Conveyancing Checklist for Buyers

Solicitor instruction

• [ ] Instruct solicitor — confirm they are on your mortgage lender's panel
• [ ] Sign and return client care letter
• [ ] Provide two forms of ID (passport/driving licence + utility bill or bank statement)
• [ ] Provide proof of deposit source — 3 months of bank statements showing funds
• [ ] Confirm contact preferences and who your conveyancer is
• [ ] Receive confirmation that the draft contract pack has been requested from the seller's solicitor

Searches

• [ ] Confirm searches ordered — ask for a list and expected return dates
• [ ] Local authority search returned — check for planning issues, enforcement notices, road schemes
• [ ] Drainage and water search returned — confirm connected to public sewer
• [ ] Environmental search returned — check flood risk and contaminated land flags
• [ ] Coal mining search returned (recommended in Greater Manchester)
• [ ] Any additional searches ordered (chancel repair, highway, energy infrastructure)
• [ ] Review search results with solicitor — ask for a plain-English summary

Contract and enquiries

• [ ] Draft contract received and reviewed
• [ ] TA6 Property Information Form received and reviewed
• [ ] TA10 Fittings and Contents Form received — confirm what's included in the sale
• [ ] Title register and plan reviewed — check boundaries and registered owner
• [ ] Enquiries raised by your solicitor
• [ ] Enquiry responses received — review with solicitor
• [ ] Any outstanding enquiries resolved
• [ ] Title insurance taken (if required for any title defect)
• [ ] Leasehold only: Management pack received — review service charges, reserve fund, planned works
• [ ] Leasehold only: Lease reviewed — confirm term remaining, ground rent, restrictions
• [ ] Leasehold only: Buildings insurance provided by landlord/management company confirmed

Mortgage

• [ ] Full mortgage application submitted
• [ ] Lender's valuation completed
• [ ] Formal mortgage offer received
• [ ] Mortgage offer reviewed — check rate, term, conditions, and any special requirements
• [ ] Mortgage conditions met (if any — e.g. property requires work before drawdown)
• [ ] Mortgage protection insurance (life cover) in place if required

Pre-exchange

• [ ] All searches returned and reviewed
• [ ] All enquiries answered satisfactorily
• [ ] Mortgage offer confirmed
• [ ] Survey reviewed — any issues resolved or reflected in price
• [ ] Contract approved by your solicitor
• [ ] Completion date agreed with all parties
• [ ] Exchange deposit transferred to solicitor's client account (allow 2 working days)
• [ ] Buildings insurance in place from exchange date
• [ ] Removal company booked for completion date
• [ ] Notice given on rental property (if applicable)

Exchange

• [ ] Exchange of contracts confirmed by solicitor
• [ ] Completion date confirmed in writing
• [ ] Contract signed by you and returned to solicitor (if not already done)
• [ ] Receipt for exchange deposit confirmed

Pre-completion

• [ ] Completion statement received — review every figure
• [ ] Completion balance calculated — confirm how much you need to transfer and when
• [ ] Transfer completion balance to solicitor (night before or morning of completion day)
• [ ] Final mortgage drawdown confirmed with lender
• [ ] Mail redirection arranged with Royal Mail
• [ ] Keys collection arranged with estate agent

Completion

• [ ] Funds confirmed received by seller's solicitor
• [ ] Keys collected
• [ ] Meter readings taken (gas, electricity, water)
• [ ] Utilities registered in your name
• [ ] Council tax registered from completion date
• [ ] Buildings insurance confirmed active

Post-completion

• [ ] Solicitor confirms SDLT return filed and payment made
• [ ] Land Registry application submitted by solicitor
• [ ] Office copies of new title received (confirm your name is registered)
• [ ] Mortgage lender notified of registration (handled by solicitor)
• [ ] Documents filed safely (mortgage offer, completion statement, SDLT receipt)

This checklist is for guidance. Your solicitor is responsible for legal steps; use this to track and chase progress.