Intro
At Cavendish, we’ve been helping people buy and sell their homes since 1985. Whether it’s your first step on the property ladder or your fifth move, our experienced team is here to make the legal process smooth, simple and stress-free.
What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring a property from one person to another. It covers everything from checking contracts to making sure the right searches are done and ensuring the finances are in place for completion. Our job is to ensure everything is done properly, legally and in your best interest.
At Cavendish, we can help you with any aspect of buying or selling. Whether it be a flat, a house, a new build — or if you’re buying a shared ownership property.
What is the process of conveyancing?
While no two transactions are exactly the same, here’s a typical step-by-step guide to how conveyancing works if you're buying a property.
Instruct Your Conveyancer – That’s Us!
Once your offer is accepted via your estate agent, we’ll open your file and get things moving. We’ll request the contract pack from the seller’s solicitor and carry out ID and anti-money laundering checks.
Legal Checks & Property Searches
We’ll review the draft contract and conduct essential searches (local authority, drainage, environmental, etc.) to flag up anything that might affect the property.
Raise Enquiries, Mortgage & Survey
Based on the documents and searches, we’ll raise any necessary questions with the seller’s solicitor to make sure everything’s in order. If you’re using a mortgage, your lender will carry out a valuation. You might also choose a more detailed survey. We’ll check the mortgage offer and make sure it aligns with the legal side.
Contract Signing & Exchange of Contracts
Once all enquiries are satisfied and your finances are ready, we’ll go through the paperwork with you and get everything signed. Things then become legally binding. You’ll agree a completion date (the day you get the keys!) and pay your deposit.
Completion & Post-Completion
On the agreed day, funds are transferred and the property officially becomes yours. Time to celebrate! We’ll register your ownership with HM Land Registry and handle any stamp duty (if applicable). You’ll receive confirmation once everything’s finalised.
How long does conveyancing take?
The process varies in length, depending on your circumstances and the complexity of the sale or purchase. We’ll guide you through each step, keeping you updated via our mobile app, case tracker or phone — whichever you prefer.
On average, conveyancing takes 8 to 12 weeks from the moment solicitors are instructed to the day you complete — but it can be quicker or slower depending on the circumstances.
A few things can affect the timeline:
- Whether you’re buying, selling or both
- If you’re part of a chain (and how long that chain is)
- How quickly mortgage offers, searches and enquiries are completed
- How responsive all parties are: solicitors, agents and clients
At Cavendish, we keep things moving by combining our decades of experience with a proactive, tech-enabled approach. You’ll get regular updates and clear guidance to help avoid unnecessary delays — so you’re never left in the dark.
What is the process of selling a property?
Selling a property is a slightly simpler process, as there is no need to arrange surveys, deal with mortgage lenders, or investigate the legal title.
Instruct Your Conveyancer – that’s us!
As soon as you find a buyer, we’ll prepare the contract pack and send it to their solicitor.
Respond to Enquiries
We’ll work with you to answer any legal questions the buyer’s solicitor raises about the property.
Agree the Terms
Once the buyer is happy with the responses and has their finances in place, we’ll agree on the terms and completion date.
Exchange of Contracts
You and the buyer both sign the contracts, and the transaction becomes legally binding.
Completion
On the agreed day, the buyer’s funds are received and keys are handed over (usually via the estate agent). We’ll pay off any mortgage on your behalf and transfer the remaining balance to you.
Why choose us?
With 40 years of experience, we know conveyancing inside out. We blend smart technology with real human care to make your experience feel effortless.
We know that communication is everything when it comes to this journey. We’ll always keep you updated through our easy-to-use app as we move through the process together; making your sale or purchase feel simple and stress-free.
But don’t just take our word for it. We’re proud of our 4.8 star Trustpilot score, thanks to clients who have trusted our support, expertise and guidance throughout every step of their conveyancing experience.
Ask us for a Quote
We’ll be happy to provide a detailed, no-obligation quote. This will cover all aspects of our legal conveyancing service, so the quote you get will be the fee you’ll pay — with no surprises.
Our Team
Hardip Basra
Head of Sale and Purchase
A qualified solicitor since 2005, Hardip has nearly 20 years’ experience in residential conveyancing. She joined what was GTC Law in 2006, became a Partner in 2010, and played a key role in the growth of Cavendish following its merger. Now Head of Sale and Purchase, Hardip leads a growing team of 14 and is focused on delivering excellent client service and driving continued business growth.