Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Conveyancing Services Before Moving Home
Moving home is an exciting but complex process, and conveyancing plays a crucial role in ensuring everything runs smoothly. Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding how conveyancing services work can help you avoid unnecessary stress. Here are the top five things you need to know before you move:
1. What Is Conveyancing and Why Do You Need It?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one party to another. Whether you’re a buyer or seller, a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer ensures that all legal requirements are met, property searches are conducted, and contracts are properly drafted and exchanged. Without professional conveyancing services, you risk legal disputes, hidden property issues, and delays in your move.
2. The Process Takes Time – Be Prepared
On average, conveyancing can take 8 to 12 weeks, but timescales can vary depending on factors like property chains, mortgage approvals, and local authority searches. Delays often arise due to missing paperwork or unexpected legal issues, so it’s essential to instruct your solicitor as early as possible to keep things moving.
3. Property Searches Are Vital
When buying a home, conveyancing solicitors carry out searches to uncover potential issues that could affect the property, such as:
- Local authority searches (planning restrictions, road schemes)
- Environmental searches (flood risks, contamination)
- Water and drainage searches (public sewers, water supply)
These searches help you make an informed decision and avoid nasty surprises after moving in.
4. The Contract Exchange Is the Key Milestone
Until contracts are exchanged, either party can pull out of the sale without legal consequences. Once contracts are exchanged, the sale becomes legally binding, and the buyer will typically need to put down a 10% deposit (unless a different arrangement is agreed). After this point, backing out could result in financial penalties.
5. Choose the Right Conveyancing Solicitor
Not all conveyancing services are the same. A good solicitor will:
✅ Communicate clearly and keep you informed
✅ Offer a transparent fee structure with no hidden costs
✅ Be proactive in resolving potential issues
✅ Handle both standard and complex property transactions with ease
At Marlborough Law, we offer a friendly, efficient, and stress-free conveyancing service tailored to your needs. Whether you’re buying, selling, or remortgaging, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
💬 Thinking of moving home? Contact us today for expert conveyancing advice!
