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What Does a Conveyancer Do?

23 February 2026

As the UK marks National Conveyancing Month this March, it is a great time to recognise the important role conveyancers play in helping people move home.

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Buying or selling a property in England and Wales is one of life’s biggest milestones, and while it may look straightforward from the outside, there is a great deal happening behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly.

From carrying out legal checks and preparing contracts to managing funds and registering ownership, your conveyancer is there to guide and support you at every stage of the process, helping you move forward with confidence.

Many people assume that once an offer has been accepted, it is simply a matter of waiting until the moving date arrives. There is a significant amount of legal work taking place to protect your interests and ensure that the transaction is completed safely and correctly. A good conveyancer helps make the journey clearer, less stressful, and easier to understand.

Carrying Out Legal Checks and Due Diligence

One of the most important parts of your conveyancer’s role is investigating the property and its legal status. For buyers in Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, this means carrying out a series of searches and checks to highlight anything that could affect your decision or cause problems in the future.

These usually include:

  • Local authority searches, which reveal information such as planning permissions, building regulations, and any proposed developments nearby.
  • Environmental searches, which identify risks such as flooding or land contamination.
  • Water and drainage searches, confirming how the property is connected to essential services.

Your conveyancer will also review the title documents held by HM Land Registry to confirm ownership, boundaries, rights of way, and any restrictions affecting the property. For sellers, this stage involves providing accurate information and answering any questions raised by the buyer’s conveyancer.

Managing Contracts and Legal Documentation

Conveyancers prepare and review the legal paperwork that underpins your property transaction. This ensures that everything reflects what has been agreed and that the right safeguards are in place.

For buyers, this means checking that the contract accurately sets out the details of the purchase. For sellers, it means making sure the terms are clear and achievable. Once everyone is satisfied, contracts are exchanged and the transaction becomes legally binding.

Handling Money and Financial Arrangements

Property transactions involve large sums of money, so it is essential that funds are handled carefully and securely. Your conveyancer works closely with mortgage lenders, checks mortgage offers, and ensures that the necessary funds are available at the right time.

They will also:

  • Calculate any Stamp Duty Land Tax that may be due
  • Arrange payment to HM Revenue and Customs
  • Transfer completion funds between all parties

On completion day, your conveyancer ensures that the purchase price is paid, existing mortgages are settled, and everything takes place in line with the contract.

Acting as Your Point of Contact

Buying or selling a home often involves several different people, including estate agents, lenders, and other legal professionals. Your conveyancer acts as the central point of contact, keeping everyone informed and helping to resolve any issues that may arise.

They provide updates, explain legal matters in plain English, and help you feel supported throughout what can otherwise be a stressful time. This coordination is particularly valuable when there is a chain of related transactions.

Completion and Registration

Completion is the moment when ownership officially changes hands. Your conveyancer oversees the transfer of funds and confirms that the transaction has completed successfully.

Afterwards, they register the change of ownership with HM Land Registry and ensure that any mortgage is properly recorded. This final step is essential to protect your legal ownership.

Why Instruct a Conveyancer?

A conveyancer does far more than complete paperwork. They help you understand the process, protect your interests, and give you peace of mind during an important life event. Whether you are buying your first home, moving to a new area, or selling a long-held property, having the right support can make all the difference.

How We Can Help

If you are planning to buy or sell a property in Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole, our experienced conveyancing team is here to support you every step of the way. We understand that every move is different, and we take the time to get to know your circumstances, answer your questions, and keep you updated throughout the process.

If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please get in touch today. We would be happy to talk through your plans and explain how we can help make your move as smooth and straightforward as possible. Call 01202 526343 or send us a message online: Contact Us AB Solicitors For Your Legal Needs

 


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