Conveyancing: The stages of selling a residential property

While many people will have an idea of the conveyancing process when selling their home, it can be helpful to see it all written down in a guide. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you understand the stages of a typical sale of a residential property.

Stage one: After an offer has been accepted on your property, you’ll need to instruct your conveyancer to officially begin the process. They will confirm these instructions on paper, with a letter outlining the terms of the sale and the cost.

Stage two: Your conveyancer will carry out checks (including proof of identity) and will send out a contents form and property information form to you that you’ll need to complete. If your property is leasehold, you’ll more than likely need to provide more information than if it was freehold.

Stage three: After you have completed the necessary forms, your conveyancer will obtain the title deeds and any other relevant documents required by the Land Registry, as well as the details of the outstanding amount left on a mortgage.

Stage four: A draft contract will be drawn up, and will be sent to the buyer’s conveyancer, along with any relevant documents. The contract will include date of completion, what household amenities are included within the sale price, and who will fix issues that come up during the buyer’s survey.

Stage five: The buyer’s conveyancer will check the contract, as well as any documents supplied, and will raise any questions or queries that need answering before the contract is exchanged. You and your conveyancer will answer the pre-contract enquiries.

Stage six: The buyer’s conveyancer will confirm that they are happy with the results from their searches and pre-contract enquiries, and both you and the buyer will agree on a date for your respective conveyancers to exchange contracts. After the contracts have been exchanged, both parties are legally committed to the transaction.

Stage seven: A completion date will be agreed. Your conveyancer will check the transfer deed and send this to you for signing, in preparation for completion.

Stage eight: On completion day, you will hand over your keys, and officially vacate the property. Once the sale has been finalised, you will pay your solicitor and the estate agent.