What Does a Solicitor Do When You Buy a House?

Many house-buying guides explain how to find a property or arrange a mortgage, but they rarely explain what happens once you instruct a solicitor.

The legal process of transferring ownership of property is known as conveyancing. Your solicitor’s role is to investigate the property, deal with legal formalities and make sure the property can safely be transferred into your name.

Although the process can seem complicated, the steps below explain what your solicitor is doing on your behalf.

1. Checking the Seller Owns the Property

The seller’s solicitor provides documents confirming they own the property and have the right to sell it. These documents also show:

• the property boundaries
• any rights affecting the property (such as rights of way)
• any restrictions or obligations attached to the property.

Your solicitor reviews these documents to ensure there are no legal issues affecting the property.

2. Reviewing Property Information

The seller also provides standard forms giving practical information about the property, including:

• boundary responsibilities
• alterations or building works
• occupiers at the property
• utilities and services
• fixtures and fittings included in the sale.

Your solicitor checks this information and raises enquiries if anything needs clarification.

3. Carrying Out Property Searches

Your solicitor will carry out searches with organisations such as:

• the Local Authority
• water and drainage providers
• environmental data providers.

These searches reveal issues recorded on public registers, such as planning matters, drainage connections or environmental risks.

4. Checking Your Mortgage Offer

If you are buying with a mortgage, your solicitor will review the mortgage offer and ensure the property meets the lender’s requirements. The solicitor normally acts for both you and the lender during this stage.

5. Raising Enquiries with the Seller

If anything in the paperwork or searches raises questions, your solicitor will ask the seller’s solicitor for further information. This stage ensures any potential issues are addressed before you commit to the purchase.

This investigation stage usually takes around four to six weeks, depending on how quickly searches and responses are received.

How Long Does Conveyancing Take in the UK?

For a straightforward property purchase, conveyancing typically takes around 8–12 weeks from the start of the legal process to completion.

However, the timeline can vary depending on factors such as:

• the length of the property chain
• mortgage approval times
• how quickly searches are returned
• whether any legal issues arise during investigations.

Your solicitor will keep you updated throughout the process and let you know if anything is likely to cause delays.

6. Exchange of Contracts

Once the legal checks are complete and you are happy to proceed, contracts are exchanged.

At this stage:

• the purchase becomes legally binding
• a deposit is paid (usually 10%)
• the completion date is agreed.

Your solicitor will explain the findings of their investigations before you sign the contract.

7. Completion and Getting the Keys

Completion usually takes place one to two weeks after exchange, although this can vary.

On completion day:

• the purchase money is transferred to the seller
• ownership is transferred to you
• you can collect the keys and move into your new home.

Your solicitor will then register you as the new owner with HM Land Registry.

Speak to Our Conveyancing Team

Buying a home can feel complicated, but an experienced solicitor will guide you through each step and ensure the property is legally safe to purchase. If you would like advice about buying a property, our Conveyancing Team would be happy to help. Contact us by emailing [email protected] or calling 0800 8840 640.