When you buy a property, you'll spend countless hours viewing homes, comparing locations and imagining where your furniture will go.
But whilst you're looking at the property you hope to buy, your conveyancer is looking at something very different.
Our job isn't simply to complete paperwork or help you move house. It's to investigate the property thoroughly, identify any legal issues, explain what they mean for you and make sure you have all the information you need before deciding whether to proceed.
Much of this work happens behind the scenes, which is why many clients don't always realise just how much is involved.
The Short Answer
Your conveyancer's role is to investigate the property, protect your legal interests and guide you safely through one of the biggest financial commitments you'll ever make.
We review legal documents, carry out searches, raise enquiries, work with your mortgage lender (where applicable) and make sure you understand any issues before you become legally committed to buying the property.
Our aim is simple:
To help you move into your new home with confidence, knowing exactly what you're buying.
The Explanation
When you visit a property, it's completely natural to focus on what you can see.
The kitchen.
The garden.
The bedrooms.
Whether your sofa will fit.
Our role is very different.
We're looking for everything you can't see.
We'll carefully investigate the legal title to confirm ownership, boundaries, rights of way, restrictions and any obligations that may affect the property.
We'll review the contract papers prepared by the seller's conveyancer, examine the Property Information Forms completed by the seller and check any supporting documents that have been provided.
We'll arrange the appropriate property searches to identify matters such as planning history, highways, drainage, environmental issues and anything else that could affect the property or your future enjoyment of it.
If something isn't clear, or further information is needed, we'll raise enquiries with the seller's conveyancer. Sometimes these are answered quickly. Sometimes they require additional documents or information from third parties.
If you're buying with a mortgage, we'll also act for your lender (provided we're on their panel), ensuring the property satisfies their requirements before mortgage funds can be released.
Throughout the transaction, we'll explain what we've found, answer your questions and advise you on any risks or matters that require your attention.
Only once we've completed our investigations, your enquiries have been satisfactorily answered, your mortgage conditions have been met (where applicable) and you're happy to proceed will you be ready to Exchange Contracts.
What Are We Looking For?
Every property is different, but some of the matters we investigate may include:
- Who legally owns the property.
- Whether anyone else has rights over the property or access across it.
- Planning permissions and Building Regulations approvals for alterations.
- Restrictions affecting how the property can be used.
- Flood risk or environmental concerns identified by searches.
- Whether roads and sewers are publicly maintained.
- Lease terms, service charges and ground rent (where applicable).
- Mortgage lender requirements.
- Missing documents or certificates.
- Any issues that need further clarification before you commit to buying.
Most transactions don't uncover major problems, but if something does arise, it's our job to explain it clearly and discuss the options available to you.
Common Questions
Why does it sometimes seem quiet?
Because much of our work happens behind the scenes.
We're reviewing legal documents, analysing search results, raising enquiries and waiting for information from other parties. Although you may not see that work happening, your transaction is often progressing every day.
Will you tell me if something is wrong?
Absolutely.
If we identify something that could affect your decision to proceed, we'll explain it in plain English, discuss the risks and answer any questions you may have before you make any decisions.
Do you physically inspect the property?
No.
Your conveyancer investigates the legal aspects of the property, not its physical condition.
If you want advice about the property's structural condition, you should consider instructing an independent surveyor to carry out a survey.
Why do you ask so many questions?
Because buying a property is often a once-in-a-generation decision.
The more information we obtain before Exchange of Contracts, the fewer surprises there should be after you've moved in.
Top Tip
Don't worry if your conveyancer asks you questions or requests additional documents during the transaction.
Very often, we're simply making sure we have everything needed to protect you before you become legally committed to the purchase.
Did You Know?
The majority of a conveyancer's work takes place before Exchange of Contracts.
By the time you're legally committed to buy the property, we've usually spent many hours investigating documents, reviewing search results, raising enquiries and making sure both you and your mortgage lender have the information needed to proceed safely.
Common Misconception
"Conveyancers just complete paperwork."
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about conveyancing.
The documents are only part of our role.
Our real job is to investigate the property thoroughly, identify legal issues, explain what they mean and help you make an informed decision before you commit to buying.
The MA Lawyers Approach
At MA Lawyers, we believe buying a property should never feel like you're signing documents you don't fully understand.
Our role is to carry out the detailed legal investigations that protect your investment, whilst keeping you informed every step of the way.
We'll explain what we're doing, why we're doing it and what it means for you in clear, straightforward language. If we identify an issue, we'll discuss it with you openly, answer your questions and help you understand your options.
Most importantly, we never lose sight of what's really at the centre of every transaction.
It isn't just a property.
It's your future home.
Related Articles
- What Is Conveyancing?
- My Offer Has Been Accepted. What Happens Next?
- When Should I Instruct My Conveyancer?
- What Are Property Searches?
- What Are Enquiries?
- What Is Exchange of Contracts?