Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but the legal process behind it can feel unfamiliar and overwhelming. Understanding what conveyancing actually involves — and what's expected of you along the way — can make the entire experience far less daunting.
What Is Conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from seller to buyer. It involves everything from checking the property's legal title to handling the exchange of funds and registering your new ownership with the Land Registry.
Step 1: Instructing a Solicitor
As soon as your offer is accepted, it's time to instruct a conveyancing solicitor. Having your solicitor lined up in advance — ideally before your offer is even accepted — can help avoid delays at the start of the process.
Step 2: Mortgage Application
If you're buying with a mortgage, you'll need to submit a full application to your lender, who will arrange a valuation of the property before issuing a formal mortgage offer. It's worth noting that a mortgage valuation is different from a full structural survey — first-time buyers are often advised to arrange their own survey to check for hidden issues.
Step 3: Searches
Your solicitor will order several searches on the property, including:
Local authority searches — checking for planning issues, road schemes, or other local matters
Environmental searches — identifying flood risk or contaminated land issues
Water and drainage searches — confirming how the property connects to the water supply and sewage system
Step 4: Reviewing the Contract and Raising Enquiries
Your solicitor reviews the draft contract and title documents from the seller's solicitor, raising any enquiries about issues that need clarification — such as boundary details, fixtures and fittings, or planning permissions.
Step 5: Exchange of Contracts
Once all enquiries are resolved and your mortgage offer is in place, both parties sign and exchange contracts. At this point, the transaction becomes legally binding — neither party can withdraw without financial penalty. You'll usually pay a deposit (typically 10%) at this stage.
Step 6: Completion
On completion day, the remaining balance is transferred, legal ownership passes to you, and you receive the keys to your new home.
What Costs Should First-Time Buyers Budget For?
Solicitor's fees — for the conveyancing work itself
Search fees — typically a few hundred pounds
Stamp Duty Land Tax — first-time buyers benefit from relief up to certain thresholds, so it's worth checking your exact liability
Survey costs — if you choose to have a full structural or homebuyer's survey
Land Registry fees — for registering your ownership
Common Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make
Not budgeting for all associated costs, focusing only on the deposit and purchase price
Skipping a survey to save money, which can mean missing costly issues later
Making major financial changes during the process, such as taking on new credit, which can jeopardise mortgage approval
Not asking questions when something in the process isn't clear — a good solicitor will always welcome questions
Tips for a Smooth First Purchase
Get a mortgage agreement in principle before house hunting
Instruct your solicitor promptly once your offer is accepted
Respond quickly to any requests for documents or signatures
Keep in regular contact with your solicitor for progress updates
Avoid any major financial changes until after completion
How We Can Help
We understand that first-time buyers often need extra guidance through a process that's entirely new to them. Our residential conveyancing team provides clear, jargon-free communication at every step, ensuring you feel confident and informed throughout your first home purchase.
