What Does Your Solicitor Do When You’re Moving House?

Published 20 May 2025

Your solicitor’s goal is to ensure your house sale or purchase is completed as efficiently and smoothly as possible. That means working to protect your interests at every stage of the process. Whether you’re buying or selling, your solicitor plays a key role in making sure legal ownership is transferred correctly and that both parties meet their obligations.

Here’s a closer look at what your solicitor will do:

When You’re Selling

Your solicitor will assist with the following:

Obtaining the Title Deeds - Legal documents that prove ownership of the property.

Preparing the Draft Contract - The formal agreement between buyer and seller.

Gathering Required Property Certificates and Searches - These are necessary to provide to your buyer.

Helping with Pre-Contract Enquiries - Your solicitor will assist with formal replies and advise on any documents needed as a result. These may include:

• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Ground rent receipts
• Gas safety certificates
• Rates invoices, if applicable

Advising You on Disclosures - Your solicitor will guide you on what must legally be disclosed to the buyer.

You may hear these items referred to collectively as the “contract pack” that must be provided to the buyer.

Responding to Enquiries on Title - Your solicitor will address any legal questions raised by the buyer’s solicitor.

Finalising the Sale - They will arrange for you to sign the contract and oversee completion, handing over keys to the estate agent on completion day.

When You’re Buying

If you’re buying a property, your solicitor will:

Review and Report on Legal Documents - This includes all documents provided by the seller. Your solicitor will ensure the Title Deeds are in order and raise any necessary enquiries on your behalf.

Meet with You to Sign the Contract - They will also discuss potential completion dates.

If you're using a mortgage, your solicitor must receive a copy of your mortgage offer first. You’ll also sign the necessary legal documents related to the mortgage at this meeting.

Arrange Exchange of Contracts - This step makes the completion date legally binding.

Draw Down Mortgage Funds - Your solicitor will request these from your lender (if applicable) and ask you to transfer any balance due to complete the transaction. This may include your deposit, fees, and outlays.

Send Funds to the Seller’s Solicitor - On completion day, your solicitor transfers the full amount due.

Coordinate Key Collection - They will confirm when you can collect the keys from the estate agent.

Be Ahead of the Game

The key to a smooth move is to engage a solicitor as early as possible. You don’t need to be sale agreed to begin the process. Several important steps can be completed early, including:

• ID verification
• Proof and source of funds checks
• Obtaining your Title Deeds
• Ordering property certificates

This early preparation often referred to as “front-loading” a transaction is strongly encouraged by professional regulatory bodies. In short, being organised pays off.

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.