You’ll hear the word “conveyancer” constantly once you’re buying or selling a home. Here’s what they actually do and why choosing the right one matters more than most people realise.
What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another. It starts when an offer is accepted and ends when the keys change hands on completion day. Everything in between — the searches, the contracts, the financial transfers — is conveyancing.
Who does it?
A licensed conveyancer or a solicitor who specialises in property law. They’re often referred to interchangeably. The main difference is that a solicitor is a qualified lawyer who can handle a wider range of legal matters, while a licensed conveyancer specialises specifically in property. For most standard house purchases, either will do the job — though if you’re weighing up which to use, see our full comparison: conveyancer vs solicitor: which do you need?
What do they actually do?
On the buyer’s side, your conveyancer will conduct local authority searches — checking planning permissions, flood risk, road proposals, and anything else that might affect the property. They’ll review the contract sent by the seller’s conveyancer, raise any queries, and check the title to make sure the seller actually owns what they’re selling — including whether it’s sold as freehold or leasehold. They’ll also organise the transfer of funds on completion day and register you as the new owner at the Land Registry.
On the seller’s side, your conveyancer drafts the contract, answers the buyer’s enquiries, obtains a redemption figure from your mortgage lender if you have one, and manages the financial side of the completion.
How long does it take?
The average UK conveyancing process takes 8–12 weeks from offer accepted to completion, though it can be quicker for straightforward purchases with no chain, and significantly longer in complicated chains. For more detail, see our guide on how long conveyancing takes. The biggest cause of delays is slow communication — either between the two conveyancers, or between the conveyancer and the client.
What makes a good conveyancer?
Speed matters, but responsiveness matters more. A conveyancer who replies to emails the same day and proactively chases the other side is worth far more than one who’s slightly cheaper but takes five days to respond. Ask them: what’s your average time from instruction to exchange of contracts? Do you have a dedicated case handler or will I be passed around? Can I track progress online?
Also check their fees carefully. Some quote a low headline figure but add on disbursements (the cost of searches, Land Registry fees, etc.) that can add hundreds to the bill. Ask for a full, itemised quote upfront.
Common questions
What is the difference between a conveyancer and a solicitor?
A solicitor is a qualified lawyer who can handle a broad range of legal matters. A licensed conveyancer specialises specifically in property law. For most standard house purchases, either will do the job equally well.
What does a conveyancer do for a buyer?
They conduct local authority searches, review the seller's contract, raise enquiries about the property, check the title, organise the transfer of funds on completion day, and register the buyer at the Land Registry.
How do I choose a good conveyancer?
Responsiveness matters more than price. Ask them: what's your average time from instruction to exchange? Do I get a dedicated case handler? Can I track progress online? Get an itemised quote that includes disbursements, not just the headline fee.
Woosh connects you with vetted conveyancers who are already familiar with the platform's transaction timeline. Because the buyer, seller, and all professionals are on one shared system, the back-and-forth that causes most delays is cut significantly. You can track exactly where things are at every stage — no chasing, no “I’ll have to call my conveyancer” moments.
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