First Time Buyers

What is the conveyancing process

Conveyancing is the legal work required to transfer ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer. It includes reviewing the contract, carrying out searches, raising enquiries, working with your mortgage lender, exchanging contracts, completing, and registering you as the new owner.

Our role is to protect your legal position, identify issues that could cause problems now or later, and keep the transaction moving forward.

When to instruct a conveyancing solicitor

For first time buyers, early instruction is one of the simplest ways to reduce avoidable delays. If you instruct us before your offer is accepted, we can begin the initial work straight away.

• Open your file and confirm instructions
• Complete ID and source of funds checks
• Prepare for searches and the draft contract pack
• Explain the process so you know what to expect

This means that when your offer is accepted, you are ready to move quickly and confidently.

Typical timeline for a first home purchase

Every purchase is different, but a straightforward transaction often takes around 8 to 12 weeks from offer to completion.

• Week 1: Instruct your solicitor, ID checks, initial paperwork
• Weeks 2 to 4: Draft contract received, searches ordered, enquiries raised
• Weeks 4 to 8: Enquiries progressed, mortgage offer reviewed, report to you
• Weeks 8 to 12: Exchange of contracts, completion arranged, keys released

Delays commonly come from missing documents, slow replies to enquiries, leasehold issues, and late instruction. Preparing early helps keep your purchase on track.

Searches and legal checks

We carry out searches with the local authority and other relevant bodies to identify issues that may not be obvious from viewing the property.

Searches can reveal planning restrictions, flood risk, drainage issues, rights of way, and other legal limitations. Identifying these early helps you make informed decisions and can prevent last minute surprises.

Reviewing the contract and raising enquiries

Once we receive the draft contract and property information from the seller’s solicitor, we review the paperwork carefully and raise enquiries where needed.

Enquiries confirm ownership details, boundaries, rights, restrictions, and anything that could affect you after completion. This stage is key to protecting you as a buyer.

Mortgage offer, exchange, completion, and registration

We review your mortgage offer to ensure it matches the purchase and the lender’s requirements are met. Exchange of contracts is the point at which the transaction becomes legally binding and a completion date is agreed.

On completion day, we transfer the remaining funds and confirm release of the keys. After completion, we register you as the new owner with HM Land Registry and deal with any Stamp Duty requirements where applicable.

What does conveyancing cost for first time buyers

Your costs typically include legal fees and disbursements such as searches and Land Registry fees. Stamp Duty may apply depending on the property price and your circumstances.

We will explain costs upfront so you know what to expect. You can also use our online calculator for an instant estimate.

First time buyer preparation checklist

Preparing early can make your purchase smoother. Here are a few helpful steps to take before you make an offer:

• Obtain a mortgage agreement in principle
• Gather your ID documents
• Confirm your deposit source (including any gifted deposit)
• Decide who will be buying and how you will hold ownership
• Choose your conveyancing solicitor early

First time buyer FAQs

Do I need a solicitor before making an offer

You do not have to, but instructing early helps you prepare and can reduce delays once your offer is accepted.

What is exchange of contracts

Exchange is when the agreement becomes legally binding. Before exchange, either party can withdraw. After exchange, both sides are committed and a completion date is agreed.

How long do searches take

Search times vary depending on the type of search and the local authority. We will keep you updated on progress and advise if anything needs attention.

What if the survey finds an issue

A survey is separate from legal checks. If an issue is identified, we can advise on next steps and, where relevant, raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor.