The Key to a Stress-Free Move

In March, the UK marks National Conveyancing Month 2026, an event that showcases the vital role that conveyancers play in buying and selling property. As well as supporting this event, we are delighted to also take this opportunity to celebrate the outstanding work of our conveyancing team and the difference that they make to their clients with every property transaction.

Purchasing or selling a home in England and Wales involves far more than agreeing on a price and collecting the keys. A conveyancer plays a central role in ensuring the transaction is legally sound, properly documented, and completed without unnecessary risk or delay.

In simple terms, residential conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a residential property from one person to another. It ensures that the buyer secures legitimate ownership, the seller is properly released from their obligations, and all legal requirements are fulfilled.

Before the sale or purchase can even begin, conveyancers are governed by very stringent due diligence checks that must be carried out on all clients. Then various issues will impact the sale or purchase; is the client getting a mortgage? How long is the chain? Is the property a freehold or leasehold, as this will involve further work dealing with freeholders or management companies. If the lease will need to be amended or varied. Searches are obtained and clients would most likely arrange a survey to be carried out on the property they are purchasing. The title deeds need to be reviewed to check for easements, restrictions and covenants and boundaries and rights of way are checked and satisfied.

Although conveyancers are often criticized for the time a property transaction can take, it is crucial that all property matters are reviewed and discussed with the client and any matters which need to be reported to lenders or third parties are correctly done before moving to the final stage of exchange and completion. Taking effect from May of this year, HMRC is implementing a mandatory registration system that requires all conveyancers, solicitors, and legal professionals who submit Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) returns on behalf of clients to register as tax advisers and obtain an Agent Services Account, as this activity is now classified as tax advice. The Law Society of England and Wales has issued a warning that this new tax adviser requirement risks potentially further lengthening the process of all property transactions.

At Pearson Hards our conveyancing team work closely communicating with all parties to ensure a smooth transaction from start to finish takes place. Our team always act in our client’s best interests by making sure that we respond to communication quickly, we explain complex issues in simple language while at the same time we always set realistic and achievable timelines for the sale or purchase.

As moving home is widely considered one of life's most stressful events, our friendly and helpful conveyancing team is here to help take some of that stress away. For support in purchasing or selling a property, please do not hesitate to contact the team on 020 8949 9500 and ask for Natalie Goddard, Emily Holland or Natasha Cane.