Buying a property is an important milestone. While every transaction is different, the legal process broadly follows a series of key stages.

Below, we outline the main steps involved in the conveyancing purchase process so you know what to expect from instruction through to registration.

Timescales can vary depending on the chain, title issues, lender requirements, searches and responses from third parties.

1. Start of Matter

At the outset of your purchase:

  • We provide a quotation for our fees.
  • You confirm that you would like us to act.
  • We carry out the necessary anti-money laundering checks and complete file opening procedures.
  • We receive the sales memorandum from the agents.
  • We send you our client care letter and initial forms to complete and return.
  • We contact the seller’s solicitors to confirm our instructions and request the contract pack.

This stage ensures everything is in place for the transaction to begin properly.

2. Contract Pack and Searches

Once the seller’s solicitors provide the contract pack, we:

  • Review the property information forms, title documents and supporting paperwork.
  • Send you the title plan and take any necessary instructions.
  • Order the relevant searches.
  • Review the contract documentation and raise initial enquiries on your behalf.

These investigations help us identify any legal or practical issues affecting the property.

3. Pre-Contract Enquiries

Following receipt of search results and, where relevant, survey information, we:

  • Raise additional enquiries with the seller’s solicitors.
  • Review replies and address any outstanding matters.

This stage can involve third parties, for example management companies in leasehold matters.

4. Report on Title

Once satisfactory replies and documentation have been received:

  • We prepare a detailed Report on Title setting out our advice and findings.
  • After you have reviewed the report and confirmed you are happy to proceed, we arrange for you to sign the contract and related documents.
  • You provide the deposit funds for exchange, and we complete the necessary proof of funds checks.

This is your opportunity to fully understand the legal position before committing to the purchase.

5. Exchange of Contracts

When signed contracts and deposit monies are in place:

  • We take your instructions regarding a preferred completion date.
  • Once agreed by all parties, contracts are exchanged.

Exchange makes the transaction legally binding and fixes the completion date.

6. Pre-Completion Work

In preparation for completion, we:

  • Report to your lender and request mortgage funds.
  • Prepare and send you a completion statement showing a breakdown of costs and the balance required to complete.

7. Completion Day

On the agreed date:

  • Funds are transferred to the seller’s solicitor.
  • Once funds are received, keys are released.
  • You can collect the keys and move into your new property.

8. Post-Completion Work

After completion:

  • We pay any Stamp Duty Land Tax due and submit the SDLT return.
  • We deal with Land Registry registration and confirm once registration is completed.

How You Can Help Keep Matters Moving

There are practical steps you can take to support a smooth transaction:

  • Return onboarding forms, signed documents and identification promptly.
  • Provide source of funds information early, including details of any gifted deposit.
  • Instruct your lender and book your survey as soon as possible.
  • Respond quickly to queries and confirm your preferred completion date when discussed.

Common Reasons Matters Take Longer

While each transaction is unique, delays can arise due to:

  • Long chains or late changes to completion dates.
  • Delays in receiving replies from the seller or third parties.
  • Search delays or the need for additional searches.
  • Leasehold management pack delays or issues revealed in the title or survey.

If you have any questions at any stage, please contact your conveyancer in our Property Department.

WBW Solicitors has offices in Axminster, Bovey Tracey, Brixham, Exeter, Exmouth, Honiton, Launceston, Newton Abbot, Paignton, Seaton, Sidmouth, and Torquay.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.