When Should You Instruct a Conveyancer? A Timeline for Buyers and Sellers

Buying or selling a property is one of the biggest commitments you’ll make, and it often comes with a lot of moving parts. One question that causes uncertainty is when to bring a conveyancer into the process. 

Get it wrong and you risk delays, but act at the right time and the whole journey feels smoother. Keep reading to understand exactly when you should instruct a conveyancer and how this decision shapes your move.

Why Timing Matters in Conveyancing

The property market can move quickly, so the point at which you instruct a conveyancer makes a real difference. If you wait until you’ve already agreed a price or accepted an offer, valuable time may be lost. 

Early instruction ensures that all the legal checks, searches, and paperwork can be prepared without rushing. This way you’re not left stuck in the middle of a chain with everything held up.

Working with reliable firms like SAM Conveyancing means you’re supported through this stage with clear guidance, so you always know what’s happening and what’s expected from you.

Instructing Before Making an Offer

For buyers, it’s smart to start looking for a conveyancer before you even make an offer. By doing this, you’re ready to act as soon as your offer is accepted. 

It gives you an immediate advantage because your conveyancer can open a file, verify your ID, and prepare to request searches as soon as contracts are issued. 

Sellers benefit too, because having a conveyancer on board before marketing the property means they can start collecting title deeds and filling out the property information forms.

After an Offer Has Been Accepted

If you didn’t instruct earlier, this is the latest point you should act. Once a seller accepts your offer, the conveyancer steps in to request contracts, review them, and begin the necessary legal checks. 

Searches will be ordered, and enquiries raised, which often take time. The sooner this process starts, the less likely you are to face avoidable delays. 

Sellers who’ve already instructed a conveyancer will also find it easier at this stage because the draft contract pack can be sent across without delay.

Preparing For Exchange of Contracts

By the time you reach the stage of exchanging contracts, your conveyancer should have resolved any outstanding enquiries and confirmed the legal position of the property. 

Funds will also be organised, and your deposit ready to transfer. Without early instruction, these steps can feel rushed, and it may even push back your exchange date. 

Having your conveyancer already in place means that the transition from offer to exchange is much more manageable.

The Impact on Completion

Completion day relies on the conveyancer being able to send funds, confirm receipt, and manage final checks on both sides. 

If they were only brought in late, this stage can become stressful. Early involvement reduces the risk of last-minute issues, ensuring that keys can be released on time.

Wrapping It Up

The right time to instruct a conveyancer is earlier than many people realise. Acting before an offer is even made can save you time and reduce stress, while waiting until later often creates avoidable delays. 

Whether you’re buying or selling, clear preparation and early instruction mean the legal process runs more smoothly, giving you confidence as you move forward with one of life’s biggest transactions.