Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones — exciting, emotional, and, at times, overwhelming. With unfamiliar terms like “conveyancing”, “searches”, and “exchange of contracts”, it’s easy to feel lost. This guide breaks down the legal process of buying a property in England and Wales so you know exactly what to expect.
1. Instructing a Solicitor or Conveyancer
Once your offer has been accepted, the first legal step is to instruct a conveyancing solicitor to handle the legal aspects of the purchase. They’ll:
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Check the property’s legal title
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Handle all contracts and legal documentation
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Manage the transfer of funds
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Ensure you’re protected at every step
Choose a solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for peace of mind.
2. Drafting and Reviewing the Contract
The seller’s solicitor will prepare a draft contract and send it to your solicitor. It includes details like:
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Property boundaries
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Fixtures and fittings included in the sale
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Legal ownership (title deeds)
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Any planning restrictions, rights of way, or easements
Your solicitor will review the contract thoroughly and raise pre-contract enquiries if there are concerns or missing information.
3. Property Searches
Your solicitor will carry out several legal searches to uncover any issues that might affect the property or your ability to live there.
Key searches include:
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Local authority search – Planning permissions, road schemes, or building regulations issues
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Drainage & water search – Whether the property is connected to public water/sewers
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Environmental search – Checks for flood risk, contamination, or nearby industrial use
These protect you from unexpected risks and can influence whether you proceed.
4. Mortgage & Valuation
If you’re taking out a mortgage, your lender will:
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Conduct a valuation survey to confirm the property’s worth
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Issue a mortgage offer once approved
Your solicitor will check the mortgage conditions and help you understand your obligations.
5. Signing the Contract
Once all enquiries are satisfied, searches are complete, and mortgage financing is in place, both parties sign their contracts. But you’re not legally bound just yet.
At this point, you should:
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Review the completion date
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Finalise your deposit (usually 5–10% of the purchase price)
6. Exchange of Contracts
This is the legal turning point.
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Contracts are formally exchanged between solicitors.
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You’re now legally committed to buying the property.
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The completion date is locked in.
If you pull out after exchange, you risk losing your deposit and facing legal action.
7. Completion Day
On the agreed date:
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Your solicitor transfers the remaining funds to the seller’s solicitor
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You get the keys and officially become the owner
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The estate agent releases the keys once confirmation of payment is received
Congratulations — you’re a homeowner!
8. Post-Completion: Registration and Stamp Duty
After completion, your solicitor will:
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Pay any Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) due (based on the property price)
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Register you as the legal owner with HM Land Registry
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Send you a copy of the Title Deed once registration is complete
FAQs
Q: How long does the conveyancing process take?
Typically, 8–12 weeks, but it can vary depending on the chain and mortgage delays.
Q: What’s the difference between a solicitor and a licensed conveyancer?
Both can handle property transactions, but a solicitor may offer broader legal services (e.g. disputes, wills) if needed.
Q: Do I need a survey?
Yes, we recommend a Homebuyer Report or Building Survey, especially for older properties. A lender’s valuation is not a survey.
Need Help Buying Your First Home?
At [Your Law Firm Name], our friendly conveyancing team guides first-time buyers through the entire process — with clarity, speed, and support you can trust.
📞 Call today on +44 7830 359690
📧 Email: info@firthstonevalelaw.com
✅ Fixed-fee quotes available with no hidden costs
Disclaimer: This blog post is for general information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified solicitor for personalised guidance.
