Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, but it can also be one of the most complex. That’s where conveyancing solicitors come in.
If you’ve found yourself asking, “what does a conveyancing solicitor do?”—you’re not alone. The legal side of property transactions can seem overwhelming at first, but with the right legal support, it doesn’t have to be.
At ONP Solicitors, we’re here to simplify the process for you. With decades of experience, a tech-enabled client experience, and a dedicated legal team for every case, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Here’s how it works.
What Does a Conveyancing Solicitor Do?
In simple terms, a conveyancing solicitor is responsible for handling the legal transfer of property ownership from one person to another. Whether you’re buying or selling, remortgaging, or transferring equity, they manage the legal documentation, due diligence, and coordination between parties to make sure everything is done by the book.
They act in your best interests, ensuring you’re legally protected and fully informed throughout the transaction.
When do you need a conveyancing solicitor?
You’ll need a conveyancing solicitor when:
- Buying or selling a home
- Remortgaging your property
- Transferring ownership (Transfer of Equity)
- Extending a lease
- Buying a new-build or shared ownership home
Step-by-Step: What a Conveyancing Solicitor Does
Here’s what to expect when you instruct ONP Solicitors for your conveyancing needs.
Initial Instruction and Welcome Pack
Once you’ve chosen ONP Solicitors, we’ll send a welcome pack with everything you need to get started. You’ll be assigned a dedicated case manager and property solicitor who’ll stay with you throughout the process.
You’ll also get access to our secure mobile app, allowing you to upload ID, sign documents, message your solicitor and track your case 24/7.
2. Legal Checks and Client Onboarding
As part of the legal onboarding process, we’ll:
- Verify your identity (as part of anti-money laundering checks)
- Confirm your source of funds
- Send you property information forms to complete
This step is crucial to ensure everything is in place before contracts are drafted or reviewed.
3. Drafting or Reviewing the Contract Pack
If you’re selling, your ONP solicitor will prepare and send the contract pack to the buyer’s solicitor. This includes:
- Title deeds
- Property information forms
- Fittings and contents forms
- Leasehold information (if applicable)
If you’re buying, we’ll review the contract pack received from the seller’s solicitor and raise any necessary enquiries.
4. Conducting Searches and Raising Enquiries
For buyers, we carry out essential property searches to uncover any legal or environmental issues, such as:
- Local authority searches
- Drainage and water reports
- Environmental risks
We’ll also raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor about things like planning permissions, boundaries, or service charges (if leasehold).
5. Mortgage and Finance Coordination
If you’re getting a mortgage, we’ll:
- Review the mortgage offer
- Advise you on any conditions
- Arrange for you to sign the mortgage deed
We also liaise directly with your lender to ensure funds are available in time for completion.
6. Exchange of Contracts
Once all legal checks are complete and both parties are happy, we move to exchange of contracts. This is when the transaction becomes legally binding.
You’ll need to:
- Agree the completion date
- Pay your deposit (usually 5–10%)
- Sign the final contract
ONP Solicitors will handle the exchange and confirm everything in writing.
7. Completion Day
This is the big day when ownership changes hands.
Your ONP conveyancing solicitor will:
- Receive or send funds to complete the transaction
- Confirm completion with the other party
- Notify you (or your agent) when keys can be released
If you’re selling, the funds will be transferred to your bank account after the mortgage is paid off.
8. Post-Completion Legal Work
Even after the keys have changed hands, there’s still important legal work to be done.
We’ll:
- Pay any Stamp Duty Land Tax (if applicable)
- Register the property with HM Land Registry in your name
- Send you a copy of the updated title
- You’ll be notified once the property is legally registered.
Why Choose ONP Solicitors?
At ONP Solicitors, we combine modern technology with traditional client care. We’re proud to support thousands of property transactions every year with:
- Dedicated case managers who are your single point of contact
- Secure mobile app access so you can manage your case anytime
- Clear, fixed-fee pricing with no surprises
- 4.8★ Trustpilot rating from happy clients
- Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accreditation for excellence in residential property law
We don’t just process paperwork — we protect your investment, clarify your rights, and keep things moving.
What Makes Us Different?
Other conveyancing solicitors may rely heavily on email or postal documents. At ONP, we use our award-winning technology to reduce average transaction time by up to 30 days.
You’ll get:
- Push notifications when documents are ready
- Real-time updates via the app
- Digital document signing
- A timeline tracker so you always know what’s next
FAQs About Conveyancing Solicitors
What does a conveyancing solicitor do that an estate agent doesn’t?
Estate agents help you market and negotiate the sale or purchase of a property. A conveyancing solicitor handles the legal process, protecting your interests and making the transaction official and enforceable in law.
Can I use the same solicitor for buying and selling?
Absolutely. At ONP, we regularly handle linked sale and purchase transactions. Using one team helps streamline the process and ensures smooth coordination.
How much do conveyancing solicitors charge?
Fees can vary depending on the complexity of the transaction. ONP offers clear, fixed-fee quotes with a no-completion, no-legal-fee guarantee. Get a quick quote in minutes on our website.
Start Your Property Journey Today
Still wondering “what does a conveyancing solicitor do?” We hope this step-by-step guide helped clarify the process — and more importantly, reassured you that you don’t have to go it alone.
Whether you’re buying your first home, remortgaging, or transferring ownership, ONP Solicitors are here to help. We make moving simple with clear communication, a dedicated legal team, and smart technology.
Get in touch with us today to get started.
