What a Property Solicitor Does

An Essential Guide for First-Time Buyers

For many first-time homebuyers, navigating the residential property world in England and Wales can feel like learning a new language. That’s because every purchase involves legal steps, checks and paperwork, which is exactly where a skilled property solicitor comes in. If you’re gearing up to buy your first home, understanding what your property solicitor does can bring clarity, confidence and peace of mind.

Why you’ll need a property solicitor

When you buy a home, you’re not just choosing décor and signing a couple of forms. You’re legally acquiring a significant asset. A property solicitor is the legal professional who handles the conveyancing process, the formal transfer of ownership from the seller to you.

Louise Stephens-Pantoja, Head of Operations at LPL explains “Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of your new home from the seller to you. It includes property checks, legal searches, preparing contracts and registering your ownership with the Land Registry.”

In short, your property solicitor stands between you and the many legal, financial and title-related risks that property transactions frequently bring. They help you understand the contract you’re entering, carry out checks, manage paperwork and ensure you are protected.

What exactly does your property solicitor do?

Here are some of the key tasks a property solicitor will handle on your behalf:

• Identity and source-of-funds checks (AML/anti-money-laundering): Before proceeding, your solicitor will check where your funds are coming from and verify your identity. it’s important that even if your mortgage broker has done this, the legal team still must carry out their own checks, because the risk lies with the solicitor accepting the funds into their client account. Watch our short video guide
• Ordering searches: They’ll order and review local authority, water/drainage and environmental searches to uncover issues such as planning restrictions, flooding risk or other title burdens. Watch our short video guide.
• Reviewing the contract and title: The property solicitor examines the seller’s contract pack, reviews the title of the property, raises enquiries and prepares a “Report on Title” for you (the buyer) explaining everything you need to know in plain English.
• Exchanging contracts: Once all enquiries are answered and both sides are ready, your solicitor arranges the exchange of contracts, the point at which the agreement becomes legally binding. LPL’s internal target is to exchange within 12-14 weeks from instruction. Watch our short video guide
• Completion and registration: On the completion day, the remainder of the funds are transferred, you receive the keys, and the solicitor files the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) return and registers your ownership with the Land Registry.
• Guiding you through every step: While the above tasks form the core legal work, your property solicitor also acts as your guide, helping you understand terminology such as “freehold vs. leasehold”, “disbursements”, “chain” and more. They’ll keep you updated and answer your questions.

Why first-time buyers benefit especially from a property solicitor

As a first-time buyer, you’re likely to face more unfamiliarity than someone who has bought before. That’s why working with a good property solicitor is so valuable:

• Avoiding surprises: Without proper checks, issues like restrictive covenants, leasehold quirks or unregistered title complications can emerge later and cost you. Your property solicitor works to spot and resolve these early.
• Managing the chain: First-time purchases may still sit within a chain (other linked transactions) or involve leasehold/freehold questions. While your solicitor can’t always control third-party delays, they will set out realistic timings and keep you informed.
• Clear communication: Solicitors often use jargon, but many conveyancing firms aim to help you understand. LPL offers “clear updates” and aims to keep you informed weekly.
• Protecting your investment: Since you’re likely putting in the largest personal financial commitment you’ve made so far, engaging a property solicitor helps ensure the purchase is legally sound and secure.

What to expect – the typical timeline

Here’s a simplified breakdown of how your property solicitor will guide your transaction (based on LPL’s process):

1. Instruction and checks – Once you appoint them, your property solicitor opens the case, runs ID checks and source of funds checks, and sends you forms to complete.
2. Searches and contract review – They request the contract pack from the seller, order searches, review the title and raise any enquiries.
3. Report on Title & readiness to exchange – After responses are back, you’ll receive a report summarising the property, legal title and any issues to be aware of. Then you sign the contract and transfer your deposit.
4. Exchange – Contracts are exchanged; completion date is set. Watch our short helpful guide about the exchange process.
5. Completion day – Funds move; keys are released; property becomes yours.
6. Post-completion – Your property solicitor submits the Stamp Duty return and registers you as the legal owner at the Land Registry. They deal with final formalities.

Watch our short helpful video guide to conveyancing timelines

Here are a few tips for choosing the right property solicitor:

• Look for clear breakdowns of fees and disbursements (such as local authority search fees, Land Registry fees) so you understand what you’re paying for. Watch our additional fees video guide.
• Choose a firm that communicates in plain English and provides regular updates, you’ll feel more in control.
• Confirm they undertake all necessary legal checks (searches, title review, AML checks) rather than only parts of the process.
• Ask about their timeline expectations and how they handle delays that are out of their control.
• Check their client feedback and certifications, good firms will emphasise client service, transparency and security.

Summary

If you’re buying a home in England or Wales for the first time, a property solicitor is one of your most important partners in the process. They’re your legal advocate, your guide through unfamiliar territory, and your protection against risks. With the right solicitor, you’ll move into your first home more confidently, with fewer surprises and more clarity.

For a clear, first-time buyer-friendly overview of the conveyancing journey, check out this helpful guide from LPL: First Time Buyer Guide – Leading Property Lawyers.

When it’s your first home, getting the legal side right matters, choose a property solicitor like LPL who keeps things transparent, supportive and secure. Then you can focus on what really matters: turning that new house into your home.