Frequently Asked Questions About Conveyancing

Seeking legal advice can feel complicated: unfamiliar terminology, several options to weigh and no shortage of firms to choose between. Conveyancing has acquired a particular reputation for mystery, though it need not have one, and the questions below are those we hear most often. At Trent Law our aim is simple: to guide each client through one of life's most important transactions in plain English, and to reach completion with as little drama as possible. Our full range of legal services extends well beyond property.

What is a conveyancing solicitor?

A conveyancing solicitor is a legal professional specialising in residential property and the law governing its sale and purchase. The role differs according to whether you are buying or selling, but the substance is the same: to see that one of the most valuable transactions of your life completes safely, with title, searches, finance and contract all in order.

What does the conveyancing process include?

The steps vary between a purchase and a sale, but the conveyancing process runs from draft contracts and enquiries, through searches and mortgage arrangements, to exchange of contracts, completion and registration. There is more paperwork than romance in it, and communication is everything, which is why choosing a solicitor you trust matters so much.

How long will conveyancing take?

The process begins when an offer is made and accepted, and ends on the day of completion when the keys change hands. A typical transaction takes around twelve to sixteen weeks, though it can be quicker. The pace is usually set by the chain, and by how promptly enquiries are raised and answered on all sides.

About the author: Dr Aamir Nawaz, LLB (Hons), LLM, PhD, Solicitor, Barrister (np) and Notary Public.