What is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal work of transferring ownership. In England and Wales it's done by a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer. They check the title, order searches (local authority, drainage, environmental), raise questions with the seller's solicitor, review the lease for flats, handle the money, pay Stamp Duty for you and register you at HM Land Registry.
Choosing one
- Check a solicitor on the SRA register, or a licensed conveyancer with the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.
- Ask for a written quote including fees, searches and disbursements.
- Ask whether they act for overseas buyers and how they verify ID remotely.
Beware of payment fraud. Criminals send fake emails pretending to be solicitors. Always phone your solicitor on a number you already trust before sending money, and never act on emailed changes to bank details.
Sources checked 16 October 2026: GOV.UK pages linked above. Rules change — always confirm with your solicitor.