First-Time Buyer Conveyancing

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another. For first-time buyers, the process can seem complex and unfamiliar — but understanding the key stages will help you know what to expect and what questions to ask your solicitor.

Instructing a Solicitor

The conveyancing process begins when you instruct a solicitor. You should instruct a solicitor as soon as your offer is accepted — ideally before, so that you are ready to proceed quickly. Your solicitor will send you a client care letter setting out the terms of their engagement, their fees, and what is included. At PDA Law, we confirm all fees in writing before any work begins — there are no hidden charges.

Searches and Enquiries

Your solicitor will carry out a range of searches on the property — including a local authority search (which reveals planning permissions, road schemes, and other matters affecting the property), a drainage search (which confirms whether the property is connected to the public sewer), and an environmental search (which identifies flood risk, contaminated land, and other environmental issues). The results of these searches can affect your decision to proceed and may need to be reported to your mortgage lender.

Your solicitor will also raise enquiries with the seller's solicitor — asking questions about the property, its boundaries, any disputes with neighbours, and any other matters that may affect your use and enjoyment of the property. The seller's solicitor must answer these enquiries honestly and completely.

Exchange of Contracts

Exchange of contracts is the point at which the transaction becomes legally binding. Before exchange, either party can withdraw without penalty (though you may lose the cost of searches and surveys). At exchange, you pay a deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price) and agree a completion date. After exchange, neither party can withdraw without significant financial consequences.

Your solicitor will not exchange contracts until they are satisfied that all searches and enquiries have been satisfactorily resolved, your mortgage offer is in place, and you are ready to proceed. We will explain the results of all searches and enquiries to you in plain English before exchange — so you can make an informed decision about whether to proceed.

Completion and Registration

Completion is the day you become the legal owner of the property. Your solicitor will transfer the purchase price to the seller's solicitor, and you will receive the keys. After completion, your solicitor will pay any Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) due and register the transfer of ownership at HM Land Registry. First-time buyers may be eligible for SDLT relief — we will calculate and submit your SDLT return as part of the conveyancing process.

Leasehold Properties

If you are buying a flat, it is likely to be leasehold. Leasehold conveyancing involves additional legal work — including reviewing the lease, obtaining a management pack from the freeholder or managing agent, and checking the service charge and ground rent history. We will explain what is involved and what it will cost before you commit. We strongly recommend checking the length of the lease before making an offer — a short lease (below 80 years) can significantly affect the property's value and your ability to obtain a mortgage.

Why choose a solicitor rather than a licensed conveyancer?

As a first-time buyer, you are relying entirely on your home buying solicitor to guide you through a process you have never done before. A qualified solicitor can advise on a wider range of legal issues than a licensed conveyancer — including boundary disputes, restrictive covenants, title defects, and any complications that arise during the transaction. At PDA Law, your transaction is handled by a qualified solicitor from start to finish — not a paralegal or case handler.