What does a solicitor do when you are selling a house?

When you are selling a house, your solicitor or conveyancer handles the legal side of the sale.

They prepare the contract paperwork, deal with the buyer’s solicitor, help answer enquiries, manage exchange of contracts, receive the sale money on completion and arrange for any existing mortgage to be paid off.

But from your side, the process can sometimes feel unclear.

You may be asked to complete forms, find certificates, answer questions about the property and wait for updates from people you never speak to directly.

This guide explains what a solicitor does when you are selling a house, what they may need from you, and why this stage can sometimes take longer than expected.

Buying as well as selling? Check out our guide on What does a solicitor do when you are buying a house

Solicitor or conveyancer: what is the difference?

When selling a house, you may use either a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer.

Both can handle the legal process of selling a property. A solicitor may also deal with wider legal issues, while a licensed conveyancer specialises in property transactions.

People often use the word “solicitor” as shorthand, but the person handling your sale may be a solicitor, licensed conveyancer or conveyancing executive.

The important thing is that they are properly qualified, regulated and experienced in residential property sales.

What is conveyancing when you are selling?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another.

When you are selling, your solicitor’s role is to prepare the legal paperwork, respond to the buyer’s solicitor, deal with the contract, manage the legal steps around exchange and completion, and make sure ownership can be transferred correctly.

If you are also buying another property, your solicitor may be handling both your sale and your purchase at the same time.

What information will your solicitor ask for?

At the start of the sale, your solicitor will usually need information from you.

This may include:

  • proof of identity

  • proof of address

  • details of the property being sold

  • mortgage account details

  • details of any other charges or loans secured on the property

  • your estate agent’s details

  • the agreed sale price

  • details of your onward purchase, if you have one

  • whether the property is freehold or leasehold

  • whether anyone else owns the property with you

  • whether you have any guarantees, certificates or planning documents

  • whether there have been disputes, works or changes relating to the property

This can feel like a lot of admin, but it helps your solicitor prepare the sale properly and avoid delays later.

They prepare the contract pack

One of the seller’s solicitor’s first jobs is to prepare the contract pack.

This is sent to the buyer’s solicitor and usually includes the draft contract, title documents and property information forms.

The contract pack gives the buyer’s solicitor the information they need to start their legal checks.

If the pack is incomplete, the buyer’s solicitor may have to ask more questions, which can slow things down.

They ask you to complete property forms

When you sell a property, your solicitor will usually ask you to complete several forms.

These may include:

  • the Property Information Form, often called the TA6

  • the Fittings and Contents Form, often called the TA10

  • the Leasehold Information Form, often called the TA7, if the property is leasehold

The TA6 asks for detailed information about the property, such as boundaries, disputes, notices, planning, building work, guarantees, utilities, insurance, environmental matters and other important details.

The TA10 sets out what is included and excluded from the sale, such as carpets, curtains, appliances, light fittings and garden items.

If the property is leasehold, the TA7 asks for information about the lease, ground rent, service charges, management company, freeholder and related leasehold matters.

It is important to complete these forms carefully and honestly. If you are unsure how to answer something, ask your solicitor rather than guessing.

They check the legal title

Your solicitor will review the title documents for your property.

These are the legal records showing ownership and other rights or restrictions affecting the property.

They may check:

  • who legally owns the property

  • whether there is a mortgage registered

  • whether there are restrictions or covenants

  • whether there are rights of way or access rights

  • whether the title matches what is being sold

  • whether there are any unusual issues that need explaining

If something looks unclear, your solicitor may need extra information from you before sending the paperwork to the buyer’s solicitor.

They deal with the buyer’s solicitor

Once the buyer’s solicitor receives the contract pack, they will review it and raise enquiries.

Enquiries are formal questions about the property, the paperwork or anything that needs clarifying before the buyer can safely proceed.

Your solicitor will manage these enquiries and help prepare replies.

Some enquiries may be straightforward. Others may need input from you, the estate agent, a management company, the freeholder, the local authority or another third party.

They help answer enquiries

Enquiries can be one of the most frustrating parts of selling a house.

You may feel as though the buyer’s solicitor is asking very detailed questions, or asking for documents you did not expect to need.

Common enquiries might relate to:

  • planning permission

  • building regulations

  • guarantees and warranties

  • boiler servicing

  • electrical work

  • windows and doors

  • boundaries

  • rights of way

  • disputes

  • damp or structural issues

  • alterations

  • extensions

  • leasehold information

  • service charges

  • management company replies

Your solicitor will help you understand what is being asked and how to respond.

Sometimes the answer is simple. Sometimes you may need to find documents, contact a contractor, request information or explain what you know.

They handle leasehold information if needed

Leasehold sales can take longer because there is usually more information to provide.

If you are selling a leasehold flat or house, your solicitor may need to request a leasehold management pack from the freeholder, landlord or management company.

This pack may include information about:

  • ground rent

  • service charges

  • building insurance

  • planned works

  • accounts

  • management company details

  • restrictions in the lease

  • notices and consents

  • disputes or arrears

Delays often happen when management companies or freeholders take time to provide information.

If your property is leasehold, it can help to ask your solicitor early what information is likely to be needed.

They prepare you for exchange of contracts

Exchange of contracts is the point where the sale usually becomes legally binding in England and Wales.

Before exchange, your solicitor will usually need to make sure:

  • the buyer’s solicitor is satisfied with the replies to enquiries

  • the contract has been agreed

  • the completion date has been agreed

  • you have signed the contract

  • any mortgage redemption information is available

  • everyone in the chain is ready

  • you have given authority to exchange

Your solicitor should confirm the completion date with you before exchange happens.

Once contracts are exchanged, you are legally committed to selling the property on the agreed completion date.

Guide: What happens on completion day?

They request a mortgage redemption statement

If you have a mortgage on the property you are selling, your solicitor will need to repay it from the sale proceeds on completion.

To do this, they will request a redemption statement from your mortgage lender.

This shows how much is needed to pay off your mortgage on completion, including any interest, fees or early repayment charges if they apply.

Your solicitor will use this figure when preparing the completion statement.

They prepare the completion statement

Before completion, your solicitor will usually prepare a completion statement.

This sets out the money coming in and going out as part of the sale.

It may include:

  • the sale price

  • estate agent fees

  • legal fees

  • mortgage redemption amount

  • any early repayment charge

  • any onward purchase funds

  • money due to you after completion

  • money needed from you if there is a shortfall

If you are selling and buying at the same time, the sale proceeds may be used towards your purchase.

They handle completion day

Completion is the day the property legally changes hands.

On completion day, the buyer’s solicitor sends the purchase money to your solicitor.

Once your solicitor receives the funds, they confirm completion and authorise the estate agent to release the keys to the buyer.

If you have a mortgage, your solicitor will arrange to pay it off from the sale proceeds.

If you are also buying, they may then use the sale proceeds to complete your onward purchase.

In a chain, completion may take time because money has to move through each linked transaction.

They send money where it needs to go

After completion, your solicitor will distribute the sale proceeds.

This may include:

  • paying off your mortgage

  • paying the estate agent

  • paying legal fees

  • transferring money towards your onward purchase

  • sending remaining funds to you

They will usually provide a final statement showing how the money has been dealt with.

What does your solicitor not do?

It is useful to understand what your solicitor is not responsible for.

Your solicitor does not usually:

  • choose your estate agent

  • value your property

  • arrange viewings

  • negotiate offers unless specifically agreed

  • pack your home

  • arrange removals

  • manage school, rental or family logistics

  • guarantee that the buyer will move quickly

  • control every part of the chain

Their role is to manage the legal side of the sale, not the whole practical move.

That is why it helps to have your own system for tracking tasks, dates, contacts and things you are waiting for.

Why does selling still feel stressful?

Selling a house can feel stressful because you are being asked for lots of information while also trying to prepare for a major life change.

You may need to find documents from years ago, answer detailed questions, manage your buyer’s expectations and make decisions about your onward move.

If you are also buying, the pressure can feel even greater because your sale and purchase are linked together.

A lot of the stress comes from not knowing what is happening, what is still outstanding or who needs to do what next.

Guide: Why moving house feels so overwhelming

What should you keep track of?

When selling a house, it helps to keep track of:

  • solicitor or conveyancer details

  • estate agent details

  • buyer position

  • chain position

  • forms completed

  • documents requested

  • enquiries raised

  • replies sent

  • certificates and guarantees

  • mortgage redemption information

  • exchange target date

  • completion date

  • removal plans

  • keys

  • meter readings

  • final bills

  • questions to ask your solicitor

You do not need to manage the legal process yourself, but keeping your own overview can make the sale feel much calmer.

Questions to ask your solicitor when selling

If you are unsure what is happening, you can ask your solicitor:

  • Has the contract pack been sent?

  • Have the buyer’s solicitors raised enquiries?

  • Are you waiting for anything from me?

  • Are any documents missing?

  • Has the leasehold pack been requested, if needed?

  • Are there any issues with the title?

  • Has the buyer’s solicitor confirmed they are satisfied?

  • Are we ready to discuss exchange dates?

  • What completion date is being proposed?

  • Have you requested the mortgage redemption statement?

  • What will happen on completion day?

Clear questions can help you understand whether things are moving, waiting or stuck.

Final thoughts

When you are selling a house, your solicitor or conveyancer handles the legal side of the sale.

They prepare the contract pack, help you complete property forms, deal with the buyer’s solicitor, respond to enquiries, prepare for exchange, handle completion, pay off your mortgage and distribute the sale proceeds.

A lot of this work happens behind the scenes, which can make the process feel slow or unclear.

But understanding what your solicitor is doing can help you feel more informed, more prepared and more in control as your sale moves forward.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and mainly applies to buying property in England and Wales. It does not replace advice from your solicitor, conveyancer, mortgage adviser or estate agent.

How Settli can help

Settli helps you keep your side of the sale organised.

Your solicitor handles the legal work, but you still need to remember what forms you have completed, what documents are missing, what enquiries need answering, who needs chasing and what needs to happen before completion.

Settli gives you one calm place to track your tasks, contacts, dates, documents and outstanding questions.

That way, you can see what has been done, what is still waiting and what may need attention next. Helping you to declutter your mind whilst staying on track.

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