day, when the balance is paid and keys are released.

Disbursements — third-party costs paid by your solicitor — include searches and HM Land Registry fees, and your conveyancer also pays the property tax for you. In England and Northern Ireland first-time buyers pay no Stamp Duty on the first £300,000 of a home costing up to £500,000; Wales and Scotland have their own taxes and rules.

The government's June 2026 reform roadmap says it takes around 120 days on average to complete once an offer is accepted, and GOV.UK says buying a home takes about 5 months on average overall; leasehold, new-build and chain purchases often take longer. You can use a firm recommended by your estate agent or lender or shop around — you must be told if they receive a referral fee. Respond to requests quickly to avoid delays.