UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS

Frequently
Asked Questions

We understand that for a lot of people, the process of buying and selling property can be overwhelming. At Gilwater Legal we aim to make things as clear and straightforward as possible. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the conveyancing process but if there’s something you’d like to ask, we’re happy to help.

  • We handle the legal transfer of property ownership. Whether you are the seller or the buyer, our job is to protect your interests and ensure there are no nasty surprises during, or after the transaction concludes. This involves checking property titles, running local authority searches, drafting or reviewing contracts, handling the transfer of mortgage funds, or registering ownership with the Land Registry. Essentially, we do the heavy legal lifting so you can focus on moving.

  • On average, a standard transaction takes between 8-12 weeks. However, the exact timeline depends entirely on the complexity of the legal titles, the speed of local authority search results, and how many people are in the property chain. We utilise modern case-management technology to progress your file daily, and we will always provide transparent updates so you are never left guessing.

  • A property chain is a sequence of buyers and sellers linked together because their transactions depend on one another (for example, your seller is buying a new home and that home's seller is also buying a home). A chain matters because if one person experiences a delay or pulls out, it can create a domino effect that impacts everyone else. Our team is highly experienced in managing chains. We actively communicate with other solicitors, conveyancers and estate agents in the chain to maintain momentum and spot potential bottlenecks early.

  • Yes. In England and Wales, an offer is "subject to contract," meaning nothing is legally binding until contracts are formally exchanged. Up until that exchange of contracts, either the buyer or the seller can pull out of the transaction without any legal penalty.

  • If you change your mind before exchange of contracts, you can withdraw from the sale or purchase. If a transaction falls through for any reason, we stop all work immediately to minimise your costs.

  • Skimping on thorough legal work can lead to severe financial and legal headaches down the road. Without expert scrutiny, you could inherit hidden debts attached to the property, discover illegal building alterations that lack planning permission or find out that a neighbouring development will block your access route. We pride ourselves on meticulous due diligence, to avoid these scenarios. 


  • We believe honest and regular communication is the best way to manage what we know can be a stressful time for clients. Property transactions can feel overwhelming, so we break the mould of the "unreachable lawyer" by promising:

    • A dedicated specialist: You will have a direct line and email for the person handling your file, and no generic call centres.

    • Jargon-free language: We explain legal complexities in plain, simple English.

    • Proactive updates: We reach out to you with milestones, so you never have to chase us for answers.


Additional Questions?