The Conveyancing Process Explained

Published 20 May 2025

Buying a home is an exciting step but it also involves a legal process called conveyancing, which ensures that the property legally changes hands. In Northern Ireland, this work is carried out by a solicitor and typically takes around 6 to 10 weeks from start to finish.

Here’s a step by step look at how the process works:

1. Instruction
Ideally, you should appoint a solicitor as early as possible even before your offer is accepted. This allows important steps like ID checks, proof and source of funds and initial paperwork to be completed in advance, helping to prevent unnecessary delays. This is known as “front-loading” the transaction and is encouraged by professional regulatory bodies.

Once your offer is accepted, your solicitor will formally begin the legal process. They will request documentation from you, verify your identity, and carry out anti-money laundering checks as required by law.

2. Contract Pack
The seller’s solicitor will prepare and send over the contract pack, which includes key documents such as:

• Title deeds
• Planning permissions
• Guarantees
• Property certificates

Your solicitor will review this pack to ensure everything is legally in order.

3. Searches & Enquiries
Your solicitor will carry out legal property searches and raise enquiries where needed. These checks help uncover any issues that could affect your ability to proceed or use the property as intended.

4. Mortgage Offer
If you're buying with a mortgage, your solicitor will receive a formal offer from your lender. They'll check the terms, advise you on the content and arrange for you to sign the legal documents associated with your loan.

5. Review & Sign Contracts
Once all enquiries are resolved and you're satisfied with the mortgage, survey and legal position, your solicitor will invite you to sign the contract and prepare for the next stage.

6. Agree Completion Date & Exchange Contracts
Both parties agree on a completion date which is the day the transaction finalises and you get your keys. Contracts are exchanged and your deposit is paid, making the agreement legally binding.

7. Completion Day
On completion day, your solicitor transfers the remaining funds to the seller’s solicitor. Once confirmed, the keys are released to you and the property officially becomes yours.

Did you know? You can get an instant estimate of the legal costs of buying a home using the free legal calculator on PropertyPal:  Legal Fees Calculator - PropertyPal

Alternatively, set up a chat with the Millar McCall Wylie Residential team for advice and support.