Common conveyancing terms explained: Your A-Z Guide to UK Property Terms
By Homey
•
20 Oct 2025
Hello there! Whether you're excitedly buying your first home, selling your current one, moving up the ladder, or you're an estate agent or even a conveyancer, you'll know that the world of property has a language all of its own. It can sometimes feel like you're trying to decipher a secret code! But don't you worry. We're here to be your friendly translator and break down some of the most common and even the more technical conveyancing terms into simple, everyday language. So, grab a cuppa, and let's unravel this legal jargon together.
The A to Z of Conveyancing Terms
A
Apportionment: This is a calculation to ensure that costs for a leasehold property, like service charges or ground rent, are divided fairly between the buyer and seller based on the completion date.
Assent: This is the name for the legal document used to transfer a property from the estate of someone who has passed away to the person who has inherited it.
B
Bankruptcy Search: A search carried out by the buyer's solicitor just before completion to ensure the buyer hasn't been declared bankrupt.
Brine Search: A specific search to check if a property might be affected by old salt workings underground, which could cause subsidence.
C
Chancel Repair Liability: A historic and somewhat obscure law that could make a property owner liable for the cost of repairs to the local parish church. Indemnity insurance is often taken out to protect against this.
Completion Date: This is the big day! It's when the property officially becomes yours. The seller's solicitor confirms they've received the funds, the keys are released, and you can finally start moving in.
Contract: This is the legally binding agreement between the buyer and the seller. It contains all the important details of the sale, including the price, the property boundaries, and what's included in the sale.
Conveyancing: This is the entire legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another. It's handled by a solicitor or licensed conveyancer.
Covenants: These are rules and restrictions that apply to the property. They can be 'restrictive' (things you can't do, like not being able to build an extension) or 'positive' (things you must do, like maintaining a fence).
D
Deeds (or Title Deeds): These are the legal documents that prove who owns the property. Nowadays, most properties are registered with the HM Land Registry, so this is all done electronically.
Declaration of Trust: A legal document that specifies how a property is held between co-owners, detailing each person's share and what happens if the property is sold.
Disbursements: These are the costs that your conveyancer pays to third parties on your behalf. This includes things like search fees and Land Registry fees.
Deposit: This is the sum of money the buyer pays to the seller on exchange of contracts. It's usually 10% of the purchase price and shows you're committed to the purchase.
E
Easement: This is a right that one property has over another. A common example is a right of way, allowing you to cross your neighbour's land to get to your property.
Exchange of Contracts: This is a key milestone in the process. Once contracts are exchanged, the agreement becomes legally binding, and neither the buyer nor the seller can pull out without facing financial penalties.
Engrossment: This is the final version of a legal document, like a contract or transfer deed, that has been prepared for signing.
Equity: This is the value of your property minus the amount you still owe on your mortgage.
F
Freehold: If you own the freehold, you own the property and the land it stands on outright.
Fixtures and Fittings: 'Fixtures' are items that are fixed to the property, like a boiler or a built-in wardrobe, and are usually included in the sale. 'Fittings' are items that aren't fixed, like curtains or a freestanding cooker, and you'll need to agree with the seller whether they're included.
I
Indemnity Insurance: A type of insurance policy taken out to protect against a potential legal defect with the property, such as a lack of building regulations for an old extension.
Feeling a bit more confident with the lingo? That's great! But remember, while understanding these terms is a fantastic start, having a professional conveyancer to navigate the complexities for you is invaluable. They are the experts who manage all these details, ensuring your transaction is legally sound.
At Homey, we can help you find the perfect legal expert for your move. Visit us at www.homey.co.uk/conveyancing to get free, no-obligation quotes from our panel of trusted and experienced conveyancers.
J
Joint Tenants: A way for two or more people to own a property where, if one owner dies, their share automatically passes to the surviving owner(s).
L
Land Registry: This is a government department that records the ownership of land and property in England and Wales.
Leasehold: If you own a leasehold property, you own the property for a set period of time (the 'lease'), but you don't own the land it's on. This is common with flats.
M
Mortgage Deed: This is the legal document you sign to agree to the terms of your mortgage.
O
Official Copies: These are the official documents from the Land Registry that prove the seller's ownership of the property.
R
Redemption Figure: The total amount of money required to repay a mortgage in full, including any interest and fees.
Retention: When a mortgage lender holds back a portion of the loan until certain specified repair works have been completed on the property.
S
Searches: These are enquiries that your conveyancer makes to various authorities to find out more information about the property. This can include a local authority search, an environmental search, and a water and drainage search.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT): This is a tax you have to pay to the government when you buy a property over a certain price. You can find out more on the GOV.UK website.
T
Tenants in Common: A way for two or more people to own a property in distinct shares. If one owner dies, their share passes to their beneficiaries according to their will, not automatically to the other owners.
Transfer Deed (TR1): This is the legal document that officially transfers ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer.
We hope this expanded glossary helps to make the conveyancing process a little less daunting. It's an exciting journey you're on, and understanding the language is the first step to a smooth and successful move!
How Homey Can Help You
At Homey, we understand that the conveyancing process can be daunting. That's why we've leveraged technology to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our platform allows you to manage your entire conveyancing journey digitally, from start to finish.
We offer:
Free Consultation: We provide a complimentary consultation where our experts help you understand the conveyancing process, identify your specific needs, and assist you in finding and choosing the right conveyancer for your property type and situation.
Digital Workflow: Our intuitive online portal allows for secure document exchange, real-time updates, and easy communication with your chosen conveyancer, all from the comfort of your home.
Expert Guidance: Beyond just connecting you with a conveyancer, Homey acts as your advocate, guiding you through each step of the process and representing your interests to ensure a transparent and efficient transaction. We're here to answer your questions, clarify complex legal jargon, and keep your purchase on track.
Streamlined Communication: Say goodbye to endless phone tag and email chains. Our platform centralises all communication, making it easy to stay informed and address any queries promptly.
With Homey, you're not just getting a digital service; you're gaining a partner dedicated to making your homeownership dream a reality with confidence and ease.
