Yes — every property purchase in the UK requires a solicitor or licensed conveyancer. This is not optional. Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from the seller to you, and it must be handled by a qualified legal professional
.Your solicitor's role covers the full legal process — including conducting searches, reviewing the title, exchanging contracts, and completing the transfer of funds. They also register the new ownership with the Land Registry.
Title & Property Searches
Reviews the title register and carries out local authority, drainage, and environmental searches to identify any legal issues affecting the property.
Contract Review & Negotiation
Reviews the seller's contract, raises enquiries, and negotiates any necessary amendments to protect your interests before you commit.
Exchange of Contracts
At exchange, the sale becomes legally binding for both parties. Your deposit is transferred and a completion date is agreed. Buildings insurance must be in place from this point.
Completion & Registration
Transfers the remaining funds to the seller, pays any Stamp Duty on your behalf, and registers the new ownership at the Land Registry.
Conveyancing fees vary depending on the property value, type (freehold vs. leasehold), and whether you're using a government scheme or specialist mortgage product. Leasehold properties, shared ownership, and Help to Buy all add additional legal complexity and typically increase costs. Your adviser can help connect you with a suitable conveyancer.
Your mortgage lender will have specific insurance requirements, and there are also strongly recommended policies that protect you and your household. Here's a clear breakdown:
Required by Lender
Buildings Insurance
Buildings insurance covers the physical structure of the property — walls, roof, floors, and permanent fixtures. Your mortgage lender will require this to be in place as a condition of your mortgage, as the property is their security against the loan.
Strongly Recommended
Contents Insurance
Contents insurance covers your personal belongings within the home — furniture, electronics, clothes, and other household items. While not required by mortgage lenders, it provides essential protection against theft, damage, or unexpected events that could cost thousands to replace.
Strongly Recommended
Life Insurance
Life insurance pays a lump sum to your beneficiaries if you die during the policy term. Many lenders strongly recommend (and some require) it to ensure your mortgage can be repaid in the event of your death — protecting any joint owner or dependants from the burden of the debt.
There are two main types relevant to mortgages: decreasing term insurance (which reduces in line with your outstanding mortgage balance) and level term insurance (which pays a fixed amount). Your adviser will help you choose the right type and level of cover.
Highly Recommended
Income Protection Insurance
Income protection pays a regular monthly benefit if you're unable to work due to illness or injury — helping you to continue meeting your mortgage payments and other living costs during a difficult period. This is particularly important if you're self-employed and don't benefit from employer sick pay.
Your mortgage adviser can discuss and arrange all of these insurance products for you — sourcing the most suitable deals from the market at no additional cost to you.
