Buying your first home is one of the most exciting - and sometimes overwhelming - experiences you will ever go through. If you are a first-time buyer in Wales, you may be encountering the conveyancing process for the first time. Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from seller to buyer, and it involves several important steps that must be handled carefully to protect your interests.

As experienced conveyancing solicitors in Ebbw Vale, South Wales, we have guided countless first-time buyers through the process.

In this guide, we explain everything you need to know - from what conveyancing is, to how it works in Wales, and the key things to be aware of as a first-time buyer.

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring a property’s title (ownership) from one person to another.

It ensures that:

• The buyer becomes the legal owner of the property.
• All necessary searches and checks are completed.
• Any mortgage requirements are met.
• The transaction is recorded with the Land Registry in Wales and England.

In short, conveyancing protects you as a buyer and ensures that you know exactly what you are purchasing, free of hidden risks or legal complications.

The conveyancing process for first-time buyers in Wales

While every transaction can differ, the process typically follows a series of stages:

1. Instructing a conveyancing solicitor

Once your offer has been accepted, you will need to instruct a solicitor or licensed conveyancer. This is your legal representative who will handle all the conveyancing work on your behalf. As a first-time buyer, choosing an experienced local solicitor who understands the Welsh property market is invaluable.

2. Initial checks and paperwork

Your solicitor will send you initial forms to complete, including details of your mortgage (if applicable) and personal identification checks (to comply with anti-money laundering laws).

3. Property searches

One of the most important parts of conveyancing is carrying out property searches.

These include:

• Local authority searches - checking for planning issues, road schemes, or restrictions.
• Drainage and water searches - ensuring the property is connected to mains water and sewage.
• Environmental searches - identifying flood risks, contaminated land etc.

4. Reviewing the draft contract

The seller’s solicitor will send over a draft contract and supporting documents. Your solicitor will review these carefully, raising enquiries where necessary to ensure there are no hidden issues.

5. Mortgage and deposit arrangements

If you are using a mortgage, your solicitor will work with your lender to ensure all conditions are met. You will also need to provide your deposit (normally 5-10% of the purchase price).

6. Exchange of contracts

Once all checks are completed and you are satisfied, contracts are exchanged. At this point, the agreement becomes legally binding, and you will have a fixed completion date.

7. Completion

On the agreed completion day, your solicitor transfers the purchase funds to the seller’s solicitor. You then receive the keys and can move into your new home.

8. Post-completion

Finally, your solicitor registers your ownership with the Land Registry and ensures that any applicable Land Transaction Tax (the Welsh equivalent of Stamp Duty) is paid.

Read: Importance of separate legal representation in property transactions

Special considerations for first-time buyers in Wales

Buying in Wales comes with some unique legal considerations compared with England.

As a first-time buyer, you should be aware of:

• Land Transaction Tax (LTT) - This is the Welsh version of Stamp Duty, introduced in April 2018. Unlike in England, Stamp Duty does not apply in Wales. LTT rates and thresholds are set by the Welsh Government, and first-time buyers may benefit from different thresholds depending on property value.
• Shared ownership schemes - In Wales, various government-backed schemes are available to support first-time buyers, including Help to Buy - Wales. Your solicitor can advise on the specific legal requirements of these schemes.
• Mining and subsidence risks - In certain parts of South Wales, coal mining has historically taken place. A mining search is often recommended to ensure your property is not at risk of subsidence.

How long does conveyancing take?

On average, conveyancing in Wales takes around 8-12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion. However, this can vary depending on the complexity of the transaction, the speed of mortgage approvals, and whether there is a property chain involved.

As a first-time buyer, you are often chain-free, which can make the process quicker.

Top tips for first-time buyers in Wales

1. Budget for costs - Remember that you will need to cover solicitor’s fees, searches, Land Transaction Tax, and potential survey costs in addition to your deposit.

2. Stay organised - Respond quickly to your solicitor’s requests for documents or information to avoid delays.

3. Consider a survey - While not legally required, having a property survey can uncover structural issues before you commit.

4. Ask questions - Don’t be afraid to ask your solicitor to explain legal jargon in plain English.

5. Choose local expertise - A solicitor based locally to you in Wales will be more familiar with local property issues, including specific searches and Welsh Government schemes.

Why use a solicitor in Wales for conveyancing?

While some buyers opt for online or nationwide conveyancing firms, there are clear advantages to using a local Welsh solicitor.

These include:

• In-depth knowledge of local property issues.
• A clearer understanding of Welsh-specific laws such as LTT.
• A more personal, approachable service where you can speak directly to your solicitor.
• Greater familiarity with local estate agents, surveyors, and lenders.

Read: Why do solicitors ask to see source of funds when you’re buying a property?

Buying your first home in Wales is an exciting step, but the legal side of things can feel complex without the right support. A reliable, experienced conveyancing solicitor will guide you through the process, ensuring your purchase is legally sound and as smooth as possible.

At our firm in Ebbw Vale, we specialise in helping first-time buyers navigate the Welsh conveyancing process with confidence. Whether you are purchasing in Newport, Cardiff, or anywhere in South Wales, we are here to ensure your first property purchase is a positive experience.