Question 1

How long does conveyancing take in England?

Accepted Answer

A straightforward freehold purchase or sale in England typically takes 8–12 weeks from instruction to completion. Leasehold transactions, new builds, or complex chains may take longer. We will give you a case-specific estimate at the outset.

Question 2

What is the difference between exchange and completion?

Accepted Answer

Exchange of contracts is the point at which the transaction becomes legally binding. Both parties sign identical contracts and these are exchanged — usually by solicitors over the phone. Completion is the day you actually move: the purchase money is transferred and you receive the keys. There is usually a gap of 1–4 weeks between exchange and completion.

Question 3

What searches are required when buying a property in England?

Accepted Answer

The standard searches for a purchase in England are: local authority search, drainage and water search, and environmental search. Your solicitor may recommend additional searches depending on the location and nature of the property. We publish typical search costs on our Fees & Transparency page.

Question 4

Do I need a solicitor to buy or sell a property?

Accepted Answer

You are not legally required to use a solicitor, but it is strongly advisable. Conveyancing involves complex legal work — reviewing title, raising enquiries, dealing with mortgages, and registering the transaction at Land Registry. A qualified solicitor protects your interests throughout. A solicitor-led service means you have one point of contact who knows your file.

Question 5

What is Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)?

Accepted Answer

SDLT is a tax payable on property purchases in England above certain thresholds. The amount depends on the purchase price, whether you are a first-time buyer, and whether you already own other properties. We will calculate and submit your SDLT return as part of the conveyancing process.

Question 6

What happens if the other party pulls out before exchange?

Accepted Answer

Before exchange of contracts, either party can withdraw without legal penalty. However, you may have incurred costs — such as search fees, survey costs, and mortgage arrangement fees — which are not recoverable. Our No Completion, No Fee arrangement means you will not be charged our legal fee in these circumstances.

Question 7

What is a freehold property?

Accepted Answer

A freehold property means you own the building and the land it stands on outright. Most houses in England are freehold. Freehold conveyancing is generally more straightforward than leasehold.

Question 8

What is a leasehold property?

Accepted Answer

A leasehold property means you own the property for a fixed term (the lease) but not the land. Most flats in England are leasehold. Leasehold conveyancing involves additional complexity — reviewing the lease, service charge accounts, ground rent, and management company information. We will explain this before you commit.

Question 9

Why should I choose a solicitor rather than a licensed conveyancer?

Accepted Answer

Both solicitors and licensed conveyancers can carry out residential conveyancing. A solicitor has broader legal training and can advise on issues that go beyond the conveyancing transaction itself — such as title disputes, planning issues, or tax implications. At PDA Law, your matter is handled by a qualified solicitor, not a paralegal or case handler.

Question 10

Is conveyancing in Wales different from England?

Accepted Answer

The conveyancing process in Wales is broadly similar to England, but there are some important differences. Wales has its own land transaction tax (LTT) instead of SDLT, and there are some differences in planning and environmental law. We act for clients across England and Wales and will advise you on the specific rules that apply to your transaction.

Question 11

What is Land Transaction Tax (LTT) in Wales?

Accepted Answer

Land Transaction Tax (LTT) is the Welsh equivalent of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) in England. It applies to property purchases in Wales above certain thresholds. The rates and thresholds differ from SDLT. We will calculate and submit your LTT return as part of the conveyancing process.

Question 12

Do I need a Welsh-speaking solicitor for conveyancing in Wales?

Accepted Answer

You do not need a Welsh-speaking solicitor for conveyancing in Wales, though some clients prefer this. We act for clients across Wales and can handle all aspects of the transaction in English. If you require Welsh-language documentation, please let us know at the outset.

Question 13

Are there any additional searches required for properties in Wales?

Accepted Answer

The standard searches for a purchase in Wales are similar to England: local authority search, drainage and water search, and environmental search. However, coal mining searches may be relevant in certain parts of Wales, and there may be specific planning or environmental considerations. We will advise you on the searches required for your specific property.

Question 14

What is the Welsh Government's Help to Buy scheme?

Accepted Answer

The Welsh Government operates its own Help to Buy scheme for new build properties in Wales. The scheme and eligibility criteria differ from the English scheme. We can advise you on the conveyancing requirements if you are purchasing under the Welsh Help to Buy scheme.

Residential Conveyancing FAQs

England — Conveyancing FAQs

Wales — Conveyancing FAQs

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