First-Time Buyer’s Guide to Conveyancing
Conveyancing is the legal work of transferring property ownership. As a first-time buyer, your solicitor will check the title, raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor, review your mortgage offer, arrange local authority searches and prepare the contract for exchange.
Typical timeline: 8–12 weeks from offer accepted to completion, though chains and slow searches can push this out. Budget for legal fees, search fees (£250–£400), Stamp Duty if applicable, and Land Registry fees.
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