Conveyancing explained — what your UK solicitor actually does

Conveyancing is the legal transfer of property from seller to buyer. UK costs run £1,000-£1,500 plus £200-£450 in disbursements (search fees, Land Registry fee, bank transfer fee).

The four conveyancing searches

• Local authority search: planning, building regs, road schemes, conservation, listed status. £90-£250.
• Drainage and water search (CON29DW): sewerage connectivity, water mains location. ~£60.
• Environmental search: contaminated land, ground stability, flood risk. ~£40.
• Optional: chancel repair, mining (CON29M), radon, EWS1. Vary by location, £15-£60 each.

What your solicitor doesn't check

The physical condition of the building (that's the surveyor). The neighbours. The school catchment. Air quality. Crime. These are all on you. HomeBuyerCheck plugs that gap with a buyer-readable summary, before you commit.