Conveyancing FAQs: What to Expect When Buying or Selling a Property

Buying or selling a home is a significant milestone, and for most people, it’s not something they do often. It’s therefore completely natural to feel uncertain about the process and to have questions along the way.

At Swinburne Maddison, we believe clients should feel informed and supported at every stage. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help demystify the process and give you a clearer picture of what to expect.

What is conveyancing?

Residential conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another. Your conveyancer will manage all legal and administrative aspects of the transaction, ensuring that your interests are protected and that everything is completed accurately, efficiently and in accordance with the law.

When should I instruct a conveyancer?

Ideally, you should instruct a conveyancer as soon as you decide to buy or sell a property. Early instruction allows us to complete onboarding and identity checks promptly, review key documents at an early stage and anticipate and resolve potential issues before they cause delays

A proactive start can make a meaningful difference to the overall pace and success of your transaction.

How long does conveyancing take?

Most residential conveyancing transactions take 8 to 12 weeks, but no two transactions are the same. Timeframes can be influenced by:

• The complexity of the transaction and the length of the property chain
• Mortgage approvals and lender requirements
• The results of searches and any issues arising from them
• The responsiveness of all parties involved

While some elements sit outside your control, clear communication and early preparation can help minimise delays.

How often will I hear from my conveyancer?

There may be periods where you don’t hear from your conveyancer, this is entirely normal. A significant proportion of the work we do happens behind the scenes, including:

• Reviewing title deeds and legal documentation
• Raising and responding to enquiries
• Analysing search results and mortgage offers
• Liaising with other solicitors and third parties
• Ensuring lender and regulatory requirements are satisfied

We will always keep you updated at key milestones and contact you if we need instructions or further information.

What are property searches, and why are they important?

Property searches are a critical part of the process. They provide essential information about the property and help identify any risks or restrictions that could affect your use or enjoyment of it. Typical searches include:

• Local Authority Search
  Covers planning history, building regulations, road schemes and environmental considerations.
• Drainage and Water Search
  Confirms how the property is connected to water and sewerage systems, and whether public sewers affect the land.
• Environmental Search
  Identifies risks such as flooding, contamination, ground instability and other environmental factors.
• Mining Search (where relevant)
  Highlights past or present mining activity which may impact the property’s structural integrity or value.

Understanding these factors before the exchange of contracts is essential to making an informed decision.

What costs are involved in conveyancing?

Conveyancing costs typically include:

• Legal fees for your conveyancer
• Search fees
• Land Registry fees
• Stamp Duty (where applicable)

We provide a clear and transparent estimate at the outset, so you understand the full cost from day one with no unexpected surprises.

I’m receiving a gifted deposit. Why do you need identification and proof of funds?

Where a gifted deposit is involved, we are required to carry out checks to comply with anti-money laundering regulations and lender requirements. This protects both you and the integrity of the transaction.

You will need to provide:

• Identification for the donor (e.g. passport or driving licence and proof of address)
• Evidence of the source of funds (e.g. bank statements)
• A signed declaration confirming:
  • The donor’s name
  • Their relationship to you
  • The amount being gifted
  • Whether the gift is repayable
  • That they will not have any legal or beneficial interest in the property

Handling this early helps prevent delays later in the process.

What is the exchange of contracts?

Exchange of contracts is the stage at which the transaction becomes legally binding. At this point. Both parties are committed to the transaction, with a completion date formally agreed. Financial penalties may apply if either party withdraws. This is one of the most significant milestones in the conveyancing process.

What happens on completion day?

Completion is the final stage of the transaction. On the day funds are transferred between solicitors, and legal ownership passes to the buyer.  Keys are released and the buyer can take possession. Your conveyancer will let you know when you can collect the keys.

How can I help keep the process moving?

While much of the process is handled on your behalf, there are practical steps you can take to support progress:

• Respond promptly to any requests for information
• Provide documentation as early as possible
• Ensure your mortgage offer is in place and up to date
• Stay engaged and maintain open communication throughout

Need advice or a quote?

If you have any questions about the conveyancing process, our team are happy to help. Please contact your lawyer or conveyancer for more information in connection with a live sale or purchase.

If you’re considering buying or selling a property, you can obtain a tailored quote quickly and easily through our online portal.