180 Year Heritage
Tilly Bailey and Irvine began in 1842 and has since grown to be one of the largest firms in Teesside. We are proud of our heritage and our roots within the community, with our clients being at the heart of everything we do.
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About Us
our history
TBI Conveyancing is the specialist property division of Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors, established in 1842. We combine over 180 years of legal heritage with modern, technology-driven case management.
We act for clients across the North East and throughout England and Wales.
Every client benefits from:
- A dedicated, direct case handler
- SRA-regulated legal advice
- Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accreditation
- Transparent fixed-fee pricing
- Online case tracking with SMS updates
Get an instant conveyancing quote in seconds or speak to our team today.
100K+
Satisfied Clients
Your Property Journey, Made Simple
Moving home can be stressful, but our teams work hard to ensure that the journey to your new home is as stress-free as possible. The conveyancing process is complicated which is why we provide our clients with the updates you need, whenever you need them.
Our online case portal allows you to complete any paperwork required, view key milestone updates, receive text/SMS alerts, and access important documents, among other features – streamlining the process from the very beginning.
TBI Conveyancing
Residential Conveyancing Made Simple
Residential conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one party to another. It involves contracts, searches, mortgage requirements and strict legal deadlines. Our experienced property solicitors handle every stage for you.
Whether you are buying your first home, selling a property, remortgaging or purchasing a new build, we ensure your transaction progresses smoothly and efficiently.
We provide expert legal support for:
Buying a Property
Selling a Property
Remortgaging
New Build Conveyancing
Transfer of Equity
Certified Expertise,
Trusted Service



Tilly Bailey & Irvine
Why Choose TBI Conveyancing?
TBI Conveyancing combines over 180 years of legal heritage with modern, technology-driven conveyancing services. Our parent firm, Tilly Bailey & Irvine, was established in 1842. Since then, the firm has grown to become one of the most established legal practices in the North East.
Today, we are proud to be one of the largest and most experienced teams of conveyancing solicitors in the region, acting for clients across England and Wales.
While our firm has evolved, our core values remain the same:
- Courtesy and professionalism
- Clear and honest communication
- Integrity in every transaction
- Exceptional client care
We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and hold the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accreditation. These standards reflect our commitment to high-quality residential conveyancing.
Every client is supported by a dedicated case handler. You will always know who is managing your transaction.
We combine traditional legal expertise with secure digital case tracking, SMS updates and streamlined processes. The result is conveyancing that is efficient, transparent and dependable.


Meet The Team
a team you can trust
Our conveyancing team is not only highly qualified but genuinely passionate about helping you through the property process. We’re here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and make your experience as stress-free as possible.
Track Your Conveyancing Case Online
Modern conveyancing should be transparent and accessible. That is why we provide secure online case tracking for every client.
Our digital conveyancing portal allows you to manage your property transaction from your smartphone, tablet or computer.
You can:
- Complete client questionnaires securely online
- Upload identification and supporting documents
- View key conveyancing milestones in real time
- Receive SMS updates as your transaction progresses
- Access important legal documents instantly
This secure system, powered by Redbrick Solutions, keeps you informed at every stage of your property journey.
Whether you are buying, selling or remortgaging, you will see exactly where your transaction stands. No chasing for updates. No uncertainty about progress.
This secure system, powered by Redbrick Solutions, keeps you informed at every stage of your property journey.
Whether you are buying, selling or remortgaging, you will see exactly where your transaction stands. No chasing for updates. No uncertainty about progress.
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Your Satisfaction
Our Success
Read how our clients enjoyed peace of mind, clear guidance, and a seamless experience in their property transactions.
Efficiency As Standard
Real-Time Updates Throughout Your Property Transaction
Conveyancing involves multiple stages, including searches, mortgage lender approvals, contract exchange and completion.
Our online conveyancing portal tracks these milestones clearly. You will receive notifications when:
- Searches are received
- Enquiries are resolved
- Contracts are ready for exchange
- Completion is scheduled
This level of visibility reduces stress and keeps your property transaction moving efficiently.
FAQs
Expert Answers to Your conveyancing Queries
Every conveyancing transaction is different, and the timeline depends on a variety of factors specific to the property and the parties involved.
Timescales can vary significantly depending on whether the property is part of a chain, what searches need to be carried out, and how quickly information is provided by buyers, sellers and mortgage lenders. For example, a long property chain can delay exchange if one linked transaction stalls. Leasehold properties often take longer due to additional management company enquiries. Delays can also arise if searches reveal issues that require further investigation.
Other factors that influence conveyancing timescales include:
- Local authority search turnaround times
- Mortgage offer processing and lender requirements
- Survey findings requiring renegotiation
- Title defects or missing documents
- Slow responses from third parties
As a general guide, most residential conveyancing transactions take between 8 and 12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion. Simpler transactions may complete sooner, while more complex cases can take longer.
When you instruct a conveyancing solicitor, you will receive an estimate of costs and a predicted timeline based on your specific circumstances. Regular updates and proactive case management help ensure your property transaction progresses as smoothly as possible.
Exchange of contracts is the point at which a property transaction becomes legally binding, while completion is when ownership legally transfers.
At exchange:
- Both parties sign identical contracts
- The buyer pays the agreed deposit
- A fixed completion date is set
- The agreement becomes enforceable in law
After exchange, neither party can withdraw without financial consequences.
Completion usually takes place one to two weeks later. On completion day, the remaining purchase funds are transferred to the seller’s solicitor. Once funds are received, keys are released and legal ownership changes.
In simple terms: exchange secures the deal; completion finalises it.
Conveyancing searches are legal checks carried out by your property solicitor to identify risks or restrictions affecting the property you intend to buy.
When purchasing a house, your conveyancing solicitor will order a series of searches from relevant authorities to investigate the property’s location, legal status and environmental risks. These searches help protect you from unexpected financial or legal problems after completion.
The main conveyancing searches typically include:
1. Local Authority Search
Reveals planning permissions, building control approvals, enforcement notices, road schemes and any restrictions affecting the property.
2. Drainage and Water Search
Confirms whether the property is connected to mains water and sewerage and identifies responsibility for drainage systems.
3. Environmental Search
Identifies potential contamination risks, landfill sites, historic industrial use and ground stability concerns.
4. Coal Mining and Mining Search
Required in certain areas to identify historic or proposed mining activity that could affect structural stability.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is a government tax payable when purchasing residential property in England above certain price thresholds.
The amount of Stamp Duty depends on:
- The purchase price
- Whether you are a first-time buyer
- Whether the property is an additional property
- Current government tax bands
Stamp Duty must usually be paid within 14 days of completion. Your conveyancing solicitor calculates the exact liability and submits the SDLT return to HM Revenue & Customs on your behalf.
First-time buyers may benefit from relief if the property price falls within qualifying limits. Tax rules can change, so your solicitor will confirm the current position before exchange.
If a property transaction falls through before exchange of contracts, neither party is legally bound to proceed.
This means the buyer or seller can withdraw without contractual penalty. However, costs already incurred are usually non-refundable. These may include:
- Search fees
- Survey costs
- Mortgage arrangement fees
- Legal fees for work completed
If a transaction collapses after exchange of contracts, the consequences are more serious because the agreement is legally binding. Financial penalties or deposit forfeiture may apply.
Clear communication and careful file management significantly reduce the risk of transactions failing late in the process.
Our Blog
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What is Conveyancing? A Simple Guide to the Property Process
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another. It happens whenever you buy, sell, or remortgage a home, and it ensures everything is completed legally, safely, and correctly. If you are new to the process, it can feel complex. There are contracts, searches, legal checks, and multiple parties involved. Each step plays an important role in protecting you and making sure there are no issues with the property. Whether you are buying your first home, selling a property, or moving house, understanding how conveyancing works helps you feel more confident and in control. At TBI Conveyancing, we support clients through this process every day. We focus on clear communication, practical guidance, and making each stage as straightforward as possible. What You’ll Discover: What is Conveyancing in Simple Terms? Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from one person to another. In simple terms, it means making sure the property legally changes hands correctly. This involves checking the property, preparing contracts, handling money, and registering the new owner with HM Land Registry. It is essential because buying or selling a home is not just an exchange of money. There are legal rights, responsibilities, and risks involved. Conveyancing ensures: Without conveyancing, there would be no secure or recognised transfer of ownership. Why is Conveyancing Important? Conveyancing is important because it protects you during one of the biggest financial transactions you will make. It ensures legal ownership is transferred correctly The process confirms that ownership moves from the seller to the buyer in line with UK law. Once complete, the new owner is officially registered with HM Land Registry. It protects you from risk Conveyancing involves checks and searches that uncover potential issues, such as: These checks help you make informed decisions before committing. It ensures there are no hidden problems A property may look fine on the surface, but legal issues can exist behind the scenes. Conveyancing identifies these early, so they can be resolved or factored into your decision. It meets mortgage lender requirements If you are using a mortgage, your lender will require a conveyancing solicitor to act on their behalf. They need to be sure the property is suitable security for the loan. What can go wrong without proper conveyancing? Without proper legal checks and handling, you could face serious issues, including: Conveyancing reduces these risks and ensures the process is handled correctly from start to finish. Who is Involved in the Conveyancing Process? Several people are involved in a property transaction. Each plays a different role, and delays can happen if any part of the chain slows down. Buyer The buyer is responsible for: Delays can occur if documents are not returned quickly, finances are not in place, or decisions take time. Seller The seller is responsible for: Delays often happen when information is missing, unclear, or slow to be returned. Conveyancing solicitor The conveyancing solicitor manages the legal side of the transaction. They: Delays can happen if there are legal issues, missing documents, or slow responses between solicitors. Estate agent The estate agent acts as the link between buyer and seller. They: Delays can occur if communication breaks down or if there are issues within a property chain. Mortgage lender If a mortgage is involved, the lender: Delays often happen during the valuation or if additional checks are required. Understanding who is involved helps you see where things can slow down. Good communication between all parties is key to keeping the process on track. What Does a Conveyancing Solicitor Do? A conveyancing solicitor handles all the legal work needed to transfer ownership of a property safely and correctly. At TBI Conveyancing, this is what we do every day. We guide you through the process, explain each step clearly, and make sure nothing is missed. The key things a conveyancing solicitor does Carry out legal checksWe review the property title, ownership details, and any legal restrictions that could affect you. Arrange searchesWe order and review searches, such as Local Authority, environmental, and drainage checks, to uncover any hidden issues. Prepare and review contractsWe make sure the contract reflects the agreed terms and protects your interests before you sign. Handle communicationWe liaise with the other solicitor, estate agent, and lender, keeping everything aligned and moving forward. Manage money safelyWe handle deposits, mortgage funds, and final payments through secure client accounts. Complete the transactionWe ensure ownership is transferred correctly on completion day. Register ownershipAfter completion, we register the new ownership and mortgage with HM Land Registry. Why using a conveyancing solicitor is important While it is possible to handle conveyancing yourself, it is rarely recommended. Property transactions involve: A mistake can cause delays, financial loss, or even the transaction falling through. At TBI Conveyancing, we reduce that risk. We handle the detail, anticipate issues early, and keep the process clear and controlled. How Long Does Conveyancing Take? Conveyancing typically takes 8 to 16 weeks from offer acceptance to completion. However, every transaction is different, and timelines can vary depending on the property and the people involved. A typical timeline breakdown Some transactions move faster, especially if there is no chain. Others take longer if complications arise. What can delay conveyancing? Property chainsIf your transaction depends on other buyers and sellers, delays in one part of the chain can affect everyone. Mortgage issuesDelays in mortgage approval, valuation problems, or additional lender checks can slow things down. Search delaysLocal Authority searches can take longer in some areas, depending on the council. Find out more about how long searches take when buying a house in our dedicated guide. Enquiries and legal issuesIf unexpected issues arise, such as boundary disputes or missing documents, extra time is needed to resolve them. While delays are common, clear communication and proactive legal support can help keep your transaction moving. How Much Does Conveyancing Cost? Conveyancing costs can vary, but most transactions fall within a typical range depending on the property and complexity. What affects
Digital Conveyancing That Keeps Your Move On Track
Buying, selling or remortgaging a home should feel exciting. Yet the legal process can often feel slow, confusing and difficult to follow. That is why the conveyancing industry is moving towards more digital ways of working. Recent developments in digital homebuying show a clear shift towards earlier checks, better communication and less duplication. But technology alone is not enough. At TBI Conveyancing, we believe the best conveyancing experience combines secure online tools with real legal expertise. You should be able to track your case, receive updates and upload documents online. But you should also know that an experienced professional is checking the details and guiding you through each stage. Why Conveyancing Can Feel Slow And Stressful Buying or selling a property involves more than signing a contract and waiting for moving day. Before completion can happen, several checks need to take place. Your conveyancing solicitor must make sure the legal side of the transaction is correct, clear and safe to proceed. This means reviewing documents, checking property ownership, dealing with mortgage requirements, raising enquiries and making sure all parties are ready to move forward. The process can also involve several other people, including: Each one can affect the overall timeline. For proeprty buyers, delays can happen when proof of ID, proof of funds, mortgage details or gifted deposit information is needed. For sellers, delays can happen when property forms, certificates, guarantees, leasehold packs or mortgage redemption details are missing. Some issues also need further legal review before a transaction can continue. For example, property searches may raise questions about planning, drainage, roads or environmental matters. Title documents may reveal restrictions, rights of way or gaps in information. These checks can feel frustrating when you are keen to move. However, they are there to protect you before you commit to one of the biggest financial decisions you may ever make. The stress often comes from not knowing what is happening. When updates are unclear, the process can feel like it has stopped, even when work is taking place behind the scenes. That is why better communication, earlier preparation and clearer progress updates can make such a difference. What Does Digital Conveyancing Mean? Digital conveyancing means using secure online tools to make the legal process easier to manage. It does not mean removing solicitors from the transaction. It means using technology to improve how information is collected, shared and tracked. For example, digital conveyancing may allow you to: This can make the process more convenient. It can also reduce paperwork, help clients respond faster and give everyone a clearer view of what still needs to happen. For buyers, sellers and remortgage clients, that visibility can reduce stress. You are not left wondering whether your case is moving forward. You can see progress, respond to requests and understand the next step. However, digital tools are only part of the process. A qualified conveyancing professional still needs to check the contract, review the title, examine searches, raise enquiries and protect your legal position. That’s where we come in. How TBI Conveyancing Uses Technology To Make The Process Clearer – please check through this and change accordingly to put your exact processes At TBI Conveyancing, we use technology to make your conveyancing process easier to follow. When you are buying, selling or remortgaging a property, there can be a lot to manage. You may need to complete forms, provide documents, review updates and respond to important requests. Our aim is to make each step feel clearer from the start. You can get an instant conveyancing quote, understand your costs upfront and track your case as it progresses. This gives you the convenience of a modern digital service, while still knowing experienced people are handling the legal detail. Online Case Tracking Our online case tracking helps you follow the progress of your conveyancing matter. Instead of wondering what stage your case has reached, you can see key milestones as they happen. This helps you understand what has been completed, what is still outstanding and what may be needed from you. This can be especially helpful when you are already dealing with estate agents, mortgage lenders, surveyors, removal plans and the wider stress of moving home. Having a clearer view of progress can make the process feel more manageable. SMS Updates Regular updates can make a big difference during conveyancing. When you are waiting for news, it is natural to want reassurance that things are moving forward. SMS updates help keep you informed without needing to keep chasing for basic progress information. They can also help you respond more quickly when action is needed from you. This can reduce avoidable delays and help your transaction keep moving where possible. Direct Case Handler Technology should support good service. It should not replace it. With TBI Conveyancing, you still have a direct case handler responsible for your matter. This means you have someone who understands your transaction and can guide you through each stage. Your case handler can explain what is happening, answer your questions and help you understand the next steps. This is especially important if an issue arises, such as a problem with searches, enquiries, mortgage conditions or missing documents. Digital tools can make conveyancing clearer. Your case handler makes sure you are supported throughout the journey. Instant Quotes And Fixed-Fee Clarity Costs are another common concern when you are buying, selling or remortgaging. TBI Conveyancing offers instant conveyancing quotes, giving you a clearer idea of your costs from the outset. Our transparent fixed-fee pricing helps you plan with more confidence and avoid unnecessary uncertainty. This matters because moving home already comes with many costs. Knowing your conveyancing fees early can make budgeting easier. By combining instant quotes, online case tracking, SMS updates and direct legal support, TBI Conveyancing gives you a modern service with the reassurance of experienced people behind it. How Our Digital Processes Can Help You Digital conveyancing is not only useful because it feels more modern. It can make the process easier
What Are Searches When Buying a House? A Complete Guide for Homebuyers
Buying a property is one of the biggest financial commitments you will ever make. While the house may look perfect during a viewing, there could be important information hidden beneath the surface. That is where searches when buying a house become so important. Searches are checks carried out by your conveyancing solicitor to identify issues that may affect the property, your mortgage, or your decision to proceed with the purchase. They help uncover information that is not always obvious from a survey or a visit to the property, including planning issues, flood risks, mining activity, drainage concerns, and future developments nearby. These searches form a crucial part of the conveyancing process. They are designed to protect buyers from expensive surprises after completion and help ensure you fully understand what you are purchasing before you become legally committed. In this guide, our conveyancing experts will cover: What Are Searches When Buying a House? Searches when buying a house are investigations carried out by your conveyancing solicitor to uncover information that could affect the property, your mortgage, or your decision to proceed with the purchase. Think of them as part of the due diligence process. While a survey looks at the physical condition of a property, searches investigate legal, environmental, and local authority records to identify issues that may not be visible during a viewing. Searches are usually ordered shortly after you instruct a conveyancing solicitor and your offer has been accepted. The results are then reviewed alongside the contract documentation and other information provided by the seller. The purpose of conveyancing searches is to help answer important questions such as: For most buyers, searches are not simply a box-ticking exercise. They provide valuable information that can influence whether you proceed with the purchase, renegotiate the price, or investigate a potential issue further. Searches are also important because most mortgage lenders require them before they will release mortgage funds. Lenders want to know that the property provides suitable security for the loan and that there are no hidden risks that could affect its value in the future. Even if you are a cash buyer and not relying on a mortgage, searches can still provide essential protection. A property may appear perfect on the surface, but searches can reveal information that could impact its future value, insurability, or suitability for your needs. Why Are Property Searches Important? Property searches are important because they help protect you from buying a property with hidden problems that could cost you time, money, or stress in the future. Many buyers view searches as just another step in the conveyancing process. In reality, they are one of the most valuable forms of protection available during a property purchase. Searches provide information that is unlikely to appear on a property listing, during a viewing, or even in a survey. Without them, you could commit to buying a property without fully understanding the risks involved. Protecting Buyers From Hidden Risks One of the main purposes of conveyancing searches is to uncover issues that may not be immediately obvious. For example, a property may appear well-maintained and move-in ready. However, a Local Authority Search could reveal that a previous owner built an extension without obtaining the correct planning permission or building regulation approval. This matters because the local authority could require alterations or remedial work in the future. It could also create difficulties when you come to sell the property. Searches help identify these risks before you exchange contracts, when you still have the opportunity to investigate further or renegotiate. Identifying Future Costs Some search results can highlight costs that a buyer may not have anticipated. For example, an Environmental Search might reveal that a property is located in an area with a significant flood risk. While this does not necessarily mean you should walk away from the purchase, it could affect: Similarly, a search may reveal that future infrastructure projects are planned nearby, which could impact property values or quality of life. Knowing about these issues in advance allows you to make a fully informed financial decision. Supporting Mortgage Applications If you are buying with a mortgage, searches are usually a requirement of your lender. Mortgage lenders want reassurance that the property provides suitable security for the loan. If searches reveal significant legal, environmental, or structural concerns, the lender may ask for additional information before approving the mortgage. This protects both the lender and the buyer. Without searches, lenders would have no reliable way of identifying many of the risks associated with a property purchase. Revealing Legal and Environmental Concerns Searches can uncover a wide range of legal and environmental issues that could affect how you use or enjoy the property. For example, a search might reveal a public right of way crossing part of the land. While this may not prevent you from buying the property, it could affect your privacy or future plans for the garden. In another case, a Mining Search could identify historic mining activity beneath the property. This may raise concerns about ground stability or subsidence risks that warrant further investigation. These are not issues that most buyers would discover without professional searches being carried out. Helping Buyers Make Informed Decisions Perhaps the biggest benefit of property searches is that they help buyers make informed decisions. Finding an issue in a search report does not automatically mean the purchase will fall through. In many cases, the issue can be resolved, insured against, or reflected in the purchase price. For example: The key is understanding what the issue means and whether it presents a genuine concern. This is where an experienced conveyancing solicitor becomes invaluable. At TBI Conveyancing, we help buyers understand search results in plain English, explain any risks, and advise on the options available. Our role is not simply to order searches but to help you use the information they provide to make confident decisions about your purchase. What Searches Are Carried Out When Buying a House? There is no single “property search.”