last updated October 27th, 2025
The seller's conveyancer hands over the documents transferring their client's title (property) to the buyer. The buyer's conveyancer pays the purchase price (less any deposit already paid) and the buyer receives the keys to the property.
The legal documents that the buyer and seller sign to transfer and pay for a property.
The legal work to transfer ownership of a property - a Conveyancer is a legal specialist registered with the Council for Licensed Conveyancers to do this work. A solicitor registered at the Solicitors Regulation Authority and a Chartered Legal Executive registered with CILEX can also do this work.
A legal restriction on the use of land or property.
The perimeter or external edge of a piece of land.
The legal documents describing the property and owners usually held at Land Registry.
The requirement to tell someone of a fact – usually used in the context of a seller having to tell the buyer about problems with a property.
An easement is the right to use someone else's land such as a right of way which may give the person with the right to walk or drive over the land to enter their property or build and maintain services such as water, sewage or a telephone cable. If the right is not used over a long period, it may lapse (no longer exist).
A Presumed easement is when use has been made of a property (such as driving a car over it) for at least 20 years usually without a formal easement in place.
Always take legal advice about easements.
An EPC gives an indication of energy use for a property, the current rating (A(best) to G) and a possible higher rating possible if improvements were made. It is not exact but it is a legal requirement to supply one when you are selling a home.
The lender will supply an information document in a standard format known as an 'Illustration' or 'European Standardised Information Sheet' itemising information about a possible mortgage offer including the interest terms, repayments and penalties - it is not an Offer and is given before a Contract is signed.
Searches for further information that are requested by your solicitor or conveyancer from water companies and government or local councils.
When the buyer's conveyancer is satisfied that it is safe to proceed, the parties exchange contracts. When contracts are exchanged the parties enter into a legally binding agreement. Neither can withdraw after exchange without incurring significant penalties. The buyer must have Home Insurance on the property from that date.
When a property has no restrictions and the owner has complete ownership of the land and property.
When the prospective buyer visits the property (Viewing) and later takes a more detailed look (Inspection - House viewing checklist for buyers - What is a house buyers inspection? and try out the pdf CLICK to Download the House Buyers Viewing Checklist)
Surveys are usually carried out by professionals / specialists (What are the different types of house buyers survey?)
The Land Registry where records of all land transactions in England and Wales are held – other details such as access rights over nearby land may also be included. In Scotland it is at the Land Register of Scotland.
This is a general term for people that work in law – it includes Solicitors and Conveyancers. Each type of lawyer usually has a professional membership system that acts as a registry and a body to enforce standards.
When a property has restrictions and a landlord owns the property but leases (rents out) the land to another - you own the property but not the land – leases are usually long (up to 999 years) but you do not always extend (increase the number of years) the lease when buying a property – you could buy a house with an 85-year lease, for example.
The loan given by a lender to fund the purchase of the property – the property may be taken by the lender if the mortgage payments are not made.
A draft contract is drafted by the conveyancer setting out what the seller wishes to sell and how they intend to show their ownership of it. This is then passed to the buyer for review.
Certain searches on the property (title) are made to check that nothing has changed and the documents necessary to complete the transaction are prepared by the conveyancers.
The word used to describe Insurance protection - Insurance - protecting your home and Insurance - income and family protection
The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors that set standards and regulate registered member surveyors.
A person professionally educated and registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Tax paid to the state when you buy a house.
A person who carries out a survey or inspection of a property – unfortunately, anybody can call themselves a surveyor or engineer, so always check if you are dealing with a Chartered Engineer or Surveyor when having a detailed house inspection – these are professionally qualified and are obliged to carry out their work to certain standards. (What are the different types of house buyers survey?)
Documents showing who owned or owns a property.
The mortgage lender’s opinion on what a house is worth.
When you visit a house with the intention of possibly buying it.
The early stage of buying a home when you decide what you would like in your new home - read about it in detail Home Buyers Wants and Needs List and try out the pdf CLICK to Download the House Buyers Wants & Needs Checklist
