Buying a home in London: the conveyancing process from offer to completion

Key takeaways

• Your solicitor checks the title and contract, orders appropriate searches, raises enquiries and prepares the legal transfer.

• Return identity, address and source of funds documents promptly and keep your mortgage lender information current.

• Searches, a mortgage valuation and a building survey answer different questions. A valuation is not a building survey.

• In England and Wales, exchange of contracts makes the purchase legally binding. Completion follows on the agreed date.

• Search results, missing title or lease papers, lender requirements, unanswered enquiries and a chain can all affect timing.

Buying a home in London: the conveyancing process from offer to completion

Once an offer on a home in London is accepted, the legal work begins. Your conveyancing solicitor checks the seller’s title, reviews the contract and property information, arranges searches, raises questions and prepares for the transfer of money and ownership.

This guide explains the main stages of buying a home in London, what your solicitor does, what you need to do and where delays may arise. The process depends on the property, your mortgage and whether other transactions are linked in a chain. If you are looking for London conveyancing solicitors or property lawyers, Smithfield Partners can discuss your move and the legal work involved.

What does a conveyancing solicitor do when you buy a home?

Your solicitor manages the legal work needed to purchase the property. This usually includes reviewing the title and draft contract, checking the seller’s property forms, arranging searches, raising enquiries, reporting important findings to you and your lender, preparing for exchange and completion, and applying to register your ownership after completion.

Your solicitor explains documents, costs and decisions that need your attention. The seller’s solicitor, estate agent, mortgage lender, search providers and other parties in a chain have separate roles. Your solicitor can coordinate with them, but cannot control how quickly they respond.

The conveyancing stages from offer accepted to completion

1. Instruct a solicitor and share the details

After your offer is accepted, choose a conveyancer and provide the property address, agreed price, estate agent details, mortgage information and any important dates. Your solicitor will explain the quote and the information needed to open the matter. Complete identity and source of funds checks promptly. If you are buying jointly, each buyer will need to provide the required information.

2. The seller prepares the contract pack

The seller’s solicitor gathers title documents and completed property information forms, then sends a draft contract pack to your solicitor. Your solicitor checks who owns the property, what rights or restrictions affect it and what is included in the sale. If the home is leasehold, further papers about the lease, managing agent, service charges and building may be needed.

3. Searches and enquiries investigate the property

Your solicitor arranges searches suited to the property and transaction. These may include local authority, water and drainage, and environmental searches. Results can raise points that need explanation or more investigation. Your solicitor also asks the seller’s solicitor questions about the title, forms and anything unclear in the papers.

Read the search results and legal report carefully and ask about anything you do not understand. Searches examine records and information relevant to the property. A survey assesses its physical condition. They answer different questions and are not substitutes for one another.

4. Your mortgage lender completes its checks

If you are using a mortgage, your lender assesses your application and arranges a valuation for its own purposes. A valuation is not a detailed building survey. Your solicitor checks the lender’s legal instructions and reports relevant title matters. Tell your solicitor if your mortgage offer, deposit, source of funds or intended ownership arrangements change.

5. Review the advice, contract and costs

Your solicitor reports the legal findings and explains any issue that needs a decision. Some points can be resolved by obtaining missing papers or answers. Others may need further advice or investigation. The right response depends on the facts. Before exchange, make sure you understand the contract, completion date, money required and any costs that may arise.

6. Sign and exchange contracts

When both parties are ready, the final contract and completion date are agreed. Your solicitor will explain your commitments and confirm when exchange has taken place. In England and Wales, exchange makes the agreement legally binding. Do not assume an accepted offer guarantees completion before exchange.

7. Completion and registration

On the agreed completion date, your solicitor sends the purchase money to the seller’s solicitor. Once completion is confirmed, the keys are released under the arrangements agreed by the parties. Your solicitor then deals with any required Stamp Duty Land Tax return and applies to HM Land Registry to register your ownership and any mortgage. Registration processing times can vary.

What you need to do as the buyer

You can help your purchase progress by keeping your conveyancer informed and responding clearly when something is needed. Prepare to:

• Complete identity and source of funds checks and provide supporting documents.

• Confirm your mortgage arrangements and provide lender details when available.

• Read the property forms, search results and legal report, then ask questions early.

• Arrange a suitable survey if you want an independent assessment of the home’s condition.

• Make sure your deposit and completion funds are available in time and understand how your solicitor will request them.

• Tell your solicitor if your plans, funding or preferred completion date change.

• Check payment instructions using a trusted phone number you already have before transferring money.

Common causes of delay in a London home purchase

Some parts of a purchase depend on third parties or information that is not available at the outset. Delays can arise when search results take longer than expected, title or lease documents are incomplete, enquiries remain unanswered, a mortgage offer or lender condition is outstanding, or another transaction in the chain is not ready. In London, a flat purchase may depend on information from a managing agent or landlord, including service charge accounts, building insurance, planned works and the lease. For some buildings, your solicitor may also need to review building safety information or investigate how the building is managed. Missing records, slow replies, complex titles and delays elsewhere in a chain can all affect timing. Prompt replies and accurate information can reduce avoidable delays, but no conveyancer can promise a fixed completion date before the parties and lender are ready.

How long does conveyancing take in London?

There is no single timescale for every London purchase. The length depends on the property, mortgage, search results, enquiries, the seller’s readiness and whether other transactions are linked in a chain. Your solicitor can discuss progress as the matter develops and explain what needs to happen before exchange and completion.

Conveyancing costs and requesting a purchase quote

Your total cost can include your solicitor’s legal fee, VAT, payments to third parties and additional work if the transaction requires it. Search costs and HM Land Registry fees depend on the property and transaction. Stamp Duty Land Tax may apply depending on the purchase and your circumstances.

Ask for a written, itemised quote that explains what is included, what could be additional and when payments are due. Review the residential conveyancing pricing and request a purchase quote from Smithfield Partners. The quote should reflect the property, tenure, mortgage and your circumstances.

Choosing a conveyancing solicitor for a London purchase

When comparing conveyancing solicitors, look beyond the headline price. Ask who will handle your matter, how you will receive updates, what the quote covers, which costs could change and how questions are dealt with. If you have a mortgage, check that the firm can act for your lender.

Smithfield Partners’ residential property team supports buyers and sellers with clear written quotes and practical guidance. Learn about the firm’s residential conveyancing services, review the published fees or contact Smithfield Partners to discuss your move.

Frequently asked questions

When should I instruct a conveyancing solicitor?

You can compare firms before making an offer and instruct a solicitor promptly once an offer is accepted. Early instruction gives time to complete checks and begin reviewing the contract pack.

Are property searches the same as a survey?

No. Searches examine records and information relevant to the property. A survey assesses its physical condition. They serve different purposes, and buyers may choose to arrange both.

When does a house purchase become legally binding?

In England and Wales, the agreement normally becomes legally binding when contracts are exchanged. Your solicitor will explain the commitments and confirm when exchange has taken place.

What can delay a home purchase in London?

Search results, incomplete title or lease papers, unanswered enquiries, lender requirements and delays elsewhere in a chain can all affect progress. Responding promptly helps, but the timing depends on everyone involved.

How can I request a purchase quote?

Share the property price, tenure, transaction type, mortgage details if known and any important timing with the conveyancing team. You can review the residential conveyancing pricing and request a purchase quote.

This guide provides general information about buying residential property in England and Wales. It is not legal advice for a specific transaction. The work required depends on the property and your circumstances.