As a conveyancer in the UK, every day brings something new. From helping clients navigate the complexities of buying or selling a home to dealing with the intricacies of property law, the role is fast-paced and ever-evolving. Here’s a snapshot of what a typical day might look like for a conveyancer in the UK.

8:00 AM – Getting Started

The day begins with a quick scan of emails and tasks. There are updates from clients, estate agents, mortgage brokers, and other professionals. Prioritising urgent matters is key—whether it’s an enquiry from a client wanting to know the status of their sale or a question from a solicitor about the title, protocol forms, planning, searches – and everything in between.

9:00 AM – Client Meetings and Consultations

Next, it’s time to speak to clients. Whether they’re buying their first home or selling a property, conveyancers guide clients through each step of the process. This includes explaining legal jargon, answering questions about Stamp Duty (although nothing in-depth about tax advice), and providing advice on any potential issues—such as unregistered land or rights of way. It’s important to build trust, as property transactions can be daunting, particularly for first-time buyers.

10:30 AM – The Paperwork

In conveyancing, paperwork is a huge part of the job. From reviewing contracts and property searches to checking the title deeds, accuracy is everything. For example, local authority searches in the UK reveal important details about the property—planning permissions, disputes, and any unpaid fees or charges. A conveyancer’s role is to make sure there are no surprises and that everything is in order before moving forward.

12:00 PM – Lunch and Networking

Lunchtime offers a brief opportunity to recharge, but it’s also a time for networking. Many conveyancers will use this time to catch up with colleagues or meet estate agents, helping to stay informed about the latest developments in the property market. New planning regulations, Stamp Duty deadlines, shifts in mortgage interest rates can all impact a transaction, so staying in the loop is important.

1:00 PM – Follow-Ups and Negotiations

After lunch, the focus shifts to follow-ups. Conveyancers spend a lot of time chasing up missing documents, confirming dates, and negotiating aspects of the contract. Whether it’s a buyer pushing for an earlier completion date or a seller requesting changes to the contract, negotiations are a regular part of the day. UK conveyancers must also deal with the Land Registry, ensuring all titles are updated correctly after a property changes hands.

3:30 PM – Exchange Preparation

As the afternoon progresses, it’s time to prepare for the contract exchange—a critical moment in any property transaction. In the UK, once the exchange occurs, both parties are legally bound to the sale (save for some exceptions). This is when the deposit is paid, and the completion date is set. At this stage, the conveyancer will check the file to make sure everything is in place: funds are ready, clients have signed all documents, and all pre-exchange searches are completed.

5:00 PM – Wrapping Up

The final part of the day involves wrapping up any loose ends. This may mean confirming completion dates, sending final instructions to clients, or making sure all legal paperwork is in order for the next day. If you’re working on multiple transactions, it’s important to stay organised and plan ahead for any upcoming deadlines.

6:00 PM – Reflection

As the workday winds down, it’s time to reflect on the day’s achievements. Being a conveyancer can be demanding, but there’s satisfaction in knowing that you’ve helped people move into their dream homes, sell their property, or secure their financial future. No two days are the same, and the diversity of challenges makes the role both rewarding and exciting.

Jade Hawksworth, Associate (Commercial Property) for and on behalf of Trethowans LLP