Buying your first home is exciting — but the legal steps can be a bit overwhelming. That’s where conveyancing comes in. In simple terms, conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from the seller to you, the buyer.
At Ancora Law, we specialise in helping first-time buyers across Hull and East Yorkshire feel confident through every step. Here’s what you can expect from start to finish.
1. Instructing Your Solicitor
As soon as your offer is accepted, you’ll need to instruct a solicitor to handle the legal work. Your solicitor will:
Review the draft contract
Contact the seller’s solicitor
Carry out searches and raise enquiries
If you're using a mortgage, your solicitor will also act for your lender.
2. Property Searches
To protect you legally and financially, we carry out a series of property searches, including:
Local authority search (planning, road schemes, etc.)
Environmental search
Water & drainage search
Chancel repair search (if applicable)
These checks help identify any potential issues before you commit.
3. Reviewing the Contract
Once all the documents are received and searches are complete, your solicitor will explain:
What’s included in the sale (fixtures & fittings)
Any restrictions on the property
Leasehold vs. freehold (and what that means for you)
You’ll also review the mortgage offer at this stage.
4. Exchange of Contracts
When you’re happy with everything and the finances are in place, both parties sign and exchange contracts. This is when the sale becomes legally binding. You’ll usually pay a deposit at this point (typically 5–10%).
5. Completion Day
This is moving day! Your solicitor:
Sends the final payment to the seller’s solicitor
Confirms legal ownership has changed
Registers the property in your name with the Land Registry
Once that’s done, you get the keys to your new home.
6. Post-Completion
After completion, your solicitor will:
Pay Stamp Duty (if applicable)
Register your ownership with HM Land Registry
Send you a copy of the Title Deeds
Final Thoughts
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