Residential Conveyancing in Birmingham
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Residential conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another, and it’s our job to ensure everything goes smoothly from start to finish.
Our experienced team handles all legal aspects of your property transaction, guiding you through every stage with clarity, speed, and reliability.
What is Residential Conveyancing?
Conveyancing refers to the legal transfer of property ownership. It begins once an offer has been accepted and continues until completion, when the keys are handed over and ownership legally changes hands.
There are two main stages:
- Exchange of contracts – when the agreement becomes legally binding
- Completion – when the transaction finalises and funds are transferred
Why Is Conveyancing Important?
Professional conveyancing protects you by:
- Checking legal ownership (title deeds)
- Conducting essential searches (e.g. planning, drainage, environmental)
- Identifying any restrictions, disputes, or rights of way
- Liaising with mortgage lenders and handling financial settlements
- Preparing and reviewing contracts to avoid legal pitfalls
It’s a critical step to ensure your investment is safe and secure.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Most residential conveyancing transactions take 8 to 12 weeks on average. However, this can vary depending on:
- Whether you’re in a property chain
- The responsiveness of third parties
- The type of property (e.g. leasehold transactions often take longer)
- Local authority search times
We’ll always keep you informed, with regular updates and realistic timeframes.
What Searches Are Included?
We carry out a range of legal and environmental checks to highlight any risks associated with the property, such as:
- Local authority search – planning permissions, road schemes, enforcement notices
- Drainage and water search – confirms connection to sewers and mains water
- Environmental search – checks for contaminated land, flood risk, and radon gas
- Land Registry title check – confirms legal ownership and property boundaries
- Optional searches may include mining, chancel repair liability, or specific regional risks.
What’s the Difference Between a Solicitor and a Licensed Conveyancer?
Both are qualified to carry out your property transaction.
- Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and can offer a full range of legal services in addition to conveyancing.
- Licensed conveyancers specialise solely in property law and are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers.
The right choice depends on your personal circumstances—some clients prefer a solicitor if other legal matters are involved (e.g. wills or trusts), while others choose a conveyancer for straightforward purchases.
