First time buyer guide

The conveyancing process can seem daunting, so make sure you instruct a firm that you’re happy with.

Your solicitor will initially send you the draft contracts, which you will need to read, sign and send back. They will also apply for searches and raise enquires with the seller’s solicitor.

Whilst the conveyancing process is underway, you should expect to receive your mortgage offer – congratulations, this is huge step!

Towards the end of the conveyancing process, your solicitor will report to you their findings, which will include:

• Reporting the searches and replies to enquiries to you
• The title and plans
• The Energy Performance Certificate
• Relevant sign offs, such as planning consent, building control and gas/electricity sign offs

They will also send your mortgage deed and the lease (if you are buying a leasehold home) for you to sign and send back to them and then request for you to transfer the exchange deposit to them – typically 10% of the purchase price.

Once you’re happy with everything, you will provide authority to exchange to your solicitor. Then, you will exchange contracts – this means the sale is legally binding and neither side can withdraw from the process.