What Does a Conveyancer Do?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another. It can seem complex, but understanding the key people involved can make the process much clearer.

The professional responsible for managing this process is called a conveyancer.

A conveyancer’s role is to ensure that the property transaction is carried out legally, efficiently, and with minimal risk.

Key Responsibilities of a Conveyancer

A conveyancer may be a solicitor, licensed conveyancer, or a CILEX professional. In some cases they may be unqualified but working under supervision within a regulated firm. Regardless of their qualification, a conveyancer will typically carry out the following roles:

Reviewing Title Documents

The title to a property may be registered with HM Land Registry, or it may be unregistered, meaning ownership is proven through historic deeds and documents.

An important part of conveyancing is reviewing these title documents to confirm ownership and identify any rights, restrictions, or obligations that may benefit or affect the property.

Reviewing Property Searches

If you are buying a property, your conveyancer will arrange property searches. These searches reveal information about issues that might affect the property, such as planning matters, drainage, environmental risks, or nearby developments.

Your conveyancer will review the search results and explain any findings to you so you can make an informed decision.

Handling Enquiries

When acting for a buyer, a conveyancer will investigate the property and raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor. These questions clarify details about the property, the title, or information provided by the seller.

This helps ensure that buyers and sellers fully understand the transaction before proceeding.

Managing the Mortgage Process

If the buyer is purchasing with a mortgage, the conveyancer will usually also act for the mortgage lender.

Their role is to ensure the lender’s requirements are met and to arrange for the lender’s legal charge to be registered against the property.

Exchange of Contracts and Completion

Once enquiries are resolved, searches are completed, and the mortgage is in place, the transaction moves towards exchange of contracts and completion.

• Exchange of contracts is when the agreement becomes legally binding and the completion date is confirmed.
• Completion is the day when the buyer’s solicitor transfers the purchase funds to the seller’s solicitor and ownership officially changes hands. The buyer can then collect the keys, usually through the estate agent.

Post-Completion Work

After completion, the conveyancer still has important work to finish.

This includes submitting the Stamp Duty Land Tax return and registering the buyer’s ownership and any mortgage charge with HM Land Registry.

Why a Conveyancer Is Important

Property transactions involve significant legal and financial risk. A conveyancer helps protect both buyers and sellers by identifying potential risks, offering solutions, and providing clear advice so clients can make informed decisions.

Choosing the Right Conveyancer

The legal process behind property transfers can be complex. If steps are rushed or overlooked, the consequences can be serious.

There are many different conveyancing firms and solicitors, each operating in slightly different ways. Choosing a conveyancer that is the right fit for you is important.

Ask yourself:

• Is the firm well-established, reputable, and transparent?
• Are they accessible and easy to contact when needed?
• Do they explain things clearly in plain English?

How can we help?

If you are planning on buying or selling a house, get in touch with our specialist residential conveyancing solicitors.

Contact our team by telephone on 0330 123 1229, complete our contact form or send us an email via info@smithpartnership.co.uk.

We also have expert residential conveyancing solicitors at our offices across the midlands, in Burton, Derby, Leicester and Swadlincote.