Guide to Conveyancing Process Stages
How long does it take to buy a house?
Do I need to use a solicitor?
It's not mandatory to use a solicitor, but it's highly recommended. Solicitors handle the legal side of the property purchase, from drafting contracts to finalising the process.
What do solicitors do?
Solicitors ensure that your property purchase runs smoothly by dealing with the legal process. They:
- Draft contracts
- Conduct searches
- Finalise the purchase
1. Draft contracts
2. Conduct searches
3. Finalise the purchase
- You and your solicitor are happy with the answers to your questions
- The solicitor has dealt with any issues from the survey report
- You have received an official mortgage offer
- You have scheduled the payments for the deposit and completion date
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What happens between exchange and legal completion?
Before legal completion, your solicitor will conduct final searches and draft a document to transfer your property ownership. They'll also prepare your mortgage funds to finalise the purchase.
What is legal completion?
Legal completion means the house is officially yours. It usually occurs after the contract exchange and once your home is ready to move into. Contract exchange and legal completion may take place on the same day but are usually a week or two apart.
What happens after legal completion?
After legal completion, your solicitor will gather any outstanding payments and paperwork, including:
- Stamp Duty (if applicable)
- Your solicitor will register you with the Land Registry
- Your solicitor will give you the receipt of their payment
Help to Sell Schemes
We have a range of schemes to help you sell your existing home.
Parent Power
Parents can also help. Typically they (or a close family member) could help you with your deposit, or guarantee your mortgage, or act as a joint applicant.
Low Deposit Schemes
If you have a low deposit, we have a variety of schemes to help make moving more affordable.
Key Worker Scheme
We could help make your move with our Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme.
Own New - Rate Reducer
Own New - Rate Reducer is a brand-new scheme available on new build homes that could mean lower mortgage rates and reduced monthly payments.
Part Exchange
We could be your guaranteed buyer. No stress or fuss, just an easy move for you and your family.