Our simple 3 step process
Our goal is to help you make a better future through smart financial decisions.
Don’t let moving make your head spin!
Moving nest can be complicated but that's why we do everything we can to keep things simple. Our conveyancers have fixed fees, meaning that you’ll never come up against any unexpected or hidden costs.
Our conveyancers are multi-award-winning so, along with years of experience and all the relevant qualifications, you’ll always get the very best legal advice and support.
Take back control
Our online portal puts you in the driving seat. With the ability to track your sale and purchase from any device, you'll be kept up-to-date with any developments — at any time.
We understand that usual working hours may not be the best time to contact your solicitor and that’s why our team work extended hours. So, relax. You can reach them at a time that suits you.
What is Fixed Fee Conveyancing?
Fixed fee conveyancing is a way of paying for the legal services provided by your conveyancer or solicitor with a single, pre-agreed price, rather than hourly rates or variable fees. This gives you certainty over the total cost of buying or selling a property, helping you better manage your finances throughout the process. Unlike traditional conveyancing, where unexpected charges can arise partway through, a fixed fee model ensures transparency. This is especially helpful for first-time buyers or anyone on a tight budget, as it makes financial planning far simpler.
Conveyancing refers to the process of legally transferring ownership of a property from one person to another. It involves various legal checks, searches, and paperwork to ensure the transaction is smooth, secure, and legally sound. At Mortgage Matters, we’ll match you with a trusted, experienced conveyancer who offers fixed-fee services tailored to your specific situation. Our goal is to provide clear, upfront pricing with no hidden costs, allowing you to proceed with confidence.
How Does Conveyancing Work?
Conveyancing covers all the legal work involved in transferring property ownership. This includes checking that the seller has the legal right to sell, investigating the property’s title, arranging contracts, managing searches, and registering the transaction with the Land Registry.
The process begins once an offer on a property has been accepted. Your conveyancer will carry out a series of important checks, including local authority searches to reveal any planning restrictions or potential issues, checking for any outstanding debts or legal charges against the property, and verifying boundaries. They will also review the draft contract and negotiate any necessary changes with the seller’s solicitor.
Throughout the process, your conveyancer will keep you updated, explain any legal jargon, and ensure all documents are correctly completed and exchanged. When everything is in order, contracts are exchanged, deposits are paid, and a completion date is set. On completion day, the remaining funds are transferred, ownership is legally transferred, and your conveyancer registers the change with the Land Registry.
What is the Process of Conveyancing?
The conveyancing process involves several key stages, each designed to ensure a smooth and legally sound property transaction. Here’s what usually happens:
- Instruction and Initial Checks. You formally instruct your conveyancer to act on your behalf. They’ll gather the initial details about the property and parties involved and then begin by checking the title deeds and ownership details.
- Searches and Enquiries. Your conveyancer will order local authority searches, environmental checks, and other relevant enquiries to uncover any issues like planning restrictions, flooding risks, or nearby developments that could affect the property.
- Reviewing Contracts. Draft contracts are prepared and exchanged between your solicitor and the other party’s solicitor. Your conveyancer will review these carefully, negotiate terms if necessary, and ensure all legal aspects are clear and fair.
- Mortgage and Financing. If you’re using a mortgage, your conveyancer will liaise with your lender to confirm the mortgage offer and any conditions that must be met before completion.
- Exchange of Contracts. Once both parties are satisfied, contracts are formally exchanged. At this point, the agreement becomes legally binding.
- Completion. On the agreed completion date, the remaining purchase funds are transferred to the seller, and ownership is legally transferred to you. Your conveyancer will arrange for the keys to be handed over.
- Post-Completion. Your conveyancer registers your ownership with the Land Registry and pays any applicable Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). They’ll also provide you with copies of all completed documents for your records.
At Mortgage Matters, we’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you understand what’s happening and what’s required, allowing you to move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
How Do I Choose a Conveyancer?
Choosing the right conveyancer is essential to ensure your property transaction runs smoothly. Start by looking for conveyancers with a strong track record and positive client reviews, as experience can make a significant difference when it comes to resolving legal issues. A reputable conveyancer will guide you through the process with minimal stress, handling any complications efficiently and keeping everything on track to ensure timely completion.
When choosing a conveyancer, you should also consider how fees will be structured. Fixed fee conveyancing can offer greater peace of mind by giving you a clear, upfront cost for the whole service, helping you avoid unexpected charges later on. Be cautious of conveyancers who fail to provide a detailed breakdown of costs, as this can lead to hidden extras down the line.
Another factor to consider is how easily you can contact your conveyancer. Do they offer phone support, email updates, or even an online portal where you can track progress? Good communication can ensure the experience is smooth and hassle-free rather than frustrating. If your conveyancer is hard to reach, it can delay decisions and increase stress.
Why Do I Need to Instruct a Conveyancer?
An experienced conveyancer can ensure that your property sale or purchase is legally sound and completed as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Here’s why it’s essential to instruct a conveyancer:
- Legal Protection. A conveyancer ensures the property has a clear title and is free from legal issues.
- Due Diligence. They carry out vital searches to uncover any potential problems affecting the property or its value.
- Contract Clarity. Conveyancers prepare and review contracts, ensuring your interests are protected.
- Handling Funds. They manage the transfer of money, including your deposit and final purchase amount.
- Compliance. Conveyancers ensure all legal and tax obligations, such as Stamp Duty Land Tax, are met accurately and on time.
- Smooth Process. Experienced conveyancers work with all parties, keeping the transaction on track and helping avoid delays or issues.
At Mortgage Matters, we match you with trusted, experienced conveyancers who will provide dedicated support every step of the way, making your property transaction as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
FAQs for Conveyancing
No, whilst conveyancers and solicitors can both handle property transactions, solicitors have broader legal training and can offer additional legal advice beyond conveyancing. However, specialist conveyancers focus specifically on property law and often offer fixed-fee services that are more affordable.
The exchange of contracts is a key stage of the conveyancing process, requiring the buyer and seller to legally commit to the property transaction. They sign and swap contracts, after which a completion date is agreed. Once contracts have been exchanged, the agreement becomes legally binding for both parties, which means pulling out typically results in financial penalties.
Conveyancing fees vary depending on property value, location, and complexity of the transaction. On average, fixed fee conveyancing for a straightforward home purchase ranges between £500 and £1,500, excluding additional costs like searches, Stamp Duty, and Land Registry fees. At Mortgage Matters, we provide transparent fixed fee options, making sure you understand exactly what you’re paying for from the start.
Yes, conveyancing is a legal requirement for property transactions in the UK. Whilst it’s technically possible to handle the process yourself, it’s highly risky due to complex legal requirements and potential pitfalls. A professional conveyancer ensures your purchase is legally sound and protects your interests throughout.