Glossary of Common Conveyancing Terms

A summary of the ownership history and documents proving ownership of a property.

The day when ownership officially transfers from seller to buyer, and funds are exchanged.

The legal document that binds both parties to the transaction once exchanged.

The legal document that transfers property ownership from seller to buyer.

A rule or promise in the property deeds that you must keep (e.g., not to run a business from the property).

Third-party costs your solicitor pays on your behalf (searches, Land Registry fees).

A person or company that helps sell your property and find buyers.

When both parties sign and swap contracts, making the property sale legally binding.

You own both the property and the land it stands on outright.

When a seller accepts a higher offer after already accepting yours.

Annual payment to the freeholder (for leasehold properties only).

The government department that records property ownership in England and Wales.

You own the property but not the land, for a fixed number of years.

The legal document that gives your lender security over your property.

A document from your lender showing how much you need to pay to clear your mortgage.

Switching your mortgage to a new lender or deal, usually to get better rates.

Checks your solicitor does to uncover issues with the property or local area.

Tax paid to the government when buying a property over certain price thresholds.

Legal documents proving who owns a property and any restrictions on it.

The document that legally transfers ownership from seller to buyer.

Checks for flood risk, contaminated land, and ground stability issues.

Confirms the propertys connection to mains water and sewerage systems.

Checks if you might be liable for church repair costs (a historic law).