Conveyancing guide: from offer to completion

Appoint the legal team early

Conveyancing is the legal work involved in transferring property ownership. Obtain written quotes from suitably regulated firms, check they can act for your mortgage lender and ask who will manage the file. A recommendation is a starting point; you choose and instruct the firm.

Compare the full scope, VAT and likely extra charges, including leasehold, lender work, searches, transfers and registration. Ask how an aborted transaction is charged and how you will receive updates. Jack can help prepare an introduction; independent legal advice comes from the appointed firm.

Give the ownership and funding story

Your conveyancer needs to know the buyers, their identities, the deposit source and any family contribution or other borrowing. Joint owners should discuss how ownership and contributions are to be recorded, and whether a declaration of trust or related advice is needed.

Provide funds evidence through the firm’s agreed secure channel. Confirm bank details using an independently verified number before sending money, especially if an email appears to change the account. Do not rely on an unexpected message alone.

Understand the checks and enquiries

The legal team investigates the title, contract papers, searches and seller’s replies, and raises questions where necessary. Leasehold purchases bring additional matters such as the lease, service charges, managing-agent information and planned works. Ask for an explanation of unresolved points and any practical restrictions on the way you intend to use the property.

A legal search, lender valuation and building survey answer different questions. Tell your solicitor about planned letting, alterations, an annexe, access concerns or anything your survey raises. They can explain which issue belongs with which professional.

Know who is responsible for each decision

The lender decides whether to offer the mortgage. Jack advises on the mortgage within the agreed service. Your surveyor reports on condition within their instruction. The conveyancer advises on title and legal commitment. The estate agent helps progress the sale and chain. Ask for a single list of outstanding items, with the person responsible for each.

Exchange only when the legal team says you are ready

In a standard England-and-Wales purchase, an accepted offer is normally subject to contract; exchange is the binding commitment. Ask your solicitor to confirm the mortgage conditions, deposit arrangements, searches, enquiries, insurance and agreed completion date. Do not treat receiving the mortgage offer as authority to exchange.

The deposit paid at exchange is not necessarily the same figure as your overall mortgage deposit. The contract determines what is due and when. The solicitor should explain this and how the remaining money reaches completion.

Completion and the work afterwards

Before completion, review the completion statement and transfer only the funds requested through verified channels. The solicitors arrange the legal transfer of funds; keys are released when completion is confirmed. Keep a practical plan for moving if the chain or banking timetable changes.

Afterwards, the legal team handles the required tax submission and registration work within the agreed scope. Keep the completion statement and final documents. For a remortgage, the work replaces the old lender’s security and repays the old borrowing; it does not involve purchasing the property again.

Questions before you start