First-Time Buyers: What Checks Will My Conveyancing Solicitor Carry Out on a Property?

When buying a property, many first-time buyers want to understand exactly what their conveyancing solicitor will check before the purchase completes. These checks are an important part of the legal process and help ensure buyers fully understand the property they are purchasing.

In a recent video shared during First Time Buyers’ National Home Buying Week, Sam Finn, Trainee Solicitor in our Conveyancing team, explains the key checks a conveyancing solicitor will carry out during a property transaction.

What does a conveyancing solicitor check?

As part of the conveyancing process, your solicitor will review a number of legal aspects relating to the property. These checks help identify any issues that could affect your ownership, use or enjoyment of the property.

Typical checks include reviewing:

Title and ownership

Your solicitor will examine the legal title to confirm that the seller has the legal right to sell the property and that ownership can be transferred to you. They will also check for any charges or restrictions registered against the property.

Property boundaries

Boundary information recorded in the title documents will be reviewed to understand the extent of the land included in the purchase and whether there are any potential issues relating to neighbouring properties.

Rights of way and access rights

Your solicitor will check whether any rights of way affect the property. For example, neighbouring properties may have a legal right to cross land within the title, or the property may benefit from access rights over nearby land.

Planning history

Planning records may be reviewed to confirm whether any alterations or extensions to the property received the correct planning permission and building regulation approval.

Restrictive covenants

Restrictive covenants are legal conditions attached to a property which may limit how the property can be used. For example, they may restrict building work, business use or certain types of alterations.

Your solicitor will review these carefully and explain if any restrictions could affect your plans for the property.

Property searches

In addition to reviewing the title documents, your solicitor will also arrange property searches with relevant authorities. These searches can reveal information about matters such as local planning issues, drainage and environmental risks.

Why these checks are important

These investigations help ensure there are no hidden legal issues affecting the property before you commit to the purchase. If any concerns arise, your solicitor will raise enquiries with the seller’s solicitor and explain the implications to you.

Conveyancing support across England and Wales

Our Conveyancing team supports buyers and sellers with residential property transactions across England and Wales, providing clear advice and practical guidance throughout the process.

Watch the video and get support

The full video, featuring Sam Finn answering this frequently asked question, is available on our social media channels as part of First Time Buyers’ National Home Buying Week.

If you are planning to buy your first home and would like advice about the conveyancing process, our specialist team would be happy to help.

You can contact our Conveyancing team by emailing MovingHome@watkinssolicitors.co.uk or calling 0117 939 0350 to discuss your situation and next steps.