Conveyancing is the legal & admin process wherein a property is transferred to another person.

A conveyancer is the person who acts on your behalf throughout the process. It’s either a solicitor or an accredited specialist known as a licensed conveyancer.

They handle any issues with the contract or the searches relating to the property. They arm their clients with knowledge, supporting them in making informed decisions. They also handle communications with the other party’s representatives, making sure everything that needs to be carried out is done on time.

For example, a UK buyer after they’ve made an offer, would formally apply for their mortgage and that’s when their conveyancer is brought in for instruction.

The conveyance then takes over the process, receiving the contract pack from the seller, which includes a great deal of information, such as:

• The contract for the sale

• Documents from the Land Registry relating to ‘title’ (legal ownership)

• Property Information form and Fixtures, Fittings & Contents form

• Any relevant certificates and guarantees (e.g. on building work)

• Other information such as kitchen fittings, rear access and neighbourly disputes

The conveyancer goes through it all and ensures the client (the UK buyer) understands everything, flags any potential issues, makes sure the property is compliant and goes back to the seller for clarification.

Then, once both parties have agreed a completion date, contracts are “exchanged”. From then up until the time of completion, your conveyancer covers several important formalities such as checking with the Land Registry and ensuring funds are in place. The whole process can take between 8 -12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the transaction.