Question 1

What is the conveyancing process?

Accepted Answer

The conveyancing process can be simplified into 8 stages:

    1 Instruct a conveyancing solicitor: Choosing the right conveyancing solicitor can be daunting, but finding someone who will keep you informed throughout the process is crucial. SAM Conveyancing offers a panel of experienced and qualified conveyancing solicitors who can provide an efficient and cost-effective service.
    2 Organise mortgage and proof of funds: Securing a mortgage and gathering proof of funds can be time-consuming and stressful. SAM Conveyancing works with a network of trusted mortgage brokers who can offer impartial mortgage advice and help you find the best deal to suit your needs.
    3 Instruct a RICS building surveyor: A RICS Building Surveyor will thoroughly inspect the property you're planning to buy. This will highlight any potential issues or defects that could affect the property’s value or require costly repairs. SAM Conveyancing can provide access to a nationwide network of RICS surveyors to ensure you get an accurate valuation.
    4 Order conveyancing searches: Conveyancing searches are vital to uncover potential issues with the property you're buying. This could include planning restrictions, environmental concerns or disputes over boundaries. SAM Conveyancing can help you order the necessary searches and ensure any issues are addressed before you complete.
    5 Draft contracts and enquiries: Your conveyancing solicitor will draft the contracts for the sale and purchase of the property. They'll also raise enquiries with the seller's solicitor to clarify any issues or queries you may have.
    6 Exchange of contracts: This is the point where the transaction becomes legally binding. Your conveyancing solicitor will arrange for the deposit to be paid and agree on a completion date.
    7 Completion: On completion day, the purchase price balance is paid to the seller's solicitor and the keys are released. SAM Conveyancing will ensure all necessary payments are made and paperwork is completed, making the process as smooth as possible.
    8 Post completion: After completion, your conveyancing solicitor will ensure the necessary documents are registered with the Land Registry, and any stamp duty is paid. SAM Conveyancing will keep you informed throughout the process, ensuring a stress-free experience.


Sounds simple! However, each stage of the conveyancing process has its challenges, pitfalls and complications, so we've explained each stage with videos, tips and guides in our free online conveyancing process. Why not come in and have a look around?
Log into your conveyancing process

Question 2

How long does the conveyancing process take?

Accepted Answer

There is no set time limit for how long the conveyancing process will take. There are a number of factors that can cause the process to move quicker or to stall:


    Long Chain - A long chain of buyers and sellers can slow down the conveyancing process, causing delays and adding stress to the transaction. It's important to work with experienced conveyancing solicitors who can help navigate the challenges of a long chain and keep things moving forward.
    No Onward Chain - Buying a property with no onward chain can speed up the conveyancing process and potentially reduce the overall transaction time. With the help of a mortgage broker and conveyancing solicitors, you can ensure a smooth and efficient process, leading to a faster exchange and completion. Freehold purchases will take two to three months.
    New Build - Buying a new build property can be exciting, but delays in the construction process can affect the conveyancing process. It's important to work with conveyancing solicitors experienced in dealing with new build transactions and can help you navigate any potential delays. Exchanges range between 21 days to 56 days.
    Leasehold Purchases - Purchasing a leasehold property can be more complex than buying a freehold property. Issues such as short leases and absent freeholders can cause delays in the conveyancing process. By working with experienced conveyancing solicitors and RICS surveyors, you can ensure that the leasehold management information pack is obtained promptly, helping to keep the transaction on track. Generally, Leasehold purchases will take upward of three months to complete.

Read more >> How long does it take to buy a house or a flat?

Question 3

Is there such a thing as fast conveyancing?

Accepted Answer

Every transaction is different, and some are pre-set because they are auctions or new builds and require completion in 28 days. Often a transaction can only progress at the speed of the slowest party, such as the council or the seller, and whatever pre-agreed timeframe will automatically extend as long as all parties are communicating. Communication is the most important part and ensures all parties know the current position in the conveyancing process.
We handle all types of transaction including auction, new build and long and short chains. You can read about the different time-frames for the conveyancing process here - How long does the conveyancing process take? and What can you do to speed up the process?.
We understand the pressure to get everything done quickly if you’re working to a tight time-frame. That's why we offer our Premium Expedition Service, designed to expedite the entire conveyancing process from start to finish. Our team of expert conveyancing solicitors, RICS surveyors, and mortgage brokers will work closely with you to ensure that everything is completed promptly and efficiently.
We understand the pressure to get everything done quickly if you’re working to a tight time-frame. That's why we offer our Premium Expedition Service, designed to expedite the entire conveyancing process from start to finish. Our team of expert conveyancing solicitors, RICS surveyors, and mortgage brokers will work closely with you to ensure that everything is completed promptly and efficiently.

Question 4

How do I find a Mortgage Broker?

Accepted Answer

We've hand selected mortgage brokers who work on our panel based on their service, professionalism & ability to meet our clients' needs.

    1 Complete our Mortgage form or call us on 0333 344 3234 (local charges apply).
    2 One of our panel of mortgage brokers will call and provide a free* mortgage consultation.
    3 Your broker will provide you with a selection of Mortgage Products & Services suitable to your circumstances from a selection of Mortgage Lenders.
    4 You can choose which lender best suits what you are looking for and your broker handles everything else**.


Our brokers are not linked to any one lender. They have access to the whole of the mortgage market and can give 100% impartial advice.
All mortgage services are provided by a third party mortgage broker who are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. SAM Conveyancing does not provide mortgage advice.

    * Terms Apply 
    
    ** A mortgage application fee maybe payable to your broker depending on the product you choose.

Question 5

How do I instruct a Conveyancing Solicitor?

Accepted Answer

We have hand selected a panel of CQS accredited conveyancing solicitors who are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and who deliver a service we are proud to put our name to - so you don't have to worry about comparing who the best conveyancing solicitor is for your home move.


    1 
    Get a Free No obligation Online Conveyancing Quote or call us on 0333 344 3234 (local charges apply)

    2 
    We'll discuss transaction with you, find out about the chain and get to know what you need from us as we'll be working closely together for a number of weeks and you are sure to have a lot of questions.

    3 
    Once you're happy to proceed we'll take control and inform your estate agent and mortgage broker of your solicitor's details. The next stage is for the agent to issue the sales memorandum.

    4 
    You simply need to provide your ID and proof of funds electronically and then you can focus on getting your mortgage. Leave the legal side to our conveyancing team. We handle all the chasing of you, your solicitor and the estate agent so you're in safe hands.


You'll have one dedicated point of contact here at SAM to stay on top of communication and your solicitor handling the technical legal work. We will manage your transaction providing updates along the way and stepping in to ensure the chain is chased and your solicitor is delivering good communication and keeping the process moving.

Question 6

How do I book a RICS Building Surveyor?

Accepted Answer

We have hand selected surveyors offering a variety of surveys covering the whole of England and Wales. Whether your property calls for a RICS HomeBuyers Report in London or a Structural Engineer in Surrey, we can help.

If you're already using us for your conveyancing, your case handler will discuss your best options and handle the booking for you. If you'd like to book a survey alone:


    1 
    Complete our survey form or call us on 0333 344 3234 (local charges apply).
    2 
    We'll discuss the different types of survey, any issues you have with your property, confirm our best price and availability (normally within 2 to 5 working days*).
    3 
    We handle arranging access with the owner/vendor so all you have to do is pay for the survey and we do the rest.
     4 
   Surveyor calls you on the day of your survey** to discuss any issues found and your report is issued 5 working days*** later. 


* Subject to availability.
** Level 2 HomeBuyer Report and Level 3 Building Survey only.
*** Some reports take longer if further investigation is required due to defects found or size of property.

Question 7

FREE Online Conveyancing Process for Buyers

Accepted Answer

Looking for a reliable and user-friendly online conveyancing process that can help you throughout your buying journey? Look no further than our FREE Online Conveyancing Process for Buyers.

From online checklists and informative videos to helpful downloads and insider tips, our process is designed to help you every step of the way. And with the ability to save your progress along the way, you can take your time and ensure that you're making the right decisions for your purchase.

Plus, with the support of our experienced team of conveyancing solicitors, RICS surveyors, and mortgage brokers, you can rest assured that you're getting expert guidance and advice. Get started today and experience a stress-free buying process like never before.

Insider Conveyancing Tips

Don’t set a deadline

Know who is in your chain

Take agent pressure with a pinch of salt

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