Reading time: 7 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Conveyancing Team at Ives & Co Solicitors
When should you instruct a conveyancing solicitor? Find out the best time to appoint your solicitor when purchasing or selling a property and why getting started early can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Reading time: 8 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Conveyancer at Ives & Co Solicitors
Wondering what happens on completion day? Find out how funds are transferred, when you can collect the keys, what can cause delays and what happens after your property purchase or sale completes.
Reading time: 8 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Property searches reveal important information that may affect your purchase, including planning matters, flood risks, drainage arrangements and local authority restrictions. Understanding the results can help you make an informed decision before exchanging contracts.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Ives & Co Solicitors has been named Consumer Law Firm of the Year 2026 – East Midlands by SME News, recognising the care, expertise and commitment of its team as the firm celebrates 40 years of trusted legal support.
Reading time: 8 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Exchange and completion are two distinct stages of a property transaction. Exchange makes the sale legally binding, while completion is when the purchase money is transferred and the buyer can normally collect the keys.
Reading time: 7 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Once your offer is accepted, the conveyancing process begins. From instructing a solicitor and arranging searches to reviewing the legal title, raising enquiries and preparing for exchange, several important steps must be completed before the property becomes yours.
Reading time: 8 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Conveyancing commonly takes around 8–12 weeks from a property being sold subject to contract to completion, although every transaction is different. Searches, mortgage arrangements, legal enquiries, property chains and unexpected title issues can all affect the timeframe.
Reading time: 6 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership. This step-by-step guide explains what happens from instructing a solicitor and carrying out searches to exchanging contracts, completing the transaction and registering the new owner.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
A small estate does not automatically avoid probate. Whether a Grant is required depends on the assets involved, how they were owned and the requirements of banks, building societies and other organisations holding the deceased’s money or property.
Reading time: 5 minutes
Written by: Ruth Stevenson, Director/Solicitor at Ives & Co Solicitors
Proposed commercial leasehold reforms could change how business leases are granted, renewed and transferred. The Law Commission’s review considers renewal rights, contracting out, short-term tenancies, rents and dispute resolution for landlords and business tenants.