The Short Answer
Your conveyancer does far more than complete paperwork.
Every property transaction involves a series of legal investigations, checks, enquiries and regulatory requirements designed to ensure that you know exactly what you are buying or selling, that your legal interests are protected, and that the transaction can proceed safely.
Much of this work takes place behind the scenes, but it is essential to achieving a successful completion.
We Investigate the Property
One of the first things we do is investigate the legal title to the property.
This includes checking:
- Who legally owns the property.
- Whether they have the right to sell it.
- Rights of way and easements.
- Restrictive covenants.
- Restrictions registered against the title.
- Any legal matters that could affect your ownership or future use of the property.
Our role is to identify potential issues before you become legally committed.
We Carry Out Legal Searches
If you are purchasing a property, we obtain searches that reveal information which cannot always be seen during a viewing.
Depending on the property, these may include information about:
- Planning and building regulation matters.
- Roads and highways.
- Drainage and water.
- Environmental issues.
- Flood risk.
- Mining or ground stability.
- Other matters that may affect the property.
These searches help you make an informed decision before exchange of contracts.
We Raise Enquiries
If something isn't clear, we ask.
Enquiries are an important part of the conveyancing process and are raised to clarify information, obtain missing documents, or confirm matters that could affect your decision to proceed.
Every property is different, which means every set of enquiries is different.
We Check Your Mortgage Requirements
If you are buying with the help of a mortgage, we usually act for both you and your lender.
Before funds can be released, we must ensure that the property meets your lender's requirements and that all conditions of the mortgage offer have been satisfied.
We Carry Out Identity and Financial Checks
As regulated property lawyers, we have legal obligations to verify your identity and understand where the money used in your transaction has come from.
These checks help prevent fraud, money laundering and financial crime and are required by law.
We Prepare You for Exchange and Completion
Before contracts are exchanged, we ensure you understand the legal documents you are signing and the commitments you are making.
Once everything is ready, we coordinate with the other parties involved to arrange exchange and completion, helping your transaction progress as smoothly as possible.
We Keep Things Moving
A conveyancing transaction often involves a number of different people, including:
- Buyers and sellers
- Estate agents
- Mortgage lenders
- Mortgage brokers
- Surveyors
- Managing agents
- Freeholders
- Other solicitors
- HM Land Registry
One of our key roles is coordinating with everyone involved, responding to developments, resolving issues where possible, and keeping your transaction progressing.
We Keep You Informed
We understand that buying or selling a property can feel daunting.
We will explain what we are doing, why we are doing it, and what we need from you at each stage of the transaction. Our aim is to provide clear, practical guidance so you always understand where your matter stands.
It's About More Than Paperwork
Conveyancing is about protecting one of the biggest financial commitments most people will ever make.
While much of our work happens behind the scenes, every document reviewed, every enquiry raised, every search considered and every conversation held is aimed at ensuring your transaction is completed safely, efficiently and with your best interests at the forefront.
Did You Know?
A typical conveyancing file may involve reviewing hundreds of pages of legal documents, raising numerous enquiries, liaising with multiple organisations and carrying out extensive legal and regulatory checks before contracts can safely be exchanged.
Much of this work happens long before you receive your keys, but it plays a vital role in protecting your investment.