When you’re selling your home, there’s plenty to think about. From getting your property valued and arranging photographs to preparing for viewings, finding the right buyer is often the main priority.

However, picking a conveyancer is another crucial step that sellers tend to overlook. Many homeowners wait until they’ve accepted an offer before instructing a solicitor to handle the legal side of their sale. However, you don’t need to wait until you’ve found a buyer to get the conveyancing process underway.

Getting started earlier could help you avoid unnecessary delays further down the line.

Can you instruct a conveyancer before accepting an offer?

Yes, you can instruct a conveyancer as soon as you decide to sell your property, even if it hasn’t gone on the market yet.

Some parts of the conveyancing process cannot be completed until you’ve accepted an offer, but there is still important preparatory work that can be done so when you do find a buyer, you already have some of the necessary paperwork ready rather than starting everything from scratch.

If you’re still preparing your property for the market, take a look at our guide to selling your home and securing the best price.

What can your conveyancer do before you’ve found a buyer?

Once you’ve instructed your conveyancer and completed the necessary initial checks, they can begin preparing for your sale.

Depending on your property and circumstances, this may include:

• Checking ownership documents: Reviewing the property’s legal title and identifying any restrictions or issues that may need attention.
• Preparing property information forms: Helping you complete the information buyers will need about the property, including boundaries, alterations and fixtures and fittings.
• Gathering important documents: Identifying paperwork such as planning permissions, building regulation certificates, guarantees and other relevant documents.
• Identifying potential complications: Looking into matters that may require additional information, particularly for leasehold properties or properties that have undergone alterations.
• Preparing initial contract paperwork: Getting the relevant documents together so the legal process can progress once a buyer is found.

Not every step can be completed in advance, but having this information ready could make a difference when your sale progresses.

For a full breakdown of the legal process, read our article: What Does a Conveyancer Actually Do?

How could instructing early help avoid delays?

One of the most frustrating parts of selling a property is discovering that something is missing or needs investigating after you’ve already accepted an offer. For example, you might need to locate certificates for work carried out on your home, clarify an issue with the property’s title or request information from a leasehold management company. These things often take longer than you might think to resolve. By involving your conveyancer earlier, potential issues may be identified before a buyer is waiting for answers.

Of course instructing early doesn’t guarantee a faster sale, as property chains, mortgage arrangements, searches and enquiries can still affect how long a transaction takes. But it can put you in a better position to respond when the legal process gets underway.

If you’re wondering what else can hold up a property transaction, our article on why exchange of contracts can take longer than expected explains some of the most common reasons.

When is the best time to instruct a conveyancer?

Ideally, it’s worth speaking to a conveyancer when you’re preparing to put your property on the market.

This gives you an opportunity to understand the legal process, obtain a quotation and find out what information you’ll need to provide.

Before formally instructing, you should also make sure you understand the fees involved, when they become payable and what happens if your property doesn’t sell.

Even if your home is already on the market, there’s no need to wait until you’ve accepted an offer to make an enquiry.

Selling your home?

At JR Levins, we understand that moving home is a significant decision, and we believe the legal process should be as straightforward as possible.

Our local conveyancing team provides a responsive, personal service, with your own named conveyancer and assistant to guide you through each stage of your property sale.

We’ll prepare the necessary documentation, work closely with you and your estate agent, and keep you informed as your transaction progresses.

Our team includes experienced Conveyancing Executive Natalie Reason, who has overseen more than 5,000 house sales and purchases during the last decade.

With offices in Huyton, Widnes and Runcorn, we’re also happy to arrange face-to-face appointments if you’d prefer to discuss your move in person.

Save 10% on conveyancing legal fees this November

If you’re planning to sell your home, we’re currently offering 10% off our conveyancing legal fees for property sales.

Simply quote PROPERTY26 and instruct JR Levins by 30 November 2026 to qualify.

There’s no need to have found a buyer by then. Our team can help you get the initial legal preparations underway.

Get in touch for a quote:

0151 480 5777 or property@jrlevins.co.uk

Offer applies to our legal fees only and excludes VAT, disbursements and third-party charges. Subject to our standard terms of business, client identification checks and confirmation that we are able to act without a conflict of interest.