A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Home in the UK
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people ever make. But behind the scenes, there’s a lot more going on than just getting the keys. That’s where your conveyancer comes in.
At PLS we see just how important expert legal support can be in making the moving process smooth, safe, and stress-free. So let’s break it down, here’s exactly what a conveyancer does, and how we help you at every step of your home-buying journey.
Step 1: Your Offer Is Accepted, Now Call Your Conveyancer
Once your offer has been accepted by the seller, it’s time to instruct a conveyancer. We begin by requesting the contract pack from the seller’s solicitor and setting up the legal framework of your purchase.
Why it matters: Acting quickly here can prevent early delays and set the pace for the whole transaction.
Step 2: Legal Checks & Property Searches
We carry out essential legal checks and conduct local authority, drainage, environmental, and planning searches. These uncover any issues such as flood risk, restrictive covenants, or boundary disputes.
Why it matters: You don’t want to buy a home with hidden problems, we investigate the property’s history and flag anything that could affect your ownership.
Step 3: Communicating with the Seller’s Side
We liaise with the seller’s solicitor to raise legal queries, negotiate terms, and clarify any potential concerns about the property or the contract.
Why it matters: Good communication between legal teams ensures smoother transactions and quicker problem-solving.
Step 4: Reviewing Your Mortgage & Title Deeds
We carefully review your mortgage offer and check the property’s title to make sure it’s “good and marketable”, meaning you’ll have legal ownership with no nasty surprises.
Why it matters: We ensure the property can legally be transferred to you, and that your mortgage lender’s conditions are met.
Step 5: Exchanging Contracts
This is the moment when your home purchase becomes legally binding. We confirm the deposit, agree a completion date, and ensure both parties are contractually committed.
Why it matters: Once contracts are exchanged, neither party can back out without financial penalties.
Step 6: Completion Day 🎉
On completion day, we transfer the funds, make sure the keys are released, and submit the application to register you as the new legal owner with HM Land Registry.
Why it matters: This is when you officially own your new home!
Step 7: Post-Completion Formalities
We pay your Stamp Duty (if applicable) and send you all final legal documents, including confirmation of registration and title.
Why it matters: It’s the final legal step, and ensures everything is properly recorded for the future.
Why Use a Conveyancer?
Conveyancers aren’t just paper-pushers, we’re your legal guardians through a high-stakes, high-value transaction. At PLS Solicitors, we pride ourselves on making the process clear, responsive, and client-focused from day one.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving up the ladder, or investing in a property, having the right legal support makes all the difference.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re planning to buy or sell a home, our expert conveyancers are here to help.
📞 Contact us today to speak with a member of our friendly legal team.
