Selling your home involves a crucial legal process known as conveyancing. This guide will walk you through the key stages of the legal journey, from accepting an offer to completing the sale.

What is Conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from you, the seller, to the buyer. It involves a series of checks and legal procedures to ensure a smooth and valid property transfer. This process protects both parties and ensures all legal requirements are met.

Step 1: Instructing a Solicitor

Once you've accepted an offer on your property:

• Choose a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the legal work. Look for recommendations and compare quotes.

• Provide them with identification and proof of address. This is for anti-money laundering checks, a legal requirement.

• Give details of your mortgage lender, if applicable. This is crucial for managing any outstanding mortgage on the property.

Step 2: Initial Legal Work

Your solicitor will now start the groundwork:

• Obtain the title deeds or official copy of the Land Registry entry. This proves you own the property and have the right to sell it.

• Prepare a draft contract for the sale. This outlines the terms and conditions of the sale.

• Ask you to complete property information forms, including the Property Information Form (TA6) and Fittings and Contents Form (TA10). These forms provide the buyer with crucial details about the property and what's included in the sale.

Step 3: Handling Enquiries

• The buyer's solicitor will review the draft contract and raise enquiries. These are questions about the property or the terms of sale.

• Your solicitor will work with you to answer these questions accurately. Honesty is crucial here to avoid future legal issues.

• Be prepared to provide additional information or documentation if required. This might include building certificates, warranties, or planning permissions.

Step 4: Negotiating the Contract

• Your solicitor will negotiate the terms of the contract with the buyer's solicitor. This ensures both parties are satisfied with the agreement.

• This includes agreeing on the completion date and any conditions of the sale. The completion date is when you'll hand over the property and receive the funds.

Step 5: Exchange of Contracts

This is the big moment - after exchange, the sale becomes legally binding:

• Contracts are signed by both parties and exchanged. This means neither party can back out without financial penalties.

• The buyer typically pays a deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price). This is held by your solicitor as a sign of commitment.

• A completion date is set. This is usually 1-4 weeks after exchange but can be negotiated.

Step 6: Preparing for Completion

In the lead-up to completion:

• Your solicitor obtains a redemption figure from your mortgage lender, if applicable. This is the amount needed to pay off your mortgage.

• They prepare a financial statement showing the sale price, mortgage redemption, estate agent fees, and legal costs. This breakdown shows where the money from the sale will go.

• They request the title deeds and a redemption certificate from your mortgage lender. These documents are needed to transfer ownership.

Step 7: Completion Day

The day you've been waiting for!

• The buyer's solicitor transfers the funds to your solicitor. This is the full purchase price minus the deposit already paid.

• Your solicitor repays any outstanding mortgage and settles the estate agent fees. They'll also deduct their own fees.

• You hand over the keys to the property, usually via the estate agent. Ensure you've removed all personal belongings unless agreed otherwise.

• Congratulations - the sale is now complete! The property is now legally owned by the buyer.

Step 8: Post-Completion

Your solicitor will tie up the loose ends:

• Pay off the mortgage and obtain evidence that this has been done. This ensures there are no future claims on the property.

• Pay the estate agent fees. This is usually done from the sale proceeds.

• Send you the balance of the sale proceeds. This is the money left over after all deductions.

• Send the transfer deed and title documents to the buyer's solicitor. This officially records the change of ownership.

The conveyancing process typically takes 8-12 weeks, but it can be longer for more complex cases. Remember, good communication is key - stay in touch with your solicitor and don't be afraid to ask questions if anything's unclear.

Selling a home is a big step, and the legal process can seem overwhelming at times. But with this guide and a good solicitor by your side, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the journey.