What Is Conveyancing?

What Is Conveyancing?

If you’re buying or selling a property, you’ve likely heard the term "conveyancing"—but what does it actually mean?

At Watkins Solicitors, our expert Conveyancing Team, led by Partner and Head of Conveyancing Sophia Ramzan, is here to guide you through the process, ensuring your transaction is handled smoothly and efficiently.

Understanding Conveyancing

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person (the seller) to another (the buyer). It involves several legal and administrative steps to ensure the transaction is valid, lawful, and properly recorded.

A conveyancing solicitor or licensed conveyancer carries out this process, ensuring all legal checks are completed, contracts are exchanged correctly, and the transfer is legally binding.

What Does a Conveyancer Do?

Whether you’re buying or selling, a conveyancer manages the legal work involved in the property transaction. Here’s a breakdown of their key responsibilities:

For Buyers

• Checking legal documents – Reviewing the contract, title deeds, and mortgage offer.
• Conducting property searches – Checking for local authority issues, flood risks, and planning permissions.
• Raising enquiries – Asking the seller’s solicitor for further information if needed.
• Handling contracts – Ensuring all terms are correct before exchange.
• Managing Stamp Duty or Land Transaction Tax (LTT) payments – Calculating and submitting tax payments to HMRC (England) or the Welsh Revenue Authority (Wales).
• Registering ownership – Updating the Land Registry with the new owner’s details.

For Sellers

• Preparing the contract – Drafting the agreement to sell the property.
• Providing legal documents – Supplying title deeds, energy performance certificates, and other required documents.
• Answering buyer enquiries – Responding to legal and property-related questions from the buyer’s solicitor.
• Handling exchange and completion – Managing the legal transfer of ownership.

How Long Does Conveyancing Take?

The timeline varies depending on the type of property, but on average:

• Freehold transactions: 8–12 weeks
• Leasehold transactions: 10–16+ weeks (due to extra legal checks)
• New build purchases: 10–24+ weeks (depends on property readiness)

At Watkins Solicitors, we work proactively to keep transactions moving and minimise delays, ensuring you’re informed at every stage.

Why Do You Need a Conveyancing Solicitor?

Conveyancing is a complex legal process with many moving parts. Without a solicitor or licensed conveyancer, you may face:

• Legal risks – Mistakes in contracts or property titles could cause future disputes.
• Delays – Handling paperwork incorrectly could slow down your purchase or sale.
• Financial risks – Overlooking key checks (such as planning restrictions) could lead to unexpected costs.

By choosing Watkins Solicitors, you’ll have a dedicated conveyancing solicitor ensuring everything is completed correctly and efficiently, protecting your interests throughout the process.

How Much Does Conveyancing Cost?

The cost of conveyancing depends on property value, location, and complexity. Common fees include:

• Legal fees – Paid to your solicitor for handling the transaction.
• Search fees – Covering local authority, water, and environmental searches.
• Land Registry fees – Registering the property in your name.
• Stamp Duty (England) or LTT (Wales) – Tax paid on property purchases above certain thresholds.

At Watkins Solicitors, we offer transparent pricing with no hidden costs.

Why Choose Watkins Solicitors?

At Watkins Solicitors, our experienced conveyancing team is committed to:

• Clear, straightforward communication – No confusing legal jargon.
• Transparent pricing – No unexpected charges.
• Proactive support – Keeping your transaction on track.
• Comprehensive legal expertise – From standard transactions to complex cases.

Whether you're buying, selling, or remortgaging, we're here to help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Get in touch today: info@watkinssolicitors.co.uk