December, 2025
Buying or selling a home is one of life’s biggest milestones, but between offers, contracts and completion day, the process known as conveyancing can often feel confusing.
At Redpath Leach Estate Agents, we believe in making every stage of your move clear, simple and stress-free. Whether you’re selling or buying a property in Bolton and the surrounding areas, here’s our straightforward guide to what happens during the conveyancing process.
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another. It begins when an offer is accepted and ends on completion day, when the keys officially change hands.
While it may sound simple, there are several important steps along the way, and having an experienced, proactive team on your side makes all the difference.
Most transactions take around 8–12 weeks from offer to completion, though the exact timing depends on factors such as mortgage approval, surveys and search results.
Once your offer has been accepted (or you’ve accepted one on your home), the first step is to instruct a conveyancing solicitor.
Your solicitor will:
Handle all the legal paperwork
Conduct local authority and environmental searches
Review contracts and title deeds
Liaise with the buyer’s or seller’s solicitor
At Redpath Leach, we’ve built strong relationships with trusted, like-minded professionals, including solicitors, mortgage advisors and surveyors, who share our focus on exceptional customer service. This means we can recommend reliable experts who keep your move running smoothly.
Your solicitor carries out detailed checks to ensure everything about the property is in order. These typically include:
Local authority searches for planning permissions, restrictions or upcoming road schemes
Environmental checks for flood risk or land contamination
Title checks to confirm ownership and property boundaries
This stage can take a few weeks, but it’s essential to protect you from surprises later in the process.
If you’re buying, your lender will finalise your mortgage offer, and your solicitor will carefully review the terms.
Meanwhile, both solicitors agree the draft contract, setting out the sale price, completion date, and any fixtures or fittings included. Once everyone is satisfied, it’s time for the next big step - exchange of contracts.
This is the moment when the sale becomes legally binding. You’ll pay your deposit (usually 10% of the property price) and agree a fixed completion date.
From this point forward, both buyer and seller are committed to the sale. Your move is officially happening!
The big day has arrived!
On completion day, the balance is transferred from buyer to seller, and the property legally changes hands. The estate agent releases the keys, and you can move into your new home - or hand over your old one.
After completion, your solicitor will also:
Register your ownership with HM Land Registry
Handle any Stamp Duty Land Tax payments (if applicable)
Send you confirmation once all legal formalities are complete
At Redpath Leach Estate Agents, we understand that the legal side of moving can feel overwhelming. That’s why we work closely with trusted solicitors and conveyancers in the Bolton area to make the process as seamless as possible.
Our role is to keep you informed at every stage, acting as your consultant, not just your estate agent. We guide, advise and connect you with the right professionals to ensure your buying or selling journey is smooth and stress-free.
If you’re thinking about selling your home or simply curious about its current value, try our free online valuation tool, the perfect first step towards your next move.
Start your free online valuation here
Or contact our friendly Bolton team on 01204 800292 for expert advice on buying, selling or understanding the conveyancing process.
Redpath Leach Estate Agents
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