What Is a Conveyancing Solicitor UK

Learn what a conveyancing solicitor is in the UK, including their role in property transactions, why they are important, and how they differ from licensed conveyancers.

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Solicitors. This article explains what a conveyancing solicitor is and their property role.

A conveyancing solicitor is a qualified legal professional who manages the legal side of buying or selling property. Their main job is to ensure that the transfer of ownership between buyer and seller is carried out smoothly, correctly, and in line with UK property law.

Conveyancing solicitors handle contracts, conduct property searches, liaise with mortgage lenders, and ensure all financial transactions are completed properly. Their work protects both parties by confirming that ownership rights are clear, all conditions of the sale are met, and the buyer knows exactly what they are purchasing.

The Role of a Conveyancing Solicitor

Conveyancing may sound straightforward, but property law is complex, and every transaction carries legal and financial risks. A conveyancing solicitor manages these risks by guiding clients through each stage of the process.

For property buyers, their duties usually include:

Reviewing the draft contract and raising legal enquiries with the seller’s solicitor.
Checking the property title at HM Land Registry to confirm ownership and restrictions.
Ordering local authority searches to uncover potential issues such as planning disputes, road schemes, or drainage problems.
Liaising with your mortgage lender to ensure loan conditions are met.
Arranging the exchange of contracts and managing completion funds securely.

For sellers, the solicitor’s work includes:

Preparing and issuing the contract pack to the buyer’s solicitor.
Answering legal enquiries about the property.
Handling the redemption of any existing mortgage.
Ensuring sale proceeds are transferred safely on completion.

Why You Need a Conveyancing Solicitor

Buying or selling a home is often the largest financial transaction most people will ever make. Using a conveyancing solicitor ensures the process is legally compliant and helps avoid costly mistakes.

A solicitor protects your interests by identifying any legal restrictions, outstanding debts, or disputes linked to the property. They also ensure funds are handled securely, which is crucial when large sums are being transferred between parties.

Without a qualified solicitor, you risk delays, errors in ownership documentation, or even legal disputes after completion. Having a professional manage the process brings peace of mind and ensures every step follows the correct legal procedure.

Difference Between a Solicitor and a Licensed Conveyancer

Both conveyancing solicitors and licensed conveyancers can handle property transactions, but there are slight differences between the two.

A solicitor is a qualified lawyer who can deal with a wide range of legal matters, not just conveyancing. This can be useful if your property transaction involves other issues such as wills, probate, or disputes.

A licensed conveyancer is a specialist who focuses solely on property law. They offer the same legal protection and are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Both are fully qualified to carry out conveyancing, and the best choice often depends on your specific needs or whether your transaction involves additional legal work.

How Much Does a Conveyancing Solicitor Cost

The cost of hiring a conveyancing solicitor depends on the value of the property, location, and whether it’s freehold or leasehold. On average, you can expect to pay between £850 and £1,500, including disbursements such as searches and Land Registry fees.

Leasehold properties or shared ownership schemes typically cost more due to the extra paperwork and communication involved with managing agents and freeholders. Most solicitors offer fixed-fee pricing so you know exactly what to expect before starting the process.

The Conveyancing Process Step by Step

While every property sale or purchase is unique, the conveyancing process generally follows these key stages:

1. Instruction
Once you choose your solicitor, they’ll verify your identity, provide a quote, and open your case file.

2. Contract and Searches
Your solicitor reviews or prepares the draft contract and conducts legal searches to identify any potential risks.

3. Exchange of Contracts
When both parties are satisfied with the terms, contracts are exchanged, and the sale becomes legally binding.

4. Completion
Your solicitor arranges payment, registers the property with the Land Registry, and provides you with the final documents confirming ownership.

Throughout the process, your solicitor communicates with estate agents, lenders, and the other party’s legal representative to ensure everything stays on track.

How Long Does Conveyancing Take

The average conveyancing process in the UK takes between 8 and 12 weeks, depending on factors like chain length, mortgage approvals, and search results. Straightforward transactions can complete faster, but more complex sales may take longer.

A good solicitor keeps you informed throughout, providing updates at each stage and addressing any issues quickly to avoid unnecessary delays.

Choosing the Right Conveyancing Solicitor

When selecting a solicitor, consider:

Experience: Choose someone familiar with local property laws and transactions.
Communication: Look for a firm that offers regular updates and clear explanations.
Transparency: Ensure you receive a full breakdown of costs upfront.

Reading reviews and asking for recommendations from friends or estate agents can also help you find a reliable solicitor who fits your needs.

The Importance of Professional Conveyancing

Conveyancing might seem like a formality, but it’s a vital safeguard that ensures every legal and financial detail of your property transaction is handled correctly. A conveyancing solicitor gives you confidence that your purchase or sale will be completed properly, with all potential risks managed and compliance guaranteed.

Attempting to handle conveyancing yourself could lead to missing crucial details like title restrictions or unpaid ground rent, which can create major problems later. Professional solicitors help you avoid these pitfalls and provide protection under regulated legal frameworks.

Final Thoughts

A conveyancing solicitor plays a key role in making property transactions secure, smooth, and legally compliant. From handling contracts to completing registrations, they ensure your sale or purchase is completed efficiently and with minimal stress.

While costs vary, hiring a qualified solicitor is an investment in peace of mind. With expert guidance, you can move home confidently, knowing every aspect of the process is managed professionally from start to finish.