Personal Law > Residential Property > Stages of the Process

Stages of the Process

It is important to break down each stage of a transaction to ensure all parties have a clear understanding of the processes.

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Stages of the Process

All conveyancing processes involve different stages. We have summarised below in detail the different steps in relation to a standard Sale, Purchase & Remortgage to help you understand the transactions in more depth. The Legal Choices Webpage gives further information regarding the house buying and selling process

Stages of the Process of a sale

The stages involved in the sale of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below we have listed some key stages:

  • Obtain your instructions and provide you with initial advice

  • We request a payment on account of £100

  • Download the Title documents from Land Registry & EPC

  • If the property is leasehold check the lease and ensure that this is compliant for the buyers mortgage lender

  • Draft the Contract documentation and send to buyers solicitors for approval

  • If there is a mortgage to pay off request any redemption figures from the lender

  • If leasehold liaise with the freeholder and any management company involved

  • Await buyers legal enquiries and take your instructions so we can respond

  • Provide contract documentation for signature

  • Prepare a completion statement and apportionments if leasehold

  • Agree a completion date (the date from which you no longer own the property)

  • Exchange Contracts and notify you that this has happened

  • Complete the sale

  • Redeem any mortgages and transfer the balance monies to you

Stages of the Process Purchase

Precise stages involved in the purchase of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However, below we have listed some key stages that the fees quoted in the table below will include:

  • Obtain your instructions and provide you with initial advice

  • We request a payment on account of £400

  • Due diligence checks will be carried out including source of funds

  • Advise you on joint ownership if applicable

  • Receive and advise on contract documentation

  • Submit searches & check search results

  • Raise legal enquiries of the vendors solicitors

  • Receive and checking of your mortgage offer

  • If leasehold request management pack and ground rent receipts and raise further enquiries

  • If you are purchasing a leasehold property check the lease is compliant for you and your mortgage lender

  • Once legal enquiries are finalised prepare and provide your property report

  • Obtain pre-completion searches

  • Agree a completion date (the date from which you own the property)

  • Exchange Contracts and notify you that this has happened

  • Request mortgage funds and deposit funds

  • Complete the purchase

  • After completion

  • We submit the Stamp Duty Land Tax

  • If leasehold submit notice of transfer and/or charge to freeholder and/or management company

  • We submit your application for registration at the Land Registry and liaise with the land registry until the property is registered into your name

  • Send you a copy of the title register and any pre-registration deeds and documents that are available

Stages of a Remortgage

The precise stages involved in the re-mortgage and/or transfer of equity of a residential property vary according to the circumstances. However below we have listed some key stages.

  • Obtain your instructions and provide you with initial advice

  • We request a payment on account of £150

  • Due diligence checks will be carried out including source of funds

  • Advise you on joint ownership if applicable

  • Receive and checking of your mortgage offer

  • Check if the lender requires any searches carrying out

  • Prepare your mortgage documents and/or transfer if applicable

  • Receive the mortgage funds and redeem any existing mortgage

  • Check the Lease and requirements if required

  • Obtain pre-completion searches

  • Agree a completion date (the date that the new lenders charge will begin)

  • Arrange for all monies to be drawdown from lender and you if required

  • Complete the re-mortgage

  • Deal with the application for registration of the new mortgage at the Land Registry

  • Deal with any Leasehold requirements including serving notice on the Landlord

https://www.legalchoices.org.uk/legal-choices/got-a-legal-issue/houses/im-buying-or-selling-a-house/

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Frequently Asked Questions

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another. It ensures that the property title is correctly transferred and that all legal requirements are met.
A conveyancer handles all legal aspects of buying or selling property, including reviewing contracts, conducting property searches, liaising with mortgage lenders, and ensuring the transaction complies with the law. Using a professional reduces the risk of errors and legal issues.
The timeframe varies depending on the complexity of the transaction, but typically: • Buying a property: 8–12 weeks • Selling a property: 6–10 weeks Delays can occur if there are issues with surveys, mortgage approval, or legal documentation.
Yes, but it’s best to do so early. Changing mid-process may delay the transaction and could incur additional costs.
On completion day: • The buyer’s funds are transferred to the seller • Ownership is officially transferred • Keys are handed over We ensure all paperwork and funds are processed accurately on this day.
If issues arise, such as disputes over boundaries, title defects, or planning restrictions, we advise on the best course of action. This may involve renegotiating terms, correcting legal documents, or, in rare cases, halting the transaction
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