When to Instruct a Conveyancing Solicitor

Why does instructing early matter?

Conveyancing involves more checks than it used to: anti-money-laundering and ID checks, detailed property information forms, closer scrutiny of leases and estate charges, and tighter lender requirements.

Each of these takes time. Instructing early lets your solicitor start the groundwork immediately rather than waiting for the other side, which keeps the whole chain moving.

When should buyers instruct a solicitor?

As soon as your offer is accepted. Your estate agent will ask for your solicitor’s details straight away, and the seller will want to know you’re ready.

Early instruction lets your solicitor:

• Verify your identity and complete compliance checks
• Review the draft contract as soon as it arrives
• Check the legal title for problems
• Order searches without delay
• Liaise with your mortgage lender

Title issues found late are one of the most common causes of delay. These include restrictive covenants, boundary discrepancies, flying freeholds, estate rentcharges and missing rights of way. Spotting them early gives time to resolve them.

When should sellers instruct a solicitor?

Ideally before your home goes on the market. Your solicitor can get everything ready so a contract pack goes to the buyer’s solicitor within days of an offer.

• Obtain official copies of your title from HM Land Registry
• Identify and fix title issues early
• Help you complete the property information and fittings forms
• Gather guarantees, planning consents and building regulation certificates
• Draft the contract as soon as a buyer is found

A quick contract pack reassures buyers and helps stop sales falling through.

What about property searches in Kent?

Searches are ordered once your solicitor has your instructions and the search fees. In Kent, buyers typically need:

• A local authority search from the district council
• A drainage and water search
• An environmental search, including flood risk

Depending on the property, your solicitor may also suggest a chancel repair check or a coal mining search in parts of East Kent. Council search times vary across Kent’s 12 districts, so ordering on day one makes a real difference. See our search FAQs.

Why does local knowledge help?

Property law is national, but property risks are local. A firm that works in your part of Kent knows its council’s procedures, local flood and coastal issues, conservation areas and the title quirks of local estates.

That familiarity speeds up problem-solving and makes communication with local agents and surveyors easier. Browse conveyancing by Kent town.

The bottom line

• Buyers: instruct immediately after your offer is accepted.
• Sellers: instruct before your home goes on the market.

Early instruction gets compliance, title checks and paperwork underway while everyone is keen, and that can save weeks.