The Legals: Solicitors and Conveyancers

Whether you're buying, selling, or renting, the legal side of property is where things get official. This is where ownership transfers, contracts are signed, and commitments are made.

You might be marketing your home yourself or through an agent, but when it comes to the legal work, you need a professional. DIY conveyancing carries serious risks, and most lenders are unlikely to accept it anyway.

This guide explains what solicitors and conveyancers do, why both sides need one, and how to choose someone who'll keep things moving.

Key takeaways

• Conveyancers and solicitors both handle property legals. Both do the same thing, either is fine.
• Generally, buyers and sellers should have their own legal professional.
• Your legal professional handles searches, contracts, funds transfer, and Land Registry updates.
• Line one up early, you'll need them as soon as an offer is agreed.

What does a conveyancer or solicitor do?

Your legal professional handles the legal transfer of property ownership (called conveyancing). For rentals, they prepare or review tenancy agreements.

For buyers, they:

• carry out property searches (local authority, drainage, environmental, etc.)
• review the title, and lease (if leasehold)
• raise enquiries with the seller's legal professional
• check contracts and advise on any issues
• arrange exchange of contracts and completion
• transfer funds and register ownership with HM Land Registry

For sellers, they:

• prepare the contract pack
• answer legal enquiries from the buyer's side
• confirm fixtures/fittings and what's included
• arrange exchange of contracts and completion
• transfer ownership and update Land Registry records

Tip
If you're selling, line up your legal professional before you accept an offer. It speeds things up and shows buyers you're serious.

Conveyancer vs solicitor: what's the difference?

Both can handle property transactions. The main difference is scope.

Conveyancers specialise in property law only. They're licensed to do conveyancing and usually focus on residential sales and purchases.

Solicitors are qualified to handle a broader range of legal work. Some specialise in property, others offer it alongside other services.

For most sales and purchases, either is fine. What matters more is their communication, speed, and experience with your type of transaction (leasehold, new build, unregistered property, etc.).

Why both buyers and sellers need one

Even if you're selling privately and negotiating directly, you each need your own legal professional. They represent your individual interests and handle different parts of the process.

The buyer's legal professional protects the buyer by checking for issues before contracts are signed. The seller's legal professional protects the seller by preparing a clear contract and responding to questions.

Both sides' legal professionals also make sure the sale is properly documented and ownership is correctly transferred at the Land Registry.

When to instruct your legal professional

If you're selling:

Ideally before you accept an offer. If you already have one lined up, you can move faster once an offer comes in.

If you're buying:

As soon as your offer is accepted (but you should have one in mind earlier).

In Scotland, solicitors are often involved earlier in the process, so it's common to have one lined up before making an offer.

How to choose a legal professional

Check Reviews and Recommendations

Look for recent reviews on Google, Trustpilot, or property forums. Ask friends or family who've bought or sold recently.

Understand the Fees

Get a clear quote upfront. Ask what's included and what might cost extra (searches, Land Registry fees, bank transfers, etc.). The cheapest quote isn't always the best value if communication is slow or things get missed.

Make Sure They're Regulated

Conveyancers should be regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC). Solicitors should be regulated by the Solicitor's Regulation Authority (SRA) in England and Wales, or equivalent bodies in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

What to expect once you've instructed them

First steps:

• Identity and anti-money laundering checks
• Proof of funds (buyers)
• Proof of ownership (sellers)

During the process:

• Regular updates (how often depends on the firm)
• Requests for information or documents
• Explanations of any issues that come up

Near the end:

• Contract approval
• Exchange of contracts
• Completion (the day ownership transfers and keys are handed over)

Your legal professional should explain each stage and let you know what's needed from you.