What Is New Build Conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of property from seller to buyer. For new builds, the seller is typically a developer or housing association rather than an individual homeowner.
New build conveyancing involves the same fundamental steps as resale conveyancing — contract review, searches, exchange, completion, and registration — but with additional layers of complexity specific to newly constructed properties.
How New Build Conveyancing Differs from Resale
| Aspect | Resale Purchase | New Build Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Contract drafter | Seller's solicitor drafts from standard form | Developer's solicitor uses their own standard contract — heavily weighted in developer's favour |
| Negotiation power | Both parties negotiate terms | Developer rarely agrees to amend contract clauses — take it or leave it approach common |
| Property condition | You inspect the existing property | Property may be unbuilt, partially built, or just completed — you may be buying off plan |
| Title history | Existing title with chain of ownership | First registration from developer's master title — new individual title created |
| Searches | Standard package | Additional mining/contamination searches often needed on former industrial or agricultural land |
| Planning | Usually settled | May be subject to ongoing planning conditions, Section 106 agreements, and infrastructure obligations |
| Roads and sewers | Usually adopted | Often unadopted — need Section 38 (roads) and Section 104 (sewers) agreements checked |
| Warranty | Remaining warranty if under 10 years old, otherwise none | New 10-year structural warranty (NHBC Buildmark, Premier Guarantee, or LABC) |
| Tenure | Usually freehold for houses | May be leasehold even for houses (though less common since 2022 ground rent reforms) |
| Completion timing | Agreed between parties, typically 4–12 weeks after exchange | Developer dictates — may require exchange months before completion, with 14 days' notice of completion date |
| Deposit structure | Usually 10% on exchange | Reservation fee (£500–£2,000) plus deposit on exchange — deposit may be 5–10% |
| Mortgage offer | Valid 6 months from offer | May need extending if build delayed — re-valuation sometimes required |
Before You Instruct a Solicitor
Most buyers reserve a new build before appointing a solicitor. Here is what typically happens first.
The Reservation Process
| Step | What Happens | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Choose your plot | Select property from developer's availability | Get the plot number, house type, and any extras/upgrades in writing |
| 2. Pay reservation fee | Typically £500–£2,000 (sometimes more for premium developments) | Usually non-refundable or partly refundable — check the reservation agreement carefully |
| 3. Sign reservation agreement | Commits you and the developer for a fixed period (usually 28 days) | This is NOT the exchange of contracts — it is a preliminary commitment |
| 4. Provide solicitor details | Developer needs your solicitor's name and contact | Developer's solicitor sends the contract pack to your solicitor |
| 5. Apply for mortgage | If not already done, submit full mortgage application | Lender may require the property to be at a certain build stage before valuing |
Consumer Code Requirements
Under the Consumer Code for Home Builders (2024 edition), the developer must:
| Requirement | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Provide pre-purchase information | Written details of the property, price, tenure, management arrangements, and any restrictions before you reserve |
| Give adequate time | You must not be pressured into reserving — adequate time to consider and take professional advice |
| Reservation agreement clarity | The agreement must clearly state what happens to your reservation fee if the sale does not proceed |
| Recommend independent legal advice | The developer must advise you to appoint your own independent solicitor |
Stage-by-Stage Conveyancing Process
Once you have reserved and instructed a solicitor, the conveyancing process follows these stages.
Stage 1: Instruction and Contract Pack (Week 1–2)
| Task | Who Does It | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| You instruct your solicitor | You | Provide ID, proof of address, proof of funds (anti-money-laundering checks). Pay any upfront fees if required |
| Developer's solicitor sends contract pack | Developer's solicitor | Includes draft contract, title information, plan, lease (if leasehold), warranty details, management company info |
| Your solicitor reviews the pack | Your solicitor | Checks contract terms, title, plan, and raises initial enquiries (questions) with the developer's solicitor |
Stage 2: Searches (Week 2–6)
Your solicitor orders property searches to check for issues that could affect the property or your use of it.
| Search | What It Checks | Typical Cost | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local authority search | Planning history, building control, road schemes, tree preservation orders, conservation areas, smoke control zones | £100–£300 | 1–6 weeks (varies by council) |
| Drainage and water search | Connection to public sewers, water mains location, whether property is built over a sewer, flood risk from water infrastructure | £40–£80 | 3–5 working days |
| Environmental search | Contaminated land, landfill sites, industrial use history, flood risk, ground stability, radon | £30–£60 | 24–48 hours |
| Mining search | Coal mining activity (past and planned), subsidence risk, mine entries | £40–£55 | 2–10 working days |
| Chancel repair liability search | Whether the property is in a parish where owners may be liable for church repairs | £20–£30 | 24 hours |
| Title search (Land Registry) | Developer's ownership of the land, any charges, restrictions, or rights over the land | £3–£7 | Immediate (online) |
| Flood risk search | Risk of flooding from rivers, sea, surface water, and groundwater | Included in environmental or £20–£40 separate | 24–48 hours |
| HS2/Crossrail search | Whether the property is affected by major infrastructure projects (if applicable) | £0–£20 | 24–48 hours |
Total search costs: Typically £250–£500 depending on location and which searches are required.
New build specific note: Your solicitor may order additional searches if the land was previously used for mining, industrial purposes, or agriculture. Former MOD land, hospital sites, and school sites also warrant extra checks.
Stage 3: Enquiries and Title Investigation (Week 2–8)
| Task | What Your Solicitor Does |
|---|---|
| Raise pre-contract enquiries | Sends detailed questions to the developer's solicitor about the property, boundaries, disputes, services, planning conditions, and construction |
| Review title | Checks the developer owns the land, identifies any charges or restrictions, and reviews the title plan to ensure your plot boundaries are correct |
| Check planning permission | Confirms full planning permission is in place, reviews any conditions (e.g., landscaping, parking), and checks for Section 106 obligations |
| Review Section 38/104 agreements | Checks whether roads will be adopted by the council (Section 38 of the Highways Act) and sewers by the water company (Section 104 of the Water Industry Act) |
| Check building regulations | Confirms the property is being built in compliance with Building Regulations and that a completion certificate will be issued |
| Review warranty documentation | Checks which warranty provider covers the property (NHBC, Premier Guarantee, LABC), confirms it is in place, and reviews coverage terms |
| Check management arrangements | If there are communal areas, reviews the management company structure, service charge estimates, and your obligations as a member |
| Review lease (if leasehold) | Checks lease length, ground rent (should be peppercorn for new leases post-June 2022), service charges, restrictions, and forfeiture provisions |
Stage 4: Mortgage Offer and Lender Requirements (Week 3–8)
| Task | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mortgage valuation | Lender instructs a surveyor to value the property — for off-plan purchases, this may be a desktop valuation or delayed until the property reaches a certain build stage |
| Mortgage offer issued | Lender issues a formal mortgage offer — typically valid for 6 months from date of offer |
| Solicitor reviews offer | Your solicitor checks the mortgage conditions, including any special conditions for new builds (e.g., warranty requirement, builder's deposit protection) |
| UK Finance Handbook compliance | Your solicitor must comply with the UK Finance Mortgage Lenders' Handbook — this includes specific requirements for new build properties that your solicitor must certify |
| Lender new build requirements | Some lenders require: minimum lease length (usually 85+ years remaining), acceptable warranty provider, no adverse environmental search results, roads/sewers adoption agreements in place |
Important: If the build is delayed and your mortgage offer expires, you will need to reapply. This may trigger a new valuation at current market rates, which could be higher or lower than the original valuation.
Stage 5: Pre-Exchange (Week 6–12)
| Task | Detail |
|---|---|
| Solicitor reports to you | Your solicitor provides a detailed report on the property covering title, searches, contract terms, lease (if applicable), and any issues raised. This is your opportunity to ask questions before committing |
| Sign contract | You sign the contract and any associated documents (transfer deed, mortgage deed). For leasehold, you also sign the lease |
| Transfer deposit | You send the exchange deposit to your solicitor (usually 10% of purchase price minus any reservation fee already paid). Some developers accept 5% on exchange |
| Deposit protection check | Your solicitor confirms how the deposit is held — should be in a stakeholder account (protected) rather than released to the developer immediately. If the developer insists on deposit release on exchange, your solicitor should explain the risks |
Stage 6: Exchange of Contracts
| What Happens | Legal Effect |
|---|---|
| Solicitors exchange contracts by phone | Both parties are now legally bound — neither can withdraw without paying compensation |
| Completion date agreed or mechanism set | For completed properties: specific date set (usually 2–4 weeks). For under-construction: developer gives notice when ready (typically 14 days' or 10 working days' notice) |
| Deposit transferred | Your deposit is sent to the developer's solicitor (or held as stakeholder if agreed) |
| Buildings insurance considered | For new builds, the developer usually maintains insurance until completion — but check the contract |
Critical point: Once you exchange, you are committed. If you withdraw, you lose your deposit and may be sued for damages. For off-plan purchases, exchange may happen months or even a year before the property is ready. Make sure you are certain before exchanging.
Stage 7: Between Exchange and Completion
| Task | Detail |
|---|---|
| Monitor build progress | Developer should keep you updated on construction. You may be able to visit the site at certain milestones |
| Mortgage offer validity | If completion is months away, monitor your mortgage offer expiry date and request an extension if needed (usually possible up to 3 months) |
| Prepare for completion | Arrange removal company, redirect mail, notify utility providers, set up council tax |
| Receive notice of completion | Developer's solicitor sends notice to your solicitor confirming the completion date (usually 10–14 days' notice) |
| Pre-completion inspection | You inspect the property before completion to check for snagging issues — this is your right under the Consumer Code |
| Final financial statement | Your solicitor prepares a completion statement showing exactly how much money is needed and from where (mortgage advance + your contribution) |
Stage 8: Completion Day
| Time | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Morning | Your solicitor requests the mortgage advance from your lender (if not already received). You transfer any remaining balance to your solicitor |
| Mid-morning | Your solicitor sends the purchase funds to the developer's solicitor via CHAPS bank transfer |
| Afternoon | Developer's solicitor confirms receipt. Keys are released — usually collected from the site sales office |
| Same day | Your solicitor files a Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) return with HMRC (or LTT in Wales / LBTT in Scotland) |
For a detailed hour-by-hour guide to completion day, see our completion day guide.
Stage 9: Post-Completion (Week 1–12 After Completion)
| Task | Who Does It | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Pay Stamp Duty | Your solicitor | Within 14 days of completion (SDLT in England). Different deadlines for LBTT (Scotland) and LTT (Wales) |
| Register ownership at Land Registry | Your solicitor | Priority period of 30 working days from search, but registration can take 1–6 months depending on Land Registry backlog |
| Register mortgage | Your solicitor | Filed alongside ownership registration |
| Send you title deeds | Your solicitor | Once registration is complete, your solicitor sends confirmation and the title information document |
| Transfer warranty | Developer/warranty provider | NHBC Buildmark or equivalent policy documentation sent to you — check you receive this |
| Confirm management company membership | Your solicitor/management company | If applicable, confirm you are registered as a member of the estate management company |
Typical Conveyancing Timeline
New build conveyancing typically takes longer than resale, especially if the property is still under construction.
| Scenario | Instruction to Exchange | Exchange to Completion | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Completed new build (ready to move in) | 6–10 weeks | 2–4 weeks | 8–14 weeks |
| Nearly complete (within 3 months) | 6–10 weeks | Developer gives 14 days' notice | 8–14 weeks plus build time |
| Off-plan (6–12 months from completion) | 6–10 weeks | 6–12+ months after exchange | 8–14+ months |
| Off-plan (12–24 months from completion) | 6–10 weeks | 12–24 months after exchange | 14–26+ months |
What Causes Delays?
| Delay Cause | Typical Impact | How to Minimise |
|---|---|---|
| Slow local authority searches | 1–6 weeks extra | Some solicitors offer personal search alternatives that are faster (3–5 days) — check your lender accepts these |
| Developer's solicitor slow to reply | 1–4 weeks extra | Your solicitor should chase regularly. Escalate through the sales office if needed |
| Mortgage offer delays | 2–4 weeks extra | Submit full application with all documentation as early as possible. Use a broker to manage the process |
| Title issues on developer's land | Variable | Common with phased developments where the master title has restrictions. Your solicitor investigates |
| Missing warranty documentation | 1–2 weeks | Your solicitor requests evidence of warranty cover before exchange |
| Build delays (off-plan) | Weeks to months | Build in contingency time. Check the longstop date in your contract for your withdrawal rights |
| Anti-money-laundering checks | 1–2 weeks | Provide ID and proof of funds to your solicitor immediately when instructing them |
Full Conveyancing Cost Breakdown
New build conveyancing costs more than resale conveyancing because of the additional complexity and documentation involved.
Solicitor's Fees
| Fee Component | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic conveyancing fee | £850–£1,800 | Higher end for leasehold, off-plan, or complex developments |
| New build supplement | £150–£350 | Additional charge for the extra work involved in new build transactions |
| Leasehold supplement | £200–£400 | If your property is leasehold (flats, some houses) |
| Help to Buy supplement | £150–£300 | If using a government equity loan scheme (Shared Ownership, First Homes) |
| Bank transfer fees | £30–£50 per transfer | Usually 2–3 transfers (deposit, completion, SDLT payment) |
| ID verification | £5–£20 per person | Electronic identity checks |
Disbursements (Third-Party Costs)
| Disbursement | Cost |
|---|---|
| Property searches (full package) | £250–£500 |
| Land Registry search | £3–£7 |
| Land Registry registration fee | £100–£500 (depending on purchase price) |
| Bankruptcy search (per buyer) | £2 |
| Land Registry office copies | £3–£12 |
| Stamp Duty Land Tax filing | Usually included in solicitor's fee |
Total Conveyancing Costs by Property Price
| Property Price | Freehold | Leasehold |
|---|---|---|
| £200,000 | £1,350–£2,200 | £1,650–£2,800 |
| £300,000 | £1,450–£2,400 | £1,750–£3,000 |
| £400,000 | £1,550–£2,600 | £1,900–£3,300 |
| £500,000 | £1,700–£2,900 | £2,100–£3,600 |
For a full breakdown of all buying costs including stamp duty and mortgage fees, see our new build moving costs guide.
Leasehold vs Freehold Conveyancing
New build flats are almost always leasehold. New build houses are usually freehold, but some developments still sell houses on long leases.
Additional Leasehold Conveyancing Steps
| Step | What Your Solicitor Checks |
|---|---|
| Lease length | Should be 125 years or more for a new lease — most lenders require at least 85 years remaining. New build leases are typically 125 or 999 years |
| Ground rent | For new leases granted after 30 June 2022, ground rent must be a peppercorn (effectively zero) under the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022. Anything else is unlawful for new leases |
| Service charges | Review estimated service charges, what they cover, how they are calculated, and rights to challenge |
| Management company | Who manages the building/estate? Is it a residents' management company (good) or a third-party management company appointed by the developer (check terms carefully) |
| Estate rent charges | Some freehold houses on estates have rent charges for estate maintenance — your solicitor checks the amount and escalation terms |
| Restrictive covenants | Lease may restrict alterations, pets, subletting, business use, and more — your solicitor highlights these |
| Forfeiture provisions | Checks the conditions under which the freeholder could theoretically forfeit (take back) the lease — serious but rare in practice |
| Insurance arrangements | Who insures the building? What is the insurance rent? Can you see the policy? |
Freehold with Estate Management
Even freehold new build houses often come with estate management obligations. Your solicitor checks:
| Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Transfer deed covenants | You may be required to contribute to estate maintenance (roads, landscaping, play areas) even as a freeholder |
| Estate rent charge | An annual charge for estate upkeep — can be £100–£500+ per year and may increase |
| Management company membership | You become a member of the management company and are bound by its rules |
| Adoption timeline | If roads and open spaces are eventually adopted by the council, estate charges should reduce — but adoption can take years |
What Your Solicitor Reports to You
Before exchange, your solicitor provides a detailed report covering everything they have found. This report should address:
| Report Section | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Title summary | Who owns the land, any charges or restrictions, boundary details, rights of way |
| Search results | Summary of all search results and any concerns flagged |
| Planning | Planning permission status, conditions, Section 106 obligations |
| Roads and sewers | Adoption status and agreements in place |
| Contract summary | Key terms of the contract including completion arrangements, deposit, and any unusual clauses |
| Warranty | Warranty provider, coverage, and any issues |
| Lease summary (if leasehold) | Lease length, ground rent, service charges, restrictions, management arrangements |
| Financial summary | Breakdown of all costs — purchase price, stamp duty, solicitor's fees, disbursements, and total amount needed |
| Matters to note | Anything unusual, concerning, or that requires your attention or decision |
Read this report carefully. It is your solicitor's professional assessment of the transaction. If anything concerns you, ask questions before exchanging contracts.
UK Finance Mortgage Lenders' Handbook Requirements
Your solicitor acts for both you and your mortgage lender. The UK Finance Mortgage Lenders' Handbook sets out what your solicitor must check and certify to the lender. Key new build requirements include:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Acceptable warranty | The property must have a new home warranty from an approved provider (NHBC, Premier Guarantee, LABC, Checkmate, Global Home Warranties, ICW, Ark, Protek, BLP, BRCC, or others on the lender's approved list) |
| Builder registration | The builder must be registered with the warranty provider |
| Road adoption | Lender may require Section 38/104 agreements to be in place, or may accept solicitor's confirmation that adoption is planned |
| Incentives disclosure | All incentives (cashback, stamp duty paid, upgrades, deposit contribution) must be disclosed to the lender. Incentives above 5% of purchase price may reduce the loan amount |
| Lease requirements | Minimum lease length (usually 85 years at completion), acceptable ground rent provisions, no onerous terms |
| New build price | Lender relies on the surveyor's valuation — if the valuation is lower than the price, you may need to fund the difference or renegotiate |
For more on how developer incentives affect your mortgage, see our moving costs guide.
Scotland and Wales: Key Differences
Conveyancing in Scotland and Wales follows different rules in some areas.
Scotland
| Difference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Solicitors handle everything | In Scotland, solicitors act as both estate agent and legal adviser — but for new builds, the developer has their own sales team |
| Missives instead of exchange | The Scottish equivalent of exchange is 'conclusion of missives' — a series of formal letters between solicitors |
| LBTT instead of SDLT | Land and Buildings Transaction Tax applies. Nil-rate band is £145,000 (£175,000 for first-time buyers). Additional dwelling supplement is 8% |
| Registers of Scotland | Registration is with Registers of Scotland rather than HM Land Registry |
| No leasehold for houses | Long residential leases for houses were abolished in Scotland — new build houses are always freehold ('heritable') |
Wales
| Difference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Land Transaction Tax | LTT instead of SDLT. Nil-rate band £225,000. Higher rate surcharge is 4% for additional properties |
| Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 | Different framework for rental and some shared ownership arrangements |
| Welsh language | Some legal documents may be bilingual |
| Same Land Registry | Wales uses HM Land Registry (same as England) |
Choosing the Right Conveyancing Solicitor
Not all solicitors handle new build conveyancing regularly. Key factors when choosing:
| Factor | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| New build experience | Ask how many new build transactions they handle per year — ideally at least 20–30 |
| CQS accreditation | The Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme — demonstrates competence and compliance. Many lenders require this |
| Panel membership | Your solicitor must be on your mortgage lender's panel to act for both you and the lender |
| Fee transparency | Get a full quote including all disbursements, VAT, and potential additional charges before instructing |
| Communication | Ask who your day-to-day contact will be, response times, and whether they provide online case tracking |
| Developer panel caution | Developers often recommend solicitors who are quick and easy to work with — from the developer's perspective. This does not mean they are the best choice for you |
For a detailed guide on selecting and working with a solicitor, see our choosing a solicitor guide. For understanding why specialist advice matters, see our guide to why you need a new build solicitor.
Common Conveyancing Problems and How to Handle Them
| Problem | What Happens | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Developer won't amend contract | Developer's standard contract contains clauses your solicitor is unhappy with but refuses to change | Your solicitor can note objections formally and advise you on the risks. In practice, most developers refuse amendments — but your solicitor should ensure you understand what you are agreeing to |
| Valuation is below purchase price | Mortgage lender will only lend based on the lower valuation | You can negotiate with the developer to reduce the price, fund the shortfall yourself, or withdraw if you cannot afford the difference |
| Mortgage offer expires before completion | Your offer lapses and you need to reapply | Request an extension from your lender (usually possible for up to 3 months). If a new application is needed, rates may have changed |
| Searches reveal issues | Contaminated land, flood risk, or planning problems flagged | Your solicitor advises on the significance. Some issues can be resolved with indemnity insurance; others may be deal-breakers |
| Developer goes into administration | Construction stops and your deposit may be at risk | If deposit held as stakeholder, it is protected. If released to developer, you are an unsecured creditor. The warranty provider may step in to complete the build |
| Completion delayed repeatedly | You incur costs (extended rental, mortgage offer extension, storage) | Check your contract for the longstop date — after this date, you can withdraw and claim your deposit back. Your solicitor can also explore a claim for damages |
For a comprehensive guide to legal pitfalls and how to avoid them, see our legal pitfalls guide.
Conveyancing Checklist for New Build Buyers
Before Reserving
| Task | Done? |
|---|---|
| Research solicitors with new build experience | ☐ |
| Get conveyancing quotes from at least 3 firms | ☐ |
| Check solicitor is on your lender's panel (if you know your lender) | ☐ |
| Read the reservation agreement carefully before signing | ☐ |
| Understand what happens to your reservation fee if you withdraw | ☐ |
After Instructing Your Solicitor
| Task | Done? |
|---|---|
| Send ID and proof of address/funds promptly | ☐ |
| Confirm mortgage application is submitted | ☐ |
| Chase for search results if taking more than 4 weeks | ☐ |
| Read your solicitor's report thoroughly when received | ☐ |
| Ask questions about anything you do not understand | ☐ |
| Confirm all developer incentives are documented in the contract | ☐ |
| Understand the deposit structure and protection arrangements | ☐ |
Before Exchange
| Task | Done? |
|---|---|
| Mortgage offer received and conditions met | ☐ |
| All searches completed with satisfactory results | ☐ |
| Contract reviewed and understood | ☐ |
| Deposit funds available in your solicitor's account | ☐ |
| All documents signed (contract, transfer deed, mortgage deed) | ☐ |
| Completion arrangements understood (date or notice period) | ☐ |
Before Completion
| Task | Done? |
|---|---|
| Pre-completion inspection arranged | ☐ |
| Remaining balance transferred to solicitor | ☐ |
| Completion statement reviewed and approved | ☐ |
| Building insurance arranged (if required by contract) | ☐ |
| Removal company booked | ☐ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does new build conveyancing take?
For a completed property ready to move into, expect 8–14 weeks from instruction to completion. For off-plan purchases, you may exchange within 8–12 weeks but wait months or years for completion. The conveyancing work is front-loaded — most of it happens before exchange.
Can I use the developer's recommended solicitor?
You can, but proceed with caution. Developer-recommended solicitors may prioritise the developer's timeline over thorough investigation of your interests. The Consumer Code for Home Builders requires that you have independent legal advice. An independent solicitor with new build experience is generally the safer choice.
What happens if my mortgage offer expires before the property is finished?
You will need to request an extension from your lender or reapply. Extensions are usually granted for up to 3 months at the same rate. If you need a new application, the rate may differ and a new valuation may be required. Factor this risk into your planning when buying off-plan.
Is conveyancing more expensive for new builds?
Yes. Most solicitors charge a new build supplement of £150–£350 on top of their standard conveyancing fee. This reflects the additional work — reviewing developer contracts, checking planning conditions, warranties, and adoption agreements. Leasehold properties add a further £200–£400.
What is the longstop date?
The longstop date is the final deadline by which the property must be completed and ready for handover. If the developer fails to complete by this date, you can usually withdraw from the contract and recover your deposit in full. The longstop date is typically 6–24 months after the expected completion date, depending on the contract terms. Your solicitor should highlight this date clearly.
Do I need conveyancing if I am buying with cash?
Yes. Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership — it is required whether you have a mortgage or not. Without a mortgage lender involved, you will not have a lender's solicitor checking things on their behalf, making your own solicitor's work even more important. You can still instruct a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the process.