Buying a House: A Step-by-Step Guide
Buying a home is a major milestone—and a complex legal and financial process. The conveyancing steps are essential to ensure everything proceeds smoothly and legally. In England and Wales, residential conveyancing typically takes 8–12 weeks, or 4–8 weeks for new builds. However, timelines can vary depending on the property chain, complexity of the transaction, and response times from all parties.
Staying patient, organised, and proactive with your documentation will help keep your purchase moving in the right direction.
What Is Conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer. Here are the key stages involved:
1. Getting Started
Once your offer is accepted, you should appoint a conveyancer—such as Franklins Solicitors LLP—to manage the legal side of the transaction. Your conveyancer will carry out identity checks and request initial documents, such as proof of funds.
2. Property Information and Title Checks
The seller completes a Property Information Form, and their solicitor provides:
- Official copies of the title register and title plan from HM Land Registry
- Details about boundaries, disputes, and property rights
- Other relevant documents like planning permissions or guarantees
3. Local Authority Searches
Your conveyancer will conduct various searches including:
- Local Authority Search (planning, highways, enforcement notices)
- Environmental Search (flood risk, land contamination)
- Water and Drainage Search
Additional searches may be advised depending on the property’s location.
4. Review and Enquiries
Your conveyancer reviews all documents and raises any questions (enquiries) with the seller’s solicitor to clarify any issues or discrepancies before moving forward.
5. Mortgage, Surveys, and Source of Funds
If you’re taking out a mortgage, this is the stage to finalise your application. You should:
- Secure a formal mortgage offer
- Arrange for a valuation or home survey (e.g. Homebuyer Report or Building Survey)
- Provide evidence of your source of funds (e.g. bank statements or gifted deposit forms)
6. Contract Signing and Mortgage Offer
Once all checks are completed and the mortgage offer is received, you’ll be asked to sign the contract and other legal documentation. Your conveyancer will ensure all mortgage conditions have been met before proceeding.
7. Exchange of Contracts
Your conveyancer will call you to obtain your verbal authority before exchanging contracts with the seller’s solicitor. This step:
- Confirms the transaction is legally binding
- Requires you to pay a deposit (usually 10%)
- Requires buildings insurance to be in place from the date of exchange for residential purchases
8. Completion Day
On the agreed completion date, the balance of the purchase price is transferred to the seller’s solicitor. Once the transaction is confirmed, you can collect your keys and move in. For new builds, buildings insurance should also be arranged before completion.
9. After Completion
Your conveyancer will handle the post-completion tasks, including:
- Paying Stamp Duty Land Tax (if applicable)
- Registering your ownership with the Land Registry
- Ensuring any existing charges or mortgages are cleared
Please note: Land Registry registration can take up to 2 years, particularly for new build properties.
To get started or to speak with a legal expert, contact our Conveyancing team here, call us on 01604 936512 / 01908 953674, or email [email protected].
Written by William Jones
Associate Partner, Conveyancing at Franklins Solicitors LLP
Specialises in residential conveyancing, having established and led his own department following qualification as a solicitor in 2021. Completed the LPC with distinction while working at Franklins and was appointed Associate Partner in April 2025.
William Jones is an Associate Partner and Solicitor at Franklins Solicitors LLP. He joined the firm in 2016 as a Paralegal, qualified in 2021, and went on to establish his own Residential Conveyancing department. He was appointed Associate Partner in April 2025.
William graduated with a 2:1 Law degree from the University of Leicester and completed his LPC with Distinction while working at the firm. He is known for his dedication, client-focused approach, and in-depth knowledge of residential property matters.
Outside of work, William is a keen sports fan and a dedicated Liverpool FC supporter. He also enjoys spending time with friends and family.
