Conveyancing Myths Busted: What you should know

16 Mar 2026

Buying or selling a home is one of life’s biggest milestones. Whether you’re stepping onto the property ladder for the first time or moving to your next home, it’s an exciting journey. However, the conveyancing process surrounding it all can sometimes feel a bit daunting. 

With so much advice out there, it’s easy to come across misconceptions and myths about conveyancing that can cause unnecessary worry or stress during your home-moving journey. That’s why, as part of National Conveyancing Month, we’re breaking down the myths and setting the record straight, so you know what to expect every step of the journey.  

Myth: Once my offer is accepted, the house is basically mine.  

Truth: Not quite, the property isn’t legally yours until completion. 

Myth: I don’t need a conveyancer until I accept an offer.

Truth: Instructing early can help speed up the process. Completing forms and ID checks early reduces potential delays 

Myth: I don’t need money ready until completion. 

Truth: Several costs arise earlier in the conveyancing process, including searches, surveys and deposits. Having funds prepared in advance can help prevent delays. 

Myth: Conveyancers don’t need to know where all my money comes from. 

Truth: Conveyancers must verify the source of all funds used in the purchase, not just the deposit. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks are legally required to protect the property market and prevent fraud.  

Myth: Gifted deposits are simple and don’t need checks.  

Truth: Gifted deposits require additional checks and will need to be verified to protect both you and the lender. 

Myth: Cash buyers don’t need source of funds checks.  

Truth: Even if you’re buying with cash, the same checks still apply; all cash buyers undergo the same source of funds checks as if you were buying with a mortgage.  

Myth: My conveyancer asks for too many documents.  

Truth: ID checks and source-of-funds checks are legal requirements which are to help protect everyone involved.  

Myth: Returning forms quickly won’t make a difference.  

Truth: This is actually one of the biggest causes of delays. The quicker you get the forms back, the sooner we can get to work!  

Myth: Chains always collapse. 

Truth: While property chains can sometimes fall through, the majority actually complete successfully. Communication and preparation are key.

Myth: New builds don’t need conveyancing checks.  

Truth: New build properties often involve more legal work to ensure that the property has been built to the correct standard and that all the necessary rights have been granted. 

Myth: A survey replaces conveyancing checks.  

Truth: Surveys and conveyancing serve different purposes. Surveys check the condition of the property, while conveyancers check the legal title.  

Myth: Conveyancers slow transactions down. 

Truth: There are many parties involved in a conveyancing transaction. The key is everyone working together and communicating effectively.  

Myth: Friday is the best day to complete. 

Truth: You can complete any day of the week (except weekends). Often, services such as removals can be easier to book if you avoid a Friday.

By knowing the facts and busting the myths, the conveyancing process can feel a lot less stressful. At Sort Legal, we want to make the process as easy as possible, supporting you every step of the way. That’s why we’re committed to helping clients understand each step and feel confident throughout their home-moving journey. 

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