House Purchase Solicitors in Manchester

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another. It covers all the steps involved in buying or selling a home, from agreeing a purchase price right through to the final completion day when ownership officially changes hands. It can generally last between six to eight weeks, but there are a variety of factors that can affect this timescale. If you are buying a house in Manchester, you may find the process takes longer than if you were selling one, largely because of elements like arranging a mortgage and undertaking surveys.

How can we help when you choose our solicitors for a house purchase in Manchester?

Our conveyancing solicitors focus on taking as much of the stress and hassle out of the process for you as we can, primarily by managing every stage of the process from start to finish. Drawing on our extensive expertise, we ensure that all of the required checks, searches and documents are completed in the correct way, and give you practical legal advice and support.

We identify and resolve any potential issues that could delay or complicate your purchase, working proactively to keep everything on track and make the process as straightforward as possible for you. That ensures that your transaction is legally sound, and that your interests are fully protected throughout.

Our services include:

• Obtaining the property’s title deeds and assisting you with completing all required questionnaires
• Preparing and distributing a contract for sale
• Requesting a settlement figure for your mortgage
• Liaising with the relevant parties in order to negotiate a moving date on your behalf
• Receiving and holding the house deposit
• Preparing the final account statement and preparing a final settlement
• Reviewing and approving the deed of transfer

Why choose our house purchase solicitors in Manchester?

At Slater Heelis, you can rely on our dedicated residential conveyancing team to have the knowledge and experience to handle every aspect of your house purchase. We’re recognised in leading legal directories such as The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, and we’re proud to have more than 1,600 five-star reviews from happy clients, reflecting our long-standing reputation for diligence, efficiency, and results.

We understand that buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions you will make, which is why we make sure to keep you informed at every stage of the process, and we’re always available to answer your questions. Everything we do is geared towards making the entire process easier and less stressful for you – so you can focus on the excitement of your move.

Frequently Asked Questions about house purchases

Do I need a conveyancer to buy a house?

Yes – you will need the skills and expertise of a conveyancing solicitor to manage the legal process of buying a property. Solicitors like our team here at Slater Heelis can check the property title, raise enquiries with the seller, carry out searches, and ensure the contract protects your interests. They can also liaise with your mortgage provider, oversee the exchange of contracts, and handle the secure transfer of funds on completion. Beyond the paperwork, they can identify potential risks early, such as boundary issues or planning restrictions, and advise you on the best way to address them.

How long will the conveyancing process take?

The conveyancing process takes around 8 to 12 weeks on average, from the moment of your offer being accepted, all the way through to completion. It’s worth noting that this timescale can vary depending on the length of the property chain, how quickly mortgage offers are confirmed, and whether any legal or survey issues arise. It can also take longer if complex matters need to be resolved, such as missing documents or outstanding planning permissions. Your solicitor will keep you updated at each stage, explaining what has been done and what is still needed, so you always know where things stand.

When do I pay the deposit for a house purchase?

The deposit is usually paid when contracts are exchanged, which is one of the final stages before completion. This is typically 10% of the purchase price, though it can sometimes be negotiated depending on your circumstances. Your solicitor will let you know exactly how much is due and guide you through arranging the payment. Once received, the funds are held securely until the transaction completes, giving you assurance that your money is properly protected.

How to find our Manchester office

You can visit our conveyancing solicitors at:

The Apiary
86 Deansgate
Manchester
M3 2ER

Our office is centrally located in Manchester, within walking distance of Victoria train station and close to Metrolink stops at Exchange Square and St Peter’s Square. There are several car parks nearby, making it easy to reach us whether you’re travelling by public transport or by car. We’re well placed to assist clients throughout Manchester, Greater Manchester, and beyond.

Contact our Manchester conveyancing solicitors today

If you are buying or selling a property, and you need expert legal support, our conveyancing solicitors in Manchester are here to help. To get started, you can contact us by:

• Calling us on 0161 969 3131
• Filling in our online contact form

Whether you’re local to Manchester or based in the wider area, you can always rely on a truly exemplary standard of service.