Conveyancing in Langport, Yeovil, Bridgwater and Somerset

Selling a property in England or Wales involves a structured legal process known as conveyancing. From choosing a solicitor to handing over the keys, each stage must be completed accurately to avoid delays, extra costs, or legal risks.
Below is a detailed, bullet‑point breakdown of the full sale timeline.

 

1. Instructing a Conveyancer

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• Once you have accepted an offer from a buyer, instruct a conveyancing solicitor or licensed conveyancer immediately.

• Your conveyancer will open your sale file, confirm costs, and outline the process.

• Early instruction ensures the legal work starts quickly and prevents buyer frustration or risk of withdrawal.

 

2. Confirmation of Instructions

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• Soon after instruction, you will receive a client care pack. This usually includes:

  • Client Care Letter – confirms your instructions, the firm’s terms, and fees.

  • TA6 Property Information Form – covers boundaries, disputes, utilities, services, guarantees, and alterations.

  • TA10 Fittings and Contents Form – confirms what is included/excluded in the sale.

  • TA7 Leasehold Information Form – required if the property is leasehold.

  • Client Questionnaire – collects extra details for compliance and drafting.

• Complete all forms accurately and return promptly — incomplete replies can stall the process.

 

3. Identity Checks

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• You must provide documents for anti‑money laundering compliance:

  • Valid photo ID (passport or driving licence).

  • Recent proof of address (utility bill or bank statement less than 3 months old).

• These checks are mandatory before work can proceed.

 

4. Title Deeds and Mortgage Details

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• Once initial funds on account are paid to your conveyancer (to cover document fees, etc.):

  • The title register is obtained from HM Land Registry for registered properties.

  • Original paper deeds are requested for unregistered properties.

  • Redemption figures are requested from your mortgage lender to determine the payoff amount on completion.

• Getting these details early avoids delays later.

 

5. Preparing the Contract Pack

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• Your conveyancer prepares the draft sale contract.

• The contract pack sent to the buyer’s solicitor includes:

  • Draft contract.

  • Official title documents.

  • Completed TA forms.

  • Supporting guarantees, building regulation approvals, EPC, and warranties if available.

 

6. Buyer’s Pre‑Contract Enquiries

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• The buyer’s solicitor reviews the pack and raises formal questions to clarify:

  • Land boundaries, access rights, and covenants.

  • Planning permissions or building works.

  • Leasehold details (if applicable) via a management pack.

• They will also send a draft Transfer Deed (TR1) for approval.

 

7. Replying to Enquiries

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• Your conveyancer answers as many enquiries as possible using their own records.

• Property‑specific questions will be referred to you for clarification — e.g., details of past works or missing documentation.

• Any agreed contract amendments are sent to the buyer’s solicitor.

• The Transfer Deed is approved once agreed.

 

8. Signing Sale Documents

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• When documents are finalised, you will:

  • Sign the sale contract.

  • Sign the Transfer Deed (TR1).

• If you have a mortgage, your solicitor will arrange the discharge form (DS1) for completion.

 

9. Clearing Final Conditions

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• Before contracts can be exchanged, the buyer’s solicitor must confirm they:

  • Are satisfied with all enquiry replies.

  • Have acceptable search results (local, water, drainage, environmental).

  • Have a valid mortgage offer in place.

• Any new issues from searches are resolved before moving on.

 

10. Completion Statement

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• Your solicitor issues a completion statement, detailing:

  • Sale price.

  • Mortgage redemption amount.

  • Legal fees and disbursements (e.g., Land Registry fees).

  • Estate agent’s fee.

  • Net proceeds payable to you on completion.

 

11. Exchange of Contracts

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• Once all issues are cleared:

  • A fixed completion date is agreed.

  • Contracts are exchanged by the solicitors over the phone.

  • The buyer pays their deposit (typically 10% of the price).

• Exchange makes the sale legally binding — withdrawal at this stage carries heavy penalties.

 

12. Completion Day

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• On the agreed date:

  • The buyer’s solicitor transfers the purchase price to your conveyancer.

  • Your solicitor redeems your mortgage and pays the estate agent.

  • Fees and disbursements are deducted.

  • The net proceeds are sent to your bank via CHAPS or BACS.

  • The estate agent releases the keys to the buyer once funds are received.

• If tenants remain in the property, their tenancy transfers to the buyer under agreed terms.

 

Conveyancing Tips for a Smooth Sale

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• Return all forms and documents promptly.

• Keep certificates for any works (boilers, electrical, extensions).

• Be upfront about disputes or issues — they will be revealed during searches.

• Maintain regular contact with your conveyancer to keep the process moving.

• Agree on realistic timelines with the buyer at the start.

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