Solicitors 
A guide to the legal process for conveyancing

A guide to Conveyancing
Most people instruct a solicitor to undertake this important work on their behalf when buying and selling a property, but it can be undertaken by other specialists.   You may be influenced by their comparable charges, but more importantly their reputation is crucial for you.   Upon a sale of property being agreed, conveyancing is the transfer of its title (or ownership) from one party to another.   This process can take very different lengths of time to complete depending upon the type of property and the complications which may arise.  The Scottish laws on conveyancing are different and can be looked into on www.espc.co.uk.  Expect an average of four to six weeks before exchange of contracts, but whatever the timescale the process should go through the following phases:
1)  Processing the 'draft contract' which is sent by the vendor's solicitor to the purchaser's containing details and conditions relating to the sale.
2)  Preliminary enquiries which follow establishing the answers to questions relating to the contract, the property (defining any extras included in sale)  and the transaction.
3)  Land Registry Search - completed to establish good title to the property and land together with any covenants applicable. 
4)  Local Enquiry Search - made via the Local Authority to discover if factors such as any planning permission concerns the property or its location.
5) Drainage Search - To discover the status and the course of the drains.
6)  Exchange of Contracts - this important stage should be reached when everything concerning the transaction is satisfactory and settled between all parties.  Exchange of the signed contracts is normally accompanied by a substantial financial deposit from the purchaser.  You may give your solicitor 'power of attorney' to sign your contract for you. The date for completion is agreed and the purchaser assumes responsibility for insuring the property.
7) Completion -  the date for final transfer of funds and title of the property.  House keys are retained by the owner, or his agent, until the actual time of day completion is confirmed by the vendor's solicitor.