Buying a Home in Wales: Step by Step

Before you make an offer

Know your budget. Include Land Transaction Tax, legal fees, a survey, mortgage fees and moving costs, not just the price. Our LTT calculator helps with the tax.
Get a mortgage in principle, so sellers take your offer seriously.
Choose your solicitor early. Getting a fixed-fee quote and instructing us as soon as your offer is accepted avoids delay.

The process, step by step

We take your instructions and give you initial advice, including carrying out identity checks.
We investigate the title to the property and raise enquiries with the seller's solicitors.
We carry out searches with the local authority, for drainage and environmental risks, and any others the property needs.
We send you the final contract to read and sign.
We agree a completion date with everyone in the chain.
Exchange of contracts. The purchase becomes legally binding.
Completion. You pay, and you get the keys.
After completion, we pay the Land Transaction Tax and register the purchase at the Land Registry.

How long will it take?

Conveyancing normally takes 12 to 18 weeks. A short chain and a quick mortgage offer can make it faster. Leasehold properties, long chains and missing paperwork can make it slower. We keep you updated at every stage.

What it costs

We are not authorised to give tax advice. The figures shown are estimates worked out from the rates published by the government, and are for guidance only. It is your responsibility to check the Land Transaction Tax or Stamp Duty Land Tax that applies to you, and any reliefs or exemptions, on GOV.UK or with an accountant or tax adviser, before you rely on it.

We offer fixed fees for residential conveyancing, so you know our charge up front. On top of that come the costs paid to others, such as Land Transaction Tax, searches and Land Registry fees. Our quote tool lists all of them for your purchase.

Help to Buy – Wales

If you are buying a new-build home, you may be able to use the Welsh Government's Help to Buy – Wales scheme. We are an accredited Help to Buy – Wales conveyancer. The Welsh Government currently gives 31 March 2027 as the last date for applications, so if you are thinking of using it, speak to us early.

What can cause delays

A long chain of linked sales and purchases
Searches that take longer than usual to come back
Mortgage conditions that need to be met before the lender will release funds
Leasehold paperwork, such as management packs and service charge information
Missing documents for extensions or alterations, such as planning permission or building regulations sign-off

Frequently asked questions

How long does buying a home take?

Conveyancing normally takes 12 to 18 weeks. It can be quicker or slower depending on the length of the chain, the property, your mortgage and how quickly everyone responds.

Do I need a solicitor to buy a home?

In practice, yes. If you are buying with a mortgage, your lender will require a solicitor or licensed conveyancer. Even without a mortgage, the legal checks protect you from buying a property with hidden problems.

What is exchange of contracts?

Exchange is the point at which the sale becomes legally binding. Until then, either side can withdraw. After exchange, if you pull out you can lose your deposit and may face other costs.

What costs should I budget for?

As well as the price, budget for Land Transaction Tax, our legal fee, searches and Land Registry fees, a survey, mortgage fees and moving costs. Our fixed-fee quote shows the costs that apply to your purchase.

Useful links

Welsh Government: LTT rates and bands — the official rate tables
Help to Buy – Wales: how to apply — the Welsh Government's guidance
HM Land Registry — registers property ownership

More helpful sites are collected on our useful links page. We are not responsible for the content of other websites. This page gives general information, not legal advice, and is correct as at October 2026.