A simple guide to choosing the right solicitor and understanding the legal process of buying
The legal side of buying a home often feels mysterious to many buyers. This guide explains what solicitors do, how to choose one, what the legal stages involve, and how to avoid delays. Clear legal guidance helps you stay calm and in control during your purchase.
Once your offer is accepted, the legal part of your purchase begins. For many buyers, this stage feels the most confusing because much of the work happens behind the scenes. You may hear new terms like searches, enquiries and exchange. Understanding these stages makes the process less stressful and helps you communicate more effectively with your solicitor. This guide explains the essentials in everyday language.
Why you need a solicitor
A solicitor handles the legal transfer of the property from the seller to you. They check that the home you are buying is legally sound, that the seller has the right to sell it, and that there are no restrictions that could cause problems later. They also manage the transfer of funds and deal with the formal contract.
Choosing the right solicitor
Your solicitor has a huge impact on the speed and ease of your purchase. A slow or unresponsive solicitor can create delays that affect everyone in the chain. When choosing a solicitor, look for:
• Clear communication
• Good reviews or trusted recommendations
• Transparent fees
• A team that handles conveyancing regularly
Cheap online services can sometimes work well, but they often have high caseloads and less personal contact. Many first time buyers prefer a solicitor who takes the time to explain things clearly.
If you would like us to introduce you to a trusted solicitor that we work with regularly, let us know.
The first legal steps
Once instructed, your solicitor will request the draft contract from the seller’s solicitor. This includes details about the property, boundaries, fixtures and fittings. At the same time, your solicitor will send you several forms to complete regarding your identification, source of funds and other legal requirements.
Searches
Searches are checks carried out with local authorities, water companies and environmental agencies. They confirm whether there are issues you need to know about, such as plans for new roads, risks of flooding or drainage problems. Searches take time, and some areas process them faster than others.
Enquiries
After reviewing the contract and the searches, your solicitor will raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor. These are questions about anything unclear or concerning. They can relate to alterations, guarantees, boundaries or legal restrictions. This stage can take a while, and it is normal to feel impatient. Remember that enquiries protect you from buying a property with hidden problems.
Your mortgage offer
Once your lender completes their checks, they will issue your formal mortgage offer. This is an important moment because it confirms the money you will be borrowing. Your solicitor will check the offer and confirm that the lender is satisfied with the legal information.
Signing contracts
Your solicitor will send you the contract to sign once all enquiries are complete and everyone is ready. Signing does not make the purchase legally binding yet. That happens at the next stage called exchange.
Exchange of contracts
Exchange is when the sale becomes legally binding. Both solicitors agree a completion date, and you pay your deposit. If you decide to pull out after this stage, you usually lose your deposit. Exchange gives you peace of mind because the seller is committed to the sale.
Completion
Completion is the day you get your keys. Your solicitor transfers the remaining funds to the seller’s solicitor. Once the money arrives, the estate agent is told to release the keys to you.
What slows the process down
Delays usually happen because of:
• Slow responses to enquiries
• Missing documents
• Slow search results
• Delays in chains
• Lender processing times
You can help by returning paperwork quickly and staying in regular contact with your solicitor.
The legal process might feel slow and detailed, but each stage protects you. A good solicitor is your guide and safeguard. With the right support, the process becomes clearer and far less daunting.
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