Questions to Ask Your Conveyancer

Your conveyancer handles the legal work and explains the documents and searches for your transaction. Use these questions to make sure you understand the process. They are prompts, not legal advice; your conveyancer must advise on the particular title and transaction.

1. Who will handle my file, and who is my day-to-day contact?
2. What is included in your quote, and which search, registration, lender or other costs are additional?
3. What searches do you recommend or need to order for this property, and what can each one tell me?
4. Are there title restrictions, rights, covenants, easements or access matters I should understand?
5. Is the property freehold or leasehold, and what should I understand about the lease, service charge, ground rent and planned works?
6. Do the seller’s documents identify alterations, approvals, guarantees or building-control records that need checking?
7. Are there local or environmental matters that warrant additional searches or specialist advice?
8. What enquiries remain outstanding, and which answers could affect my decision or timing?
9. What funds will you need from me, when, and how will you verify your bank details securely?
10. What needs to happen before exchange and completion, and what should I avoid doing until you advise me?

Ask your conveyancer to explain anything unclear. GOV.UK explains that searches may cover local authority, water and drainage and environmental matters; the right search package depends on the property and professional advice.

GOV.UK: making an offer and the buying process.