Buying or selling a property is one of the most significant financial decisions most people make in their lifetime. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, investing in property, or selling an existing residence, the process can be complex and time-consuming. One of the most important steps in any property transaction is conveyancing — the legal process that transfers ownership from one person to another.
If you’ve ever wondered “What is conveyancing?” or what a conveyancer actually does, this guide from our experienced team at DLS Law explains everything you need to know. We’ll cover how conveyancing works, the different searches involved, what to expect from the process, and why working with a qualified solicitor is essential to ensure everything runs smoothly and legally.
What Is Conveyancing? Your Essential Overview
At DLS Law, our dedicated team of solicitors in London and Milton Keynes has been guiding clients through the conveyancing process for decades. Property transactions involve numerous legal and financial steps, and choosing the right solicitor ensures your interests are protected from start to finish.
Conveyancing is a required part of any property sale or purchase — and while it may seem like just another piece of paperwork, it is, in fact, a vital legal safeguard. From checking for potential issues with the property to ensuring funds are transferred securely, your conveyancer plays an essential role in bringing your transaction to a successful completion.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know, including:
- What Is A Conveyancer?
- What Searches Do Conveyancers Do?
- Conveyancing Process Timeline
- Can I Do My Own Conveyancing?
- How Much Does Conveyancing Cost?
What Is A Conveyancer
A conveyancer is a legal professional who manages the legal and administrative tasks necessary to transfer property ownership from a seller to a buyer. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that all legal obligations are met, that all documents are prepared and signed correctly, and that the transaction is completed in accordance with property law.
Conveyancers handle every part of the process, including:
- Conducting legal searches and reviewing property titles
- Preparing and reviewing contracts
- Managing deposits and transfer of funds
- Communicating with mortgage lenders and estate agents
- Registering the new ownership with the HM Land Registry
You can choose either a licensed conveyancer or a solicitor to handle your conveyancing. While both are qualified to complete the legal process, there are some differences worth understanding.
Is a Conveyancer a Solicitor?
Not always. A licensed conveyancer is a specialist who focuses solely on property transactions. In contrast, a solicitor has broader legal training and can assist with other legal matters — such as family law, probate, or dispute resolution — in addition to conveyancing.
Using a solicitor-led service, such as DLS Law’s, can offer greater flexibility and peace of mind, particularly if your transaction involves complex legal or financial arrangements. For example, if your purchase involves a trust, a shared ownership scheme, or inheritance-related considerations, a solicitor’s wider legal knowledge can prove invaluable.
What Searches Do Conveyancers Do?
Before a sale is completed, your conveyancer performs a series of property searches. These are vital checks designed to uncover any legal, environmental, or structural issues that could affect the property’s value or your decision to buy.
Searches are conducted in collaboration with various local and national authorities to ensure that no hidden issues are overlooked. Common searches include:
Local Authority Search
This search checks the property’s planning history, building control records, conservation area status, and whether it’s listed or subject to compulsory purchase orders. You can learn more about planning applications through the Planning Portal.
Water and Drainage Search
This confirms whether the property is connected to the mains water supply and public drainage system. It also identifies the responsible water company and the exact location of public sewers, which can impact future building work.
Environmental Search
An environmental search highlights potential environmental risks such as contaminated land, flood risk, or subsidence. This ensures you are aware of any long-term risks to the property’s condition or resale value.
Land Registry Search
This verifies the property’s title, ownership, and any charges or restrictions, ensuring the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership. This step also confirms that there are no outstanding legal issues associated with the property.
Additional searches may be required in certain areas — for instance, mining searches in regions with a history of mining activity, or chancel repair searches where historic church repair liabilities may apply.
Conveyancing Process Timeline
The conveyancing process can vary in length depending on the property, location, and complexity of the transaction. On average, it takes 12-16 weeks from offer acceptance to completion, though straightforward purchases without a chain can be finalised sooner.
Conveyancing Timeline Breakdown
- Offer acceptance to initial work: Up to 2 weeks.
- Mortgage arrangement: Approximately 4 weeks
- Draft contract, local searches, and reviews: Typically 2–10 weeks
- Exchange of contracts to completion: Around 1 week
- Total estimated time: 12–16 weeks
During this time, your solicitor will:
- Review and negotiate the draft contract.
- Raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor.
- Conduct necessary searches
- Review your mortgage offer.
- Prepare for exchange and completion.
Factors That Can Affect the Timeline
- Property chains: Transactions involving multiple linked buyers and sellers can experience delays because all parties must complete each stage together.
- Leasehold properties: Leasehold sales are typically more complex than freehold ones, as they involve additional documents and checks with managing agents.
- Delays in information: If lenders, management companies, or third parties are slow to respond, the process may be held up.
- Complex issues: If property searches reveal issues such as missing building regulation certificates or boundary disputes, additional time may be needed to resolve them.
- Client response times: Promptly providing your solicitor with the
The requested documents and information help prevent unnecessary delays.
See GOV.UK for more on the legal process of selling your house.
Can I Do My Own Conveyancing?
Technically, yes — you can do your own conveyancing, as there is no legal requirement to use a solicitor. However, this is generally advisable only for very simple, mortgage-free transactions. Property law can be complex, and errors can result in significant financial and legal consequences.
Most mortgage lenders will require you to use a qualified solicitor or conveyancer to protect their interests.
Why DIY Conveyancing Is Risky
- Lack of legal knowledge: Conveyancing involves detailed legal checks and time-sensitive actions. Mistakes can cause costly delays or disputes.
- Time-consuming: The process requires a significant amount of time and administrative effort. Even small oversights can have major consequences.
- Risk of mistakes: Missing a crucial document or misunderstanding search results could result in losing your deposit or facing future property disputes.
- No professional indemnity: Unlike solicitors, private individuals are not covered by professional indemnity insurance, meaning you could be held personally liable for any mistakes.
When You Should Not Attempt DIY Conveyancing
Avoid DIY conveyancing if:
- You are buying with a mortgage, as lenders will require a solicitor to be involved.
- The property is leasehold or unregistered.
- The transaction involves complex legal circumstances, such as divorce or probate.
- You are unfamiliar with property law or legal documentation.
Working with a qualified team, such as DLS Law’s solicitors in London and Milton Keynes, ensures that your transaction is handled efficiently, correctly, and with complete legal protection.
How Much Does Conveyancing Cost?
At DLS Law, our residential conveyancing solicitors have created a transparent and competitive fee structure to suit every client. Costs can vary depending on the property’s value, whether it is freehold or leasehold, and the complexity of the transaction.
Typical conveyancing fees include:
- Legal fees for your solicitor or conveyancer
- Search fees paid to local authorities and other agencies
- HM Land Registry registration fees
- Bank transfer and administrative charges
We are always happy to provide a clear cost breakdown upfront so you know exactly what to expect. To receive a detailed quote tailored to your circumstances, please contact DLS Law today.
For general guidance, the MoneyHelper offers a useful overview of typical conveyancing costs in the UK.
Final Thoughts
Conveyancing is a crucial aspect of any property transaction, ensuring that legal ownership is transferred correctly and that your investment is fully protected. While the process can seem complex, working with experienced professionals can make all the difference.
At DLS Law, our expert solicitors in Milton Keynes and London have guided clients through every type of residential and commercial property transaction for over 50 years. We pride ourselves on clear communication, practical advice, and efficient service — all designed to make your buying or selling experience as smooth as possible.
Whether you’re purchasing your first home or managing a complex property portfolio, DLS Law is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to speak with one of our friendly property solicitors and discover how we can help you move forward with confidence.
