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Understanding the Conveyancing Process:

What You Need to Know

  • How long does conveyancing take when buying or selling a property?

  • What searches do conveyancers do?

  • When should I instruct a solicitor?

  • What is a chain?

These are just a few of the common questions that arise during the process of buying and selling property. It’s understandable why one might ask: Why should buying a house be more difficult and time-consuming than buying a car?

The truth is, the system for buying and selling property in England and Wales is slowly evolving into the electronic age, but it remains rooted in an outdated model—a system that, more often than not, is no longer fit for purpose in today’s fast-paced world. It can be slow, cumbersome, and prone to delays.

This brings us to another important question: Do conveyancers help with buying and selling homes, or do they simply add delay, confusion, stress, and expense to the process? While there are times when conveyancers may contribute to the frustration, the difference between an experienced conveyancer and an inexperienced one can make all the difference. An experienced conveyancer will guide you through the challenges, expertly navigating the complexities of the process and helping things progress smoothly.

At Fairweather Law, we pride ourselves on providing expert conveyancing services. Our team is committed to making your property transaction as efficient and stress-free as possible. We believe that our experience and dedication set us apart, and we’d love the opportunity to help you through your property journey.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your conveyancing needs, our lawyers are here to help.
Contact us today to discuss your personal requirements. We’re committed to guiding you through the process with expertise and care.

What makes Fairweather Law special?

Free initial consultation

Free initial 30-minute phone consultation for both businesses and individual clients. Our legal team will discuss your needs and guide you in the right direction from the very start of our relationship.

Local to you

With offices throughout Suffolk, extending into Norfolk, and an expanding client base in the London area, we are confident in our ability to provide you with the highest standard legal advice, no matter your location.

No nonsense

We take pride in providing clear, straightforward advice without overwhelming you with unnecessary legal jargon. Our personalised approach and our ability to put you at ease, ensures a positive outcome.

Reputation

Our clients receive outstanding service, building continuing relationships that ensure they and our business partners return to us repeatedly for their legal needs.

Value

Our legal fees are tailored to the local market, we regularly monitor our rates compared to larger organisations. Being a relatively small firm ensures that our rates remain competitive.

Our Conveyancing Services

On a sale, our standard conveyancing fee typically includes the following services:

  • Liaising with estate agents and your mortgage lender (if applicable).
  • Preparing draft contracts, sourcing your title documents (or deeds, if the property is unregistered), and issuing a full ‘contract pack’ to your buyer’s solicitor.
  • Dealing with any legal enquiries arising from the contract pack & liaising with you to provide comprehensive replies to your buyer’s solicitor in a timely manner.
  • Approving the form of transfer to the property and arranging for you to execute the same, together with your contract.
  • Providing you with comprehensive updates and reports throughout the transaction.
  • Conducting exchange of contracts and handling post-exchange formalities.
  • Preparing your file for completion, including a mortgage redemption figure (if applicable) and arranging the signature of all relevant documentation.

On a purchase, our standard conveyancing fee typically includes the following services:

  • Liaising with estate agents and your mortgage lender (if applicable).
  • Reviewing the contract pack received from the seller’s solicitor and conducting necessary searches.
  • Investigating the title to the property, addressing any legal enquiries and thereafter reporting to you on the legal title with copies of all relevant documents & replies to our enquiries.
  • Preparing the transfer deed.
  • Reviewing and reporting to you on the terms of your mortgage offer and arranging the execution of all necessary documents related to your mortgage (if applicable).
  • Providing you with comprehensive updates and reports throughout the transaction.
  • Conducting exchange of contracts and handling post-exchange formalities.
  • Preparing your file for completion, including requesting mortgage monies and arranging the signature of all relevant documentation.
  • Completing post-completion work, including payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax, registering your transaction with HM Land Registry, and dealing with any other post-completion matters.

How Long Will My Transaction Take?

The timeline from when your offer is accepted to when you can move into your new home can vary depending on several factors. On average, the process takes between 10-16 weeks for a freehold transaction and 12-18 weeks for a leasehold transaction. However, the timeline can be quicker or slower depending on the parties involved in the chain. A standard remortgage typically takes around 4 weeks.

CQS conveyancing quality scheme accredited

Residential Property
FAQs

What’s the difference between exchange of contracts and completion?

Exchange of contracts means that a transaction is legally binding, and the completion date is set. Completion is the final step, when the purchase price is paid to the seller and ownership of the property is officially transferred to the buyer.

Yes, a conveyancer investigates and advises you on legal issues, whereas a surveyor will assess the physical condition of the property. A survey can help identify structural problems, damp, or other defects that may not be apparent during a viewing.
If your transaction falls through, you may still be liable for costs incurred up to that point, such as search fees or a portion of your legal fees. At Fairweather Law, we’ll help minimise disruption and work with you to explore the best options for moving forward, including picking up where things left off if and when you’re ready to proceed again.

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