First-Time Buyers: When Should You Instruct a Conveyancing Solicitor?

People buying their first home often ask when they should instruct a conveyancing solicitor during the property process. Timing can make a real difference to how smoothly a transaction progresses, particularly for first-time buyers who are navigating the process for the first time.

In a recent video shared during First Time Buyers’ National Home Buying Week, Sam Finn, Trainee Solicitor in our Conveyancing team, explains when buyers should instruct a solicitor and why doing so early can help avoid delays.

When should you instruct a conveyancing solicitor?

In most cases, buyers should instruct a conveyancing solicitor as soon as their offer on a property has been accepted.

Once your offer is accepted, the legal process of transferring ownership of the property begins. Your solicitor will need to open your file, verify your identity and complete the required onboarding and compliance checks before work on the transaction can formally start.

Starting this process promptly helps ensure there are no unnecessary delays once the seller’s solicitor sends the contract documentation.

Why instructing early helps avoid delays

Before your solicitor can begin the legal work on your purchase, you will need to complete several onboarding steps. These typically include:

• Providing identification documents for verification

• Completing client care and instruction forms

• Providing information about your source of funds

• Confirming details of your mortgage lender, if applicable

These checks are a regulatory requirement for all solicitors and are designed to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.

Completing this paperwork early allows your solicitor to begin reviewing contracts, ordering searches and progressing the transaction as soon as possible.

What happens after you instruct a solicitor?

Once instructed, your conveyancing solicitor will begin the legal work involved in your purchase. This includes reviewing the contract pack, carrying out property searches, liaising with the seller’s solicitor and working with your mortgage lender where applicable.

Your solicitor will also guide you through each stage of the process, explaining any legal issues that arise and ensuring that the purchase proceeds safely and correctly.

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.