Most of us only come across conveyancing when buying or selling a home, and it can sometimes feel like an extra layer of paperwork in an already stressful process. From our experience, understanding what a conveyancer actually does can make the whole journey feel more manageable and help you feel more in control.
We’re often contacted by people who have been asked by their estate agent or mortgage provider to “instruct a conveyancer,” but who aren’t quite sure what that involves. Whether you are buying your first home or managing the sale of a family property, we make sure you know what to expect at each stage.
Our team handles residential conveyancing for clients throughout Somerset and North Devon. Most properties we deal with are mid-range value homes, often family houses or retirement properties. We are committed to handling every transaction with care, clear communication, and a practical understanding of the local market.
What does a conveyancer do?
A conveyancer manages the legal side of transferring property ownership. This includes carrying out legal checks on the title, drafting or reviewing contracts, raising enquiries with the other party’s solicitor and overseeing the transfer of funds. On completion day, we ensure everything is finalised and that ownership is officially transferred to the buyer.
We also liaise with lenders and check that all conditions of the mortgage offer are met before exchange. Our job is to protect your interests, flag any risks and ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities before committing to the purchase or sale.
Why conveyancing is necessary in property transactions
Conveyancing protects both buyers and sellers. For buyers, it confirms that the seller has the legal right to sell, that the property is correctly registered, and that there are no hidden issues such as legal disputes, boundary problems or access rights. For sellers, it ensures you are not held responsible for future claims or legal costs once the sale has completed.
In our experience, dealing with these issues early helps avoid delays further down the line — especially when multiple parties are involved, as is often the case in chains.
Local knowledge makes a difference
Being based in Taunton, we bring a strong understanding of local developments, property quirks and regional conveyancing trends. We have dealt with leaseholds in retirement complexes, unregistered land in rural areas and shared ownership properties — each of which has its own set of rules and paperwork.
Clients regularly tell us how much they appreciate our personal approach and regular updates. We make it a priority to explain things clearly, without jargon, so you always feel informed and reassured.
How long does conveyancing take?
The conveyancing process typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion, although this can vary depending on the chain and the complexity of the transaction. Delays can occur if survey issues arise, there are queries on a title or if legal documents are not promptly returned.
We do everything possible to keep the process moving, keeping you updated and chasing the other parties when needed. Our team is small enough to be responsive, and we make sure you are dealing with the same people throughout.
What does it cost?
We offer fixed-fee conveyancing services with no hidden extras. You’ll receive a clear quote upfront covering legal fees and disbursements, such as search costs and Land Registry charges. Many of our clients come through local referrals and recommendations and return to us when they move again — a testament to our service.