Conveyancing Checklist: Documents and Tasks
Quick Answer
Conveyancing requires ID documents, proof of deposit source, mortgage details, and prompt responses throughout the process per Law Society Conveyancing Protocol. Having everything ready before your offer is accepted saves time. This checklist covers what you need at each stage—from instruction through to post-completion registration.
Conveyancing Checklist: Documents and Tasks
Organisation makes conveyancing smoother. Every day you spend searching for documents is a day added to your timeline.
This checklist covers everything you'll need. Print it, bookmark it, tick things off as you go.
Documents to Provide
Gather these before you need them. When your solicitor asks, you want to respond the same day.
At Instruction Stage
When you formally instruct your solicitor, these tasks need completing quickly.
During the Process
Stay responsive and organised throughout conveyancing.
Pre-Exchange Stage
As exchange approaches, several things need to happen simultaneously.
Post-Completion Tasks
After you get the keys, there's still admin to handle.
Why Each Document Matters
Understanding why documents are needed helps you prioritise.
Photo ID
Solicitors must verify your identity under anti-money laundering regulations enforced by the Law Society. Without valid ID, they cannot act for you. Passport is preferred; full driving licence is acceptable.
Proof of Address
Confirms you live where you say you live. Must be dated within 3 months and show your full name and address. Bank statements or utility bills work best.
Source of Funds
Your solicitor must understand where your deposit money comes from. This isn't about distrusting you—it's legal requirement.
If your deposit comes from:
- Savings: Bank statements showing accumulation
- Family gift: Gift letter plus donor's bank statements
- Sale of property: Sale documentation and solicitor confirmation
- Inheritance: Grant of probate and executor's letter
- Investments: Redemption statements
Complex sources need more documentation. Be thorough—incomplete evidence causes delays.
Mortgage Documents
Your solicitor coordinates with your lender. They need your offer details to ensure everything aligns—the right property, right amount, right conditions.
Keeping Organised
Simple organisation saves significant time.
Digital Copies
Scan or photograph all documents. Store them:
- In a dedicated email folder
- In cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)
- On your phone for quick access
When your solicitor asks for something, you can send it within minutes.
Quick Response Tips
- Check email at least twice daily during conveyancing
- Keep your solicitor's email marked as important
- Respond to requests the same day if possible
- If you need time to get something, acknowledge the request and give a timeline
Document Checklist
Use this simple tracker:
| Document | Gathered | Sent to Solicitor |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | ☐ | ☐ |
| Proof of address | ☐ | ☐ |
| Bank statements | ☐ | ☐ |
| Mortgage offer | ☐ | ☐ |
| Gift letter (if applicable) | ☐ | ☐ |
| Insurance certificate | ☐ | ☐ |
Ask what alternatives are acceptable. Bank statements can be downloaded online. Passport copies may already be on file somewhere. Gift letters can be written fresh. Most documents have alternatives or can be recreated.
Typically 3 months, sometimes 6 months. Your solicitor will specify. For deposits from savings accumulated over time, longer history may be requested to show the money trail.
Digital copies (scans, photos) are usually acceptable for most documents. Some solicitors require certified copies of certain documents. Your solicitor will specify format requirements.
A gift letter confirms money given to you for the deposit is a genuine gift with no expectation of repayment. It should state: the donor's name, the amount, that it's a gift not a loan, that no repayment is expected, and that the donor has no interest in the property. Your solicitor can provide a template.
Staying Organised Matters
Having documents ready before they're requested saves days. Organise your ID, proof of funds, and mortgage details now so you can respond instantly when your solicitor asks. According to Land Registry guidance, timely document submission helps speed the post-completion registration process. Every hour saved on document gathering is an hour closer to completion.
Track your documents in Really
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