What does a conveyancer do? Your guide to the legal side of moving
Your conveyancer controls the legal timeline, so it controls your moving date.
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A conveyancer (or property solicitor) handles the legal work of buying or selling a home. They check the legal title, deal with the other side, manage the money and register the change of ownership.
What they do
- Check contracts, searches and the property's legal title.
- Raise questions with the seller's side.
- Report to you and your lender.
- Handle the deposit and the completion money.
- Pay Stamp Duty Land Tax where it applies, and register the property.
Why it matters for your move
You exchange contracts, then complete. The completion date is usually the day you move. Book removals once you are close to exchange and have a date, and expect flexibility. Read completion day explained and mortgage and moving timeline.
Costs
Fees vary. Ask for a written quote that shows legal fees, searches and disbursements. See stamp duty and moving costs.
In Scotland
The process and terms differ in Scotland, where the buying system and taxes are different. Ask a Scottish solicitor.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does conveyancing take?
Often several weeks to a few months, depending on the chain and searches.
When should I book removals?
Once you have a likely date, then confirm when you exchange contracts.
Can I do conveyancing myself?
If you have a mortgage, your lender will usually require a solicitor or licensed conveyancer.
Related guides
- Completion day explained: what happens and what to do
- Mortgage and moving: the timeline from offer to keys
- Stamp duty and moving costs explained for movers
Prices and rules in this guide are general guides and change over time. Check GOV.UK or a qualified adviser for your own situation.
What a conveyancer does
A conveyancer is a legal professional, a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer, who handles the legal side of buying or selling a property. They check the title, run searches, deal with the other side, explain the contract to you, arrange the transfer of money and register the change of ownership. Their work sets the timeline for your move, so what they say about dates matters for your removal plans.
The main steps
- Instruction. You choose a conveyancer, and they check your identity and give you the terms and costs.
- Contract pack and searches. For a buyer, they review the contract and order searches for local authority, water, environmental and other information.
- Enquiries. They raise questions with the seller's side and report to you on any issues.
- Mortgage. They deal with your lender's requirements.
- Exchange of contracts. The sale becomes legally binding, and a completion date is fixed.
- Completion. The money is transferred and you receive the keys.
- After completion. They pay any Stamp Duty or equivalent where it applies and register the property in your name.
The process in Scotland differs. See moving to Scotland or Wales from England.
What to ask a conveyancer
- What is the total fee, and what is not included?
- Is it a fixed fee, and is it "no move, no fee"?
- How long do you expect the process to take?
- Who will be my main contact, and how will you update me?
- When is the earliest we can exchange and complete?
Plan your move around the timeline
Do not book a removal date until you know when you will exchange. Ask the conveyancer for an estimate, and tell your removal company that dates may change. See completion day explained and the mortgage and moving timeline. This is general information, not legal advice.
Common questions
Do I need a conveyancer to buy a house?
You need someone to do the legal work. Most people use a solicitor or licensed conveyancer.
How long does conveyancing take?
It varies. Several weeks to a few months is common, and chains can add time. Ask for an estimate.
When should I book removals during conveyancing?
Compare quotes early, but confirm the date once contracts are exchanged.
