Do You Need To Use a Conveyancer When Buying and Selling Property in the UK?

Holly
Jul 31
2 min read

If you’re buying or selling a property in the UK, you’ve probably come across the term conveyancer. But what exactly do they do and do you really need one?

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What is a conveyancer?

A conveyancer is a legal professional who specialises in the transfer of property ownership. They handle all the legal aspects of a house sale or purchase, from conducting searches and reviewing contracts to making sure the money gets where it needs to go on completion day.

You can choose to use a licensed conveyancer or a solicitor who handles conveyancing work.

Is it a legal requirement?

No, it's not legally required to use a conveyancer or solicitor when buying or selling a home. Technically, you could handle the legal paperwork yourself but unless you have legal training and understand the complexities of property law, it's not advisable.

Most mortgage lenders won’t release funds unless a qualified professional is handling the legal process. This alone makes using a conveyancer practically essential for most buyers.

What does a conveyancer do during the process?

Whether you’re buying or selling, here are some of the key things a conveyancer will typically handle:

When buying:

Reviewing and explaining the contract of sale
Reading the Title Register to see if any Charges or Restrictions have been noted
Conducting legal searches (e.g. local authority, drainage, environmental)
Checking for planning permissions, building regulations, and property restrictions
Liaising with your mortgage provider
Ensuring funds are transferred securely
Registering your ownership with the Land Registry

When selling:

Drafting the contract of sale
Responding to enquiries from the buyer’s conveyancer
Helping to resolve any disputes or issues flagged in searches
Managing deposit payments and the final balance
Paying off the mortgage and handling financial transfers
Obtaining insurance if needed

Can you use the same conveyancer for both buying and selling?

Yes, if you're selling your current home and buying a new one, you can often use the same conveyancer for both transactions. This can help streamline the process and reduce your overall legal fees.

How much does a conveyancer cost?

Fees vary based on property value, complexity, and whether it's leasehold or freehold. On average, expect to pay between over £1,000 + VAT. Leasehold properties tend to cost more due to the extra work involved.

It’s always wise to get a few quotes and check what’s included. Some fees look low but don’t include extras like bank transfer charges or Land Registry fees.

Do you need one?

If you want peace of mind, avoid legal mistakes, and ensure the sale or purchase goes smoothly, a conveyancer is well worth the money. The legal side of property transactions is complex, and errors can be expensive or even cause a sale to fall through.

While not legally required, for most people, using a conveyancer is the safest and most efficient route, especially if you're relying on a mortgage or navigating a chain.

If you need help choosing a Conveyancer you can use our matchmaking service.

Matchmaking

To check that your conveyancer is licenced you can use the CLC Search Facility - CLC – The Specialist Property Law Regulator