What Does a Conveyancing Solicitor Actually Do?
A conveyancing solicitor is the person who makes sure your property move is legally safe, financially secure, and properly completed. Even when a sale looks straightforward, the legal side can hide surprises that only show up in paperwork.
If you’re buying, selling, or doing both in a chain, the work of a conveyancing solicitor often decides whether the move stays calm or becomes stressful. This guide explains the process in plain UK English, with clear stages and what you should expect.
What is a conveyancing solicitor?
A conveyancing solicitor is a qualified legal professional who handles the legal transfer of ownership when property is bought or sold. Their role covers contracts, legal checks, and the secure transfer of funds.
A conveyancing solicitor doesn’t just “process forms”. They protect you from legal risks like title defects, restrictions, or unresolved disputes that can delay completion or cause major problems later.
If you want a clear view of what full legal support includes, Versus Law outlines their conveyancing services in a helpful, easy-to-scan way.
Why their role matters more than people think
Most property issues are not visible during a viewing. They’re legal, documentary, or timing-related. A conveyancing solicitor checks what you can’t realistically verify yourself.
They also keep the transaction compliant with lender requirements, which is crucial if you’re buying with a mortgage.
What does a conveyancing solicitor do for buyers?
For buyers, a conveyancing solicitor focuses on protecting you from legal and financial risk before you commit. They investigate the property’s legal status and confirm that the seller has the right to sell it.
They also make sure the contract terms are fair and that nothing important is missing from the legal pack.
Typical buyer tasks include:
- Reviewing the draft contract and title documents
- Ordering legal checks and reviewing results
- Raising enquiries with the seller’s solicitor
- Checking your mortgage conditions and lender rules
- Preparing you for exchange and completion
What “legal checks” really mean in practice
A conveyancing solicitor checks things like ownership boundaries, rights of way, and restrictions that affect how you can use the property. These details can impact renovations, resale value, or even your ability to get mortgage approval.
Even in a “normal” purchase, a solicitor may identify problems that allow you to renegotiate, request fixes, or decide not to proceed.
What does a conveyancing solicitor do for sellers?
For sellers, a solicitor prepares the paperwork and responds to legal questions quickly to keep the sale moving. This is where accuracy matters, because incomplete or unclear answers can stall a buyer’s progress.
A conveyancing solicitor also manages the sale funds safely, including paying off any mortgage you still have on the property.
Typical seller tasks include:
- Drafting the contract pack and issuing legal documents
- Guiding you through property information forms
- Answering buyer enquiries clearly and promptly
- Agreeing dates for exchange and completion
- Handling mortgage redemption and sale proceeds
Why sellers can accidentally cause delays
Delays often happen when documents are missing, answers are vague, or paperwork isn’t returned on time. A good conveyancing solicitor will chase what’s needed early and help you provide clean, consistent information.

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The key stages: offer accepted to completion
A property move isn’t one event. It’s a sequence of legal steps that must happen in the right order, with the right documents, at the right time.
A conveyancing solicitor coordinates these steps so you don’t get caught by last-minute surprises.
Typical conveyancing stages:
- Offer accepted and you instruct your solicitor
- Draft contract and legal pack received and reviewed
- Enquiries raised and answered
- Mortgage conditions confirmed (if applicable)
- Exchange of contracts
- Completion and transfer of ownership
How long does it usually take?
Timeframes vary, but delays often come from third parties: managing agents (leasehold), slow responses, missing documents, or chains. A solicitor can’t control everything, but they can remove avoidable friction by starting early and chasing firmly.
If you want a quick estimate of likely legal costs in your situation, Versus Law provides a useful conveyancing calculator.
What happens at exchange of contracts?
Exchange of contracts is the moment the transaction becomes legally binding. Before exchange, either party can usually pull out. After exchange, backing out can lead to serious penalties.
A solicitor will only recommend exchange when the legal position is clear and you’re properly protected.
What your conveyancing solicitor checks before exchange
They make sure the contract is agreed, the important enquiries are resolved, and that you understand what you’re committing to. They also confirm that mortgage and deposit arrangements are ready.
This stage is where “rushing to meet a target date” can backfire. A careful solicitor protects you from exchanging too early just to satisfy pressure from a chain or an estate agent.
Leasehold vs freehold: why leasehold takes longer
Leasehold property transactions often require extra documents and third-party involvement. That alone can add weeks if the building manager is slow or if information is incomplete.
A conveyancing solicitor will examine lease terms and ongoing costs, not just the purchase price.
What your conveyancing solicitor reviews on leasehold
They’ll look closely at service charges, ground rent, restrictions, and the remaining lease length. They’ll also review management information and whether there are disputes in the building.
This work matters because lease terms can affect resale value and mortgage options. A conveyancing solicitor is there to spot red flags before you commit.
What affects conveyancing fees?
Conveyancing costs vary depending on complexity. The price isn’t only about the solicitor’s time. It can include third-party costs and additional legal checks required by lenders or the transaction type.
Common factors that increase cost or time:
- Leasehold property or managed buildings
- New builds with tight deadlines and extra documents
- Complicated chains with multiple parties
- Title issues, missing paperwork, or legal disputes
Why very cheap quotes can be risky
Low quotes sometimes exclude important work or add fees later. A good conveyancing solicitor will be transparent about what’s included and what could change.
The goal isn’t to find the cheapest option. It’s to find a conveyancing solicitor who keeps the process safe and moving.
How to choose the right conveyancing solicitor
Choosing a conveyancing solicitor is mainly about clarity and responsiveness. In property, delays usually happen because somebody doesn’t reply, doesn’t chase, or doesn’t explain things properly.
What to look for when comparing solicitors:
- Clear pricing with minimal hidden extras
- Fast response times and regular updates
- Experience with your property type (leasehold, new build, chain)
- Strong reviews that mention speed and reliability
If you want a sense of service quality from real clients, Versus Law’s testimonials are useful for reassurance.
Final thoughts: why your conveyancing solicitor matters
A conveyancing solicitor is your legal safety net during one of the biggest financial transactions you’ll ever make. They protect your money, your legal position, and your timeline.
Even if you’re confident and organised, there are legal risks you can’t see without a trained professional. That’s why having the right conveyancing solicitor is one of the smartest decisions you can make for a smooth move.
If you’re ready to ask questions or start the process, you can contact Versus Law for guidance tailored to your situation.
Ready to move forward with confidence?
Property transactions involve critical legal details that shouldn’t be rushed or overlooked. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, selling a property, or dealing with a tight timeline, our conveyancing solicitors provide clear advice, proactive communication, and dependable legal support from start to completion.










