Selling a property comes with a number of important legal responsibilities, and one of the most key aspects of the process is conveyancing – the legal transfer of ownership from seller to buyer. Proper conveyancing ensures that contracts are accurately prepared, all necessary checks are completed, and the transaction is finalised smoothly.
Without a clear understanding of this process, delays, disputes, or costly mistakes can arise, creating unnecessary stress during what should be a straightforward sale. For sellers, having the right legal support is essential, with an experienced solicitor managing the complexities, protecting your interests, and ensuring full legal compliance.
In this post, we will explain the conveyancing process for sellers, outline what it involves, and highlight the key legal steps to be aware of.
A Clear Understanding of Conveyancing When Selling a Property
When selling a property, whether residential or commercial, conveyancing is one of the most important stages in ensuring that the transaction is legally binding, properly documented, and completed without unnecessary complications. Conveyancing refers to the legal transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer and covers a wide range of essential tasks that protect both parties during the sale.
Having a clear understanding of what this involves helps sellers appreciate the importance of professional support and why the process must be carried out with precision. Below we cover what conveyancing involves when selling a property:
Drafting and Reviewing Contracts
Contracts form the foundation of any property transaction. They must set out the terms of the sale accurately, including the purchase price, completion date, and any conditions attached. A solicitor ensures that contracts are properly drafted, legally compliant, and reflective of the seller’s interests. This reduces the risk of disputes arising later in the process.
Carrying Out Legal Checks
Before a property can be sold, a number of legal checks and searches are required. These confirm the title to the property, identify any restrictions or rights over the land, and ensure there are no outstanding issues that could delay or jeopardise the sale. Such checks provide certainty and transparency, both of which are vital to a smooth transfer of ownership.
Managing the Exchange and Completion
The exchange of contracts and completion are the final, decisive stages of the sale. At exchange, the agreement becomes legally binding, and at completion, ownership is formally transferred to the buyer. Proper management of these stages by a solicitor ensures the sale is finalised on time, with all necessary payments and documents in order.
The Key Legal Steps in the Conveyancing Process
Conveyancing follows a structured path designed to protect both seller and buyer. The process begins when you instruct a solicitor, who will immediately start preparing the necessary legal documentation. At this stage, they will obtain the title deeds, draft the contract of sale, and liaise with the buyer’s solicitor to provide the required information. Sellers must also complete property information forms, disclosing details such as boundaries, disputes, and fixtures or fittings included in the sale.
Once the buyer’s solicitor has carried out their checks and searches, any enquiries are raised with the seller’s solicitor. These must be answered carefully and in full, as they play an important role in reassuring the buyer and moving the sale forward. When both parties are satisfied, contracts are signed and exchanged, and a completion date is set.
On the day of completion, the seller’s solicitor confirms receipt of funds, arranges the handover of keys, and ensures that legal ownership is transferred to the buyer. At this point, the property is officially sold.
How Professional Support Ensures a Smooth Conveyancing Process
Although some sellers may consider handling aspects of the process themselves, conveyancing is a highly technical area of law that requires professional expertise. Without the support of an experienced solicitor, delays, disputes, and even failed sales can occur. At Gillhams Solicitors, our team provides the specialist guidance needed to ensure compliance with all legal requirements, while also protecting your interests at every stage. Below, we outline how professional support ensures a smooth conveyancing process;
Reducing the Risk of Errors
Errors in drafting contracts, completing forms, or responding to enquiries can result in delays, financial loss, or even the collapse of a sale. A solicitor’s expertise and attention to detail help minimise these risks, ensuring that documentation is accurate, responses are handled correctly, and every stage of the process is carried out in full compliance with legal requirements.
Keeping the Process on Track
Selling a property often involves multiple parties, including estate agents, surveyors, and mortgage lenders. Coordinating between them can be challenging and time-consuming. A solicitor acts as the central point of contact, managing communications and maintaining progress. By keeping deadlines under control and addressing issues promptly, they help avoid unnecessary delays and ensure the transaction proceeds as smoothly as possible.
Protecting Your Best Interests
A solicitor’s role is to also protect the seller’s position at every stage of the transaction. They review contracts carefully, identify potential risks, and ensure that the terms are fair and reasonable. By providing professional oversight and guidance from start to finish, solicitors help sellers avoid exposure to unnecessary liabilities while ensuring their rights and interests remain fully protected throughout the process.
Contact Gillham’s Solicitors for More Information
If you are looking to sell a residential or commercial property and require conveyancing solicitors in London, welcome to Gillhams Solicitors. Our experienced team of property solicitors will guide you through the conveyancing process, ensuring everything is handled correctly and always in your best interests. We take care to complete the sale as smoothly as possible by carrying out essential checks, preparing contracts, assisting with post-completion documents, avoiding unnecessary delays or disputes.
To learn more about how we can support you with a property sale, get in contact today by completing our online enquiry form, calling 020 8965 4266, or emailing solicitors@gillhams.com.
