351 Reviews
  • DM

    The conveyancing process took about 11 weeks with no chain at either end. Umar was able to arrange everything to happen on my requested completion date towards the end of March, which was close to the April stamp duty deadline so this was appreciated.

  • D Rahman

    I would like to share my recent experience using the service of Versus Law solicitors and they are brilliant.. my purchase was a rapid sale and I only had 6 weeks to do the completion and beat the deadline of stamp duty rise and I was able to complete 10 days before the deadline.
    Umar Shamly who was dealing with my file was absolutely brilliant very informative very helpful very professional and easy to reachable. He was always prompt with the responses .
    They made the whole process very easy and smooth for me .
    Will definitely recommend them to friends and family

  • Storm

    I had a very smooth service from Versus Law, and my solicitor Umar was always very quick to respond which makes the world of difference

  • A Ali

    Versuslaw especially Anita Craig helped so kindly from 2018 for pia delay flight claim which was showing possible but Ms Anita Craig proved it again that versus law can do it. Thank you will use again and recommend 100percent.

  • R Nabi

    We have just completed on a buy and sell having used Versus Law for both sides of the transaction.
    Versus Law have been immense throughout, with the Conveyancer looking after our ‘purchase’ working hand in hand with his colleagues to keep us informed of how the ‘sell’ was progressing too.
    Amazing bunch of people. There should be more firms providing this high level of service.

  • B Keane

    Very professional and up to the task
    I found versus law straight forward and very helpful.

  • K Boon

    i recently completed on a property and was guided really well by Katrina and Lisa. Ive never purchased a property before so really didn’t know what was involved. It was easy and seamless no stress at all followed by a price that was so much cheaper than other quotes I’d had

  • M Rehman

    Having had my PIA flight delayed for over 5 hours.. Anita Craig of versus law solicitors was a great help. Every step was made easy for me to understand and I will definitely be recommending yourselves to family and friends.

  • J Nugent

    They made the whole process of my injury claim
    simple and straight forward, They even managed to get
    me my compensation before Christmas which I wasn’t expecting, A big thanks to Kulbinder Mehay

  • Steven P

    Excellent work, thank you.

  • Liz

    Nicola Nolan and Natalie Moylan are an excellent conveyancing team. We have used them more than once and recommend them to friends and family (who were also impressed). This time they were involved in us buying a property in Wales and kept us informed all the way through, even with covid restrictions causing problems. They are friendly, efficient and get the job done in a no-nonsense way which is what you need. They take the stress out of conveyancing for you. Very impressed and would recommend to anyone and everyone.

  • Gem

    I was selling my home which had a complicated title and versus law was recommended to me. Natalie Moylan handled my case from start to finish and I couldn’t ask for anyone better! There were no obstacles that couldn’t be overcome and in a very fast turn around too. The sale completed in no time at all. Natalie was timely, professional and friendly and an absolute pleasure to have on my side. I would strongly recommend Versus law to anyone.

  • Bonnie

    I have used the services of Nicola Nolan at Versus Law twice this year and was instantly put at ease and very impressed with the help received and the outcome achieved. Would recommend without hesitation

  • Daniel

    I called to get some documents certified, the ladies on reception were so helpful. I am very happy with the service I received and will use Versus Law again.

  • M

    Dealt with my flight claim hassle free and super quick, I was continuously updated every step of the way and overall really pleased with the outcome. A personal thank you to Anita as she couldn’t have made it easier for me and saw through any problems I had!

  • Richard

    I purchased my first home in February, and used Versus as my solicitor. I dealt with Natalie Moylan from start to finish, who was excellent throughout. The purchase ended up being delayed and resulted in a quite hectic finish, but Natalie remained calm and professional at all times, whilst providing a very high quality of work. My thanks to Natalie and her team, for making a long purchase so much easier!

  • C Savage

    We were selling our house (through Nick) and buying a house (through Natalie) and I can honestly say these are the best solicitors we’ve ever used (we had always used ones in London previously). They both kept us informed on a regular basis as to how things were progressing which I really valued and they were quick to respond to any queries I asked. They were professional, efficient, helpful and really nice to deal with. We were recommended Versus through local friends that have used them previously and I would definitely recommend Versus to anyone else asking me for a recommendation.
    Thanks again Natalie and Nick.

  • J Percy

    We used Nicola Nolan for our purchase/transfer of ownership. She was excellent from start to finish. We were fully informed of the process throughout and she was always friendly, approachable and very professional at all times. Would definitely recommend her at Versus Law. Thank you again

  • J Guntren

    Amazing law firm for conveyancing!! My wife and I made an offer on a house 24th September and we were moved in by 20th December. It should also be noted that we were selling my wife’s apartment at the same time (also using Versus), further complicating everything. Thanks to Natalie, everything was done in a very efficient manner and she was very understanding of our situation.

  • P Godfrey

    Many thanks to Anita and all the staff at Versuslaw, they made my flight compensation claim for delay a breeze. I would highly recommend them

  • G Ryder

    The service and advise that we received from Versuslaw was exceptional. We had numerous issues with the house that we were buying and the team at Versus law guided us through the process whilst always looking out for our best interest.They were always prompt in responding to any question that we had and would update us on a regular basis. Thanks again to Nicola, Nick and Francine

  • Mark

    Excellent, professional and friendly work from Nick, Nicola and Natalie. They were flexible and very helpful in pushing along the sale despite several hurdles. Would definitely use again in future and would recommend others do so too

  • C Keen

    Absolutely superb service from Nicola Nolan. Highly trust and recommend. Honest attention to detail.

  • V Griffith

    We would like to say a big heartfelt thank you to Saqib Kazam versuslaw
    Once he took our case in for Holiday compensation He kept us up to date with every thing explaining every step he took this was not an easy case but he got us an excellent result a kind polite very professional young man. Highly recommend

  • J Williams

    From the moment we rung Versus Law and spoke to the receptionist on the phone to the moment we completed on our first home, Versus Law were excellent. Our solicitor was Tom and not only did he keep us updated every step of the way but he was very professional, efficient, offered valuable advice and made the process of buying a house stress free. We couldn’t recommend Versus Law enough and we just wanted to say a huge thank you to Tom and the team. Joe and Kara

  • S Foster

    Sarah handled my claim quickly and efficiently. It made the whole process easy and stress free. She was very professional and kept me informed every step. I would highly recommend Versuslaw.

  • H Cooper

    We would highly recommend Versus law, especially Nick Wintrip (selling) and Nicola Nolan (buying). They both kept us up to date throughout the whole process. They were easy to get hold of and were very prompt to answer any questions/email. We would have no hesitation in recommending Versus law for conveyancing.

  • I Asaf

    Fantastic service, very helpful and kept me informed at every stage

  • M Long

    From start to finish Versus Law have been professional and helpful. Tom Reid was always available to talk to us and gave us updates regularly meaning we did not have to constantly chase up matters. We are very happy by the service and would recommend to anyone looking for a reliable solicitor.

  • Jill T

    Excellent service. I was kept informed every step of the way. Natalie Moylan and Renee Burke were a pleasure to work with. Highly professional but with a personal touch. They both went above and beyond!

  • Danielle

    Excellent service from start to finish from Nicola and Natalie! Super responsive to emails and all my questions as a first time single buyer. Natalie and Nicola make a great team and are so approachable. Definitely recommend them for property related legal services.

  • Frankie

    Really happy with my experience using versus law, from start to finish they put my mind at ease as I wasn’t buying a house in the normal way, it was through a family divorce and there were time scales and dead lines to meet, versus law managed to conker my mortgage and speed things up to avoid any extra costs, nicola was always there to ease my mind when I had any concerns as things do get stressful whilst purchasing a property, the ladies on the reception we also a delight and couldn’t do more to make you feel comfortable in any situation, if you are thinking of using versus law to assist you through your mortgage then look no further as these guys couldn’t have done more for me, I couldn’t have been happier with my experience

  • Matt W

    Nicola Nolan’s conveyancing service has always been excellent, I have used them several times in the last 5 years. In particular for my business I have found their relationship and understanding of Paragon Bank to be very useful. I would highly recommend.

  • Kay

    Excellent decision to go with Versus Law! Nick Wintrip handled the very stressful job of our house sale with professionalism, calmness and a good sense of humour. We did everything via email, phone and post, and he was always quick in responding and keeping me updated every step of the way. Very competitively priced too. I would highly recommend Versus Law without the slightest hesitation.

  • O Li

    Thomas Reid dealt with the sale and purchase of our properties. He was a pleasure to work with – very quick to respond to queries and very efficient in his work. As a result, the process went very smoothly with minimal delays. I would highly recommend competitively priced Versus Law and especially the professionalism of Thomas Reid.

  • Mr RS

    Natalie Moylan dealt with the sale and purchase on my behalf. The whole process was very well handled with constant updates. The first solicitors I’ve used that’s responds within to an email within an hour! Would 100% use again!!!

  • Mrs LC

    Recently dealt with Nick Wintrip at Versus law when selling my property. Found him to be professional, quick and thorough. Process went smoothly and I was well informed throughout the process. I received regular updates and all enquiries were dealt with efficiently. Nick made the whole process of selling my home stress free and a happy one! Your the best Nick – thank you again 🙂
    Will highly recommend Versus Law Solicitors. They are the best

  • Jaxx

    Would recommend Versus Law for conveyancing; Nick and Natalie we’re our team with Nick the main contact, thank you Nick and Natalie for making the conveyancing experience as stress free as possible.

  • Paula

    Great experience working with Versus Law. Excellent level of professionalism from Thomas Reid who provided clear, precise information. Highly recommended from my side. Thanks to Tom and the team.

  • D

    Fantastic experience with Natalie and her colleagues. Email updates throughout the home buying process, estimates of how long it would take to get her work completed and local knowledge which speeded up the process. 100% recommended.

  • R Napier

    Really good and really helpful got things sorted alot quicker than anticipated very cooperative

  • Wetherill

    What an outstanding team they turned my purchase around within the set time frame and very professional at all times.
    They went above and beyond reassured myself throughout the process.
    As being a first time buyer I felt this was most important I would recommend them highly.

  • Nasir

    Versus Law dealt with my house sale from start to finish in a most professional manner. A friendly, professional, competent team who get the job done within the time parameters. I highly recommend this firm.

  • Colin and Yvonne

    Absolutely brilliant service as always.
    This is the third time using Versuslaw and they never fail to impress. Natalie and Nicola are real diamonds and you really get the sense that they actually care about you.

    We actually live in London, but continued to use them for our London property because of our previous experience with them.
    Thank you guys, would highly recommend you to anyone.

  • B Man

    Excellent service!!! We are really happy with the service VersusLaw provided to us. Being first time buyer, we dint have much idea about the whole process and had lots of questions. They have given proper and clear response on time to everything we have requested. For us, one of the property got cancelled in between the process because the owner decided to not to sell that property few days after accepting our offer. Though there were searches and procedures done already for that property VersusLaw did not ask Fee for that purchase as they understood the difficult situation we were in. When we found our next property, we had no doubt whom to contact. We are really happy and totally satisfied by the service Nicola, Natalie and their team offered. We will highly recommend your service to anyone,

  • Ross Grant

    Today I have completed on the purchase of my very first apartment, and it just wouldn’t have been possible without the INCREDIBLE knowledge, guidance and GENUINE care of Nicola, Natalie, and the entire Versus Law team.

    This purchase was far from straightforward, with lots of potential pitfalls – all navigated with professionalism, patience and an impeccable attention to detail by Nicola.

    Nic went well above and beyond the call of duty to look into some extremely complex accounts and repair budgets to the apartment block in question – something I would have completely overlooked.

    As a result, with her guidance, I managed to negotiate a £2,000 reduction in asking price – something I’m sure other solicitors would have let slip through the net.

    That’s a genuine £2000 saving – a lot of money for a first-time buyer.

    You get a real sense that these guys actually CARE – they make you feel more like a friend, than a client – and don’t leave a stone unturned when it comes to conveyancing. If there is anything to uncover on a property, trust me, Nicola will find it!

    In essence, Versus Law made what could have been a rather stressful situation, easy and straightforward.

    Communications and response times were brilliant, with daily updates coming via phone and email – and I never felt rushed by anyone when I had queries.

    I honestly cannot recommend Versus Law enough.

    I’m going to pick up the keys to my apartment now – and won’t be using anyone other than these guys for all future property purchases/ sales.

    THANK YOU SO MUCH Versus Law – I’ll be raising a glass of champagne to you all at the housewarming! 🙂

  • CW

    Great service provided by Nicola and her team.
    Always communicating with updates for the completion of my property.
    Would highly recommend

  • Jackie

    I used Versus Law to buy my first house. Had no idea how it worked but I must say that the conveyancing team held my hand all the way through. On the day of completion there was a delay and they stayed in office late to ensure it went through so I wasn’t waiting over the weekend. It was an absolute pleasure to deal with Versus Law and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. It was nice to speak to people who I felt cared for me and put my interests first at all times. Thank you so much for your help

  • Andy

    Versus were great to deal with when they provided the conveyancing for my house purchase. I was able to complete the process without needing to physically travel to their offices and my solicitor was always available for any questions when I was completing all the paperwork. Everyone was very friendly to speak to.

  • T Baguley

    Fantastic conveyancing service from Nicola and Natalie, they kept on top of everything from start to finish and were always available whenever we had questions. I’d be happy to recommend them to anyone.

  • David JC

    Very impressed with every aspect of Versus Law, from service they provide to the attitude of the staff. Always called back when they said they would and had a laugh with them too. Will definately use again (if I need to).

  • Mrs Morris

    I would recommend Versus Law to anyone, particularly Nick Wintrip, who looked after us extremely well. They are very efficient and communicated with us fully at all times. We were able to contact them by phone and e mail and did not need to rely on letter going back and forth. Nick is really friendly too and put us at ease throughout the end to end sales process. Thank you.

  • Tanita

    Nicola and Natalie did a wonderful job. They were friendly and patient. Answered my many many questions and got the job done very efficiently. I am highly impressed and would definitely recommend them.

0161 249 5087 Enquire Today

What Is Conveyancing? A Simple Guide for First-Time Buyers


What is conveyancing? It is the legal process of transferring property ownership from the seller to the buyer. For many first-time buyers, understanding what is conveyancing helps reduce stress and avoid costly mistakes. Buying your first home is exciting, but the legal side can feel like a different language. That’s where conveyancing comes in.


What Is Conveyancing?

What is conveyancing? Conveyancing is the legal process that transfers ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer. It makes sure the property is legally “safe” to buy (for example, there aren’t hidden restrictions, boundary issues, unpaid charges, or lease problems that could affect you later).

When people ask what is conveyancing, they’re usually trying to understand two things:

  • what checks happen before you’re committed, and
  • how you get from “offer accepted” to “keys in hand” without nasty surprises.

Conveyancing covers the legal paperwork, the searches, the contract, the money transfer, and the final registration of you as the owner at HM Land Registry.


Who Handles Conveyancing and What Do They Do?

When people ask what is conveyancing, they are usually trying to understand who manages the legal work and why it matters. Most first-time buyers choose to work with an experienced conveyancing solicitor to handle these checks and protect their interests throughout the transaction.

Your conveyancer typically:

  • reviews the draft contract and title documents

  • orders searches (local authority, drainage, environmental, and others if needed)

  • raises enquiries with the seller’s solicitor (questions that must be answered before exchange)

  • checks your mortgage offer and acts for your lender (if you’re getting a mortgage)

  • explains key issues in plain English before you commit

  • handles exchange of contracts and sets the completion date

  • transfers the purchase money and receives confirmation you can collect keys

  • registers you as the new owner with HM Land Registry and deals with Stamp Duty (if applicable)

So if you’re still thinking what is conveyancing in practical terms: it’s the “legal safety net” that turns a handshake deal into legal ownership.


The Conveyancing Process Step-by-Step

Understanding what is conveyancing at each stage helps buyers know when they are legally committed. Below is a typical first-time buyer timeline. Some transactions move quickly, some take longer (chains, leaseholds, and slow management companies are the usual culprits).

Image 4 (inside “Freehold vs Leasehold” section) Type: Apartment vs house visual comparison File name: freehold-vs-leasehold-conveyancing-uk.jpg SEO alt: Freehold vs leasehold conveyancing for UK first-time buyers

Step 1: Instruct your solicitor early

Once your offer is accepted, instruct your solicitor straight away. They’ll run ID and anti-money laundering checks and contact the seller’s solicitor for the contract pack.

Step 2: Contract pack received and enquiries begin

The seller’s solicitor sends the draft contract, title information, and key property forms. Your solicitor checks everything and starts raising enquiries (for example: guarantees for building work, building regs sign-off, rights of way, boundaries, service charges, lease terms).

Step 3: Searches are ordered

Searches uncover issues you can’t see from a viewing. Common ones include:

  • Local authority search (planning permissions, enforcement notices, adopted roads)

  • Drainage and water search (sewers within boundaries, connection details)

  • Environmental search (flood risk indicators, contaminated land screening)
    Depending on the location, your solicitor may recommend additional searches (mining, chancel repair, HS2/transport, etc.).

Step 4: Mortgage offer and lender requirements

If you’re buying with a mortgage, your solicitor checks the mortgage offer conditions and ensures the legal title is acceptable to the lender. This is one reason conveyancing can’t be treated as “just admin” — your lender has strict rules.

Step 5: Report to you before exchange

Once searches and enquiries are satisfactory, your solicitor will report to you. This is your chance to fully understand:

  • what you’re committing to

  • what risks exist (if any)

  • what documents you’ll be signing

  • how much money you must send and by when

Step 6: Exchange of contracts (you become legally committed)

Exchange is the point where the deal becomes legally binding. You pay your deposit (often 5–10%) and agree a fixed completion date.

This is the moment first-time buyers most need clarity, because after exchange you can’t simply “change your mind” without serious financial consequences.

Step 7: Completion day (you get the keys)

On completion, the remaining money is transferred to the seller’s solicitor. Once confirmed, the estate agent releases the keys.

Step 8: After completion (registration and final legal steps)

Your solicitor submits the Land Registry application to register you as the owner and deals with any Stamp Duty Land Tax requirements. Registration can take weeks or longer depending on Land Registry workload and transaction complexity.


How Long Does Conveyancing Take?

Once you understand what is conveyancing, it becomes easier to see why timelines can vary. For many first-time buyers, conveyancing often takes around 8–12 weeks from offer accepted to completion, but it can be shorter or longer.

Typical reasons it takes longer:

  • a chain (multiple linked buyers/sellers)

  • slow search results from the local authority

  • leasehold paperwork delays (management packs are a common bottleneck)

  • outstanding enquiries (e.g., missing certificates, unclear boundaries)

  • mortgage offer delays or additional lender requirements


Conveyancing Costs Explained (So You Can Budget Properly)

A key part of understanding what is conveyancing is knowing which costs are legal fees and which are third-party charges. Conveyancing costs are usually split into two parts:

1) Legal fees (your solicitor’s fee)

This covers the solicitor’s professional work. Costs vary based on complexity (leasehold, new build, shared ownership, unregistered land, or a long chain can add work).

2) Disbursements (third-party costs)

These are payments your solicitor makes to others on your behalf, such as:

  • searches

  • Land Registry fees

  • bank transfer fees

  • Stamp Duty (if due)

If you’re comparing quotes, make sure you’re comparing like-for-like. A cheaper quote can sometimes exclude items that later appear as “extras”.


Freehold vs Leasehold: What First-Time Buyers Must Know

What is conveyancing for freehold and leasehold properties in the UK

Freehold

You own the property and the land it stands on. Conveyancing is usually more straightforward.

Leasehold

You own the property for the length of the lease, but not the land. Leasehold conveyancing typically involves more checks, such as:

  • lease length (short leases can affect resale and mortgage availability)

  • ground rent terms and escalation clauses

  • service charges and planned major works

  • restrictions (pets, subletting, alterations)

  • management company performance and paperwork timelines

If you’re buying a flat, it’s often leasehold — so the conveyancing process can take longer and cost more.


Common Reasons Conveyancing Gets Delayed (And How to Reduce Them)

1. Slow responses to enquiries

If documents are missing (FENSA certificates, warranties, building regs approvals), your solicitor will ask for them. Sellers sometimes need time to locate paperwork.

What you can do: respond quickly to your solicitor, and keep pressure on the estate agent to chase the chain.

2. Searches take time

Local authorities vary widely in turnaround.

What you can do: instruct your solicitor immediately and ensure they order searches early.

3. Mortgage admin

Lenders may request extra documents, especially with gifted deposits or unusual properties.

What you can do: get your paperwork ready early (ID, deposit evidence, gifted deposit letter, bank statements).


Choosing the Right Conveyancing Solicitor as a First-Time Buyer

A first-time purchase is not the best time to gamble on poor communication. Look for:

  • clear, upfront pricing

  • a named point of contact (or a clear team structure)

  • proactive updates (not just “we’ll let you know”)

  • experience with first-time buyers and the type of property you’re buying (flat/house, leasehold/freehold)

If you’re unsure where to start, speaking to a solicitor early can help you understand timelines, costs, and potential risks before you commit.


Quick First-Time Buyer Checklist (Before You Start)

  • Have your ID and deposit evidence ready (especially if any deposit is gifted)

  • Instruct your conveyancing solicitor as soon as the offer is accepted

  • Arrange a survey early (even if the lender does a valuation)

  • Keep funds accessible for searches and the deposit

  • Reply to solicitor queries quickly to avoid avoidable delays


How Versus Law Can Help First-Time Buyers

It’s about explaining what matters, spotting issues early, and keeping the process moving with clear communication. Versus Law supports first-time buyers by handling the conveyancing process end-to-end, raising and resolving enquiries efficiently, and helping you understand the legal steps in plain English so you feel confident at each stage.

Need help with conveyancing?

Buying your first home can feel complex, especially when it comes to legal checks,
contracts, and completion timelines. Versus Law provides clear, practical conveyancing
support to help first-time buyers move forward with confidence.